Dynamics 365 Release Wave 1 2026 What’s New And Why It Matters

Microsoft has released its plans for Dynamics 365 Release Wave 1 2026, alongside updates across the wider Power Platform and Copilot ecosystem.

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.

This wave continues a clear trend: less manual work, more intelligent systems, and tighter integration across every part of the platform.

What is a Dynamics 365 Release Wave?

Microsoft delivers updates to Dynamics 365 in two major “release waves” each year.

Each wave includes:

• • New features
  • Improvements to existing functionality
  • Performance, security and compliance updates

Release Wave 1 typically rolls out from April to September, with early access available before that so organisations can test and prepare.

The key thing to understand is that this isn’t a traditional upgrade cycle. You don’t need to plan a major reimplementation every few years. The platform evolves continuously, and those improvements are delivered directly into your existing environment.

Why Release Waves Matter

Release waves are one of the biggest advantages of working with Dynamics 365. They mean you’re not standing still because your system keeps improving around you.

That brings a few important benefits.

• Continuous improvement without disruption – New capabilities arrive regularly without the need for large, risky upgrade projects.
• Access to innovation as it happens – AI, automation and analytics features are introduced quickly, rather than being held back for major releases.
• Security and compliance built in – Updates include ongoing improvements to security, governance and regulatory standards.
• Better return on your investment – You’re always getting more value from the platform over time, without needing to reinvest in a new system.

What’s being released and when

For Release Wave 1 2026, Microsoft has confirmed:

• • Early access: February 2026
  • General availability: April 2026
  • Rollout window: April to September 2026

It’s important to note, not every feature will arrive at once. Some are released gradually across the wave, and others may be region-specific or dependent on licensing.

Dynamics 365 Sales

Dynamics 365 Sales helps teams manage pipelines, track opportunities and build stronger customer relationships.

What’s new in 2026?

This release continues to embed AI deeper into the day-to-day sales process.

Expect improvements around:

• • Smarter opportunity insights and forecasting
  • AI-assisted email and meeting preparation
  • Better visibility of deal health and risks
  • More automated data capture to reduce admin

There’s also a continued push to make sales data more connected across the wider platform, so marketing, service and sales teams are working from the same view of the customer. You can see a list of all the new features here >>