diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index 158c747..7bc1c40 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-1.9.5
+1.9.6
diff --git a/makefile b/makefile
index 3e206a0..373706f 100644
--- a/makefile
+++ b/makefile
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@
 
 
 # wsltty release
-ver=1.9.5
+ver=1.9.6
 
 # wsltty appx release - must have 4 parts!
-verx=1.9.5.0
+verx=1.9.6.0
 
 # Windows SDK version for appx
 WINSDKKEY=/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/WOW6432Node/Microsoft/.NET Framework Platform/Setup/Multi-Targeting Pack
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ WINSDKVER=`regtool list '$(WINSDKKEY)' | sed -e '$$ q' -e d`
 
 ##############################
 # mintty release version
-minttyver=2.9.5
+minttyver=2.9.6
 
 # or mintty branch or commit version
 #minttyver=master