Microsoft Release Wave

Microsoft Release Wave has arrived, and it brings a clear message… AI is becoming part of everyday business software.

Over the next six months, Microsoft will roll out hundreds of updates across Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, Business Central and Copilot. Many of these changes focus on automation, smarter workflows and deeper AI integration.

Release waves are Microsoft’s way of delivering innovation at scale.

Twice a year, new capabilities are added across the business applications ecosystem, often appearing in environments without organisations needing to upgrade their platforms.

For teams using Microsoft technologies, understanding these updates early helps identify opportunities, avoid surprises and plan adoption ahead of time.

What’s a Microsoft Release wave?

Twice a year, Microsoft publishes detailed release plans that introduce hundreds of new features, improvements and platform updates. These changes roll out gradually across a six-month period.

The two waves follow a predictable schedule:

Release Wave 1: April – September
Release Wave 2: October – March

Each wave delivers updates across the core Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem:

• Dynamics 365 applications
• Microsoft Power Platform
• Role-based Copilot capabilities

For Release Wave 1 2026, the updates cover features scheduled for between April 2026 and September 2026.

Why The Microsoft Release Wave Matters For You

Microsoft release waves are more than just product updates though.

They are the main way new capabilities reach organisations already using Microsoft Business Applications.

Every six months, Microsoft adds new features to existing licences. That means your organisation can unlock additional functionality without changing platforms.

For teams already using Dynamics 365 or Power Platform, these updates often introduce:

• new automation options
• expanded Copilot capabilities
• productivity improvements across everyday workflows

The release plans also show when features are expected to arrive, helping organisations prepare before changes reach their live environments.

Working with a Microsoft partner can help you identify which updates matter most and where they could create value.

When Will Release Wave 1 2026 Features Be Available?

Most features in Microsoft Release Wave 1 2026 will roll out between April and September 2026.

Each application follows its own timeline. Microsoft gradually introduces features throughout the six-month window rather than releasing everything at once.

You can view the full schedule in the Microsoft Release Wave planner, which shows expected release dates for each solution.

Key Innovation Areas To Watch In The 2026 Release Wave

Copilot

Copilot updates are delivered as part of Microsoft’s wider release waves, alongside Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform.

That means new capabilities are introduced continuously, rather than through large, separate AI releases.

Microsoft Copilot Release Wave 1 2026. Explore updates across Copilot, Copilot for Dynamics 365, Copilot Studio and Dataverse.

Power Platform

If you’re already using the Power Platform, then this is your preview of what’s landing over the next few months. If you’re not, it shows how quickly the platform is evolving… especially around AI, low-code development and automation at scale. 

Power Platform Release Wave 1 2026. Explore updates across Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and Power Pages.

Dynamics 365

If you’re already using Dynamics 365, this is your preview of what’s landing over the next few months. If you’re not, it’s a useful snapshot of how quickly the platform is evolving… especially around AI, automation and connected customer data.

Discover what’s new in Dynamics 365 Release Wave 1 2026. Explore updates across Sales, Customer Insights, Customer Service and more.

How Should You Prepare For The Release?

Now that the release plans are available, it helps to review what the changes could mean for your organisation.

We recommend five practical steps:

1. Review your current licences and features
   Many organisations already have access to capabilities they are not using. A system and platform health check can highlight opportunities.
2. Explore the Release Planner
   Focus on the solutions you already use or plan to deploy.
3. Speak with your Microsoft partner
   They can help interpret the roadmap and highlight the updates that matter most.
4. Test early access features
   Microsoft often releases preview features that you can trial in sandbox environments.
5. Plan adoption early
   New features only deliver value when teams understand how to use them.