diff --git a/.github/agents/release.agent.md b/.github/agents/release.agent.md
index 1c82f0e7..8f5aac44 100644
--- a/.github/agents/release.agent.md
+++ b/.github/agents/release.agent.md
@@ -126,10 +126,23 @@ When the pipeline completes signing, it will pause for manual validation before
 
 ---
 
-## Done
-
-Once the pipeline has published successfully:
-- A GitHub release will be created at the release tag (e.g. `v2026.4.0` — *example*)
-- The extension will be live on the marketplace as a stable release
-
-Congratulations on the release! 🎉
+## Done
+
+Once the pipeline has published successfully, verify the release:
+
+1. **Check GitHub Releases** — confirm the new version appears on the releases page:
+   ```
+   gh release list --repo microsoft/vscode-python-debugger --limit 5
+   ```
+   Or visit: https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-python-debugger/releases
+
+2. **Verify the release tag** matches the expected version (e.g. `v2026.4.0` — *example*):
+   ```
+   gh release view v<VERSION> --repo microsoft/vscode-python-debugger
+   ```
+
+> ✋ **Confirm**: Does the new version appear on the [releases page](https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-python-debugger/releases)?
+
+- The extension should now be live on the VS Code Marketplace as a stable release.
+
+Congratulations on the release! 🎉
diff --git a/build/azure-devdiv-pipeline.stable.yml b/build/azure-devdiv-pipeline.stable.yml
index f2bba783..5f67dd00 100644
--- a/build/azure-devdiv-pipeline.stable.yml
+++ b/build/azure-devdiv-pipeline.stable.yml
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ parameters:
   - name: publishExtension
     displayName: 🚀 Publish Extension
     type: boolean
-    default: false
+    default: true
 
   - name: buildPlatforms
     type: object