Discover the latest updates for Windows 11 directly from Microsoft. This information has been refreshed to include details on the KB5074105 Preview, which was rolled out on January 29, 2026.
Credit: Shutterstock – Melnikov Dmitriy
A Windows release is not the conclusion of a project; rather, it marks the commencement of ongoing development. Microsoft consistently strives to enhance Windows 11 through bug resolutions, deployment of security patches, and periodic introduction of novel functionalities.
This article provides a concise overview of each public update released for the current iteration of Windows 11, specifically version 25H2, throughout the past year. For every build, we’ve specified its release date and provided a corresponding link to Microsoft’s official announcement. The most recent updates are presented first.
The simplest method for installing these updates is through Windows Update. If you’re uncertain about the process, consult “How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates” for complete instructions. Please note that Windows 11 version 25H2 is being deployed in stages and may not yet be accessible via your Windows Update.
Should you still be operating on Windows 10, refer to “Windows 10: A guide to the updates.” For insights into Insider Program previews for forthcoming Windows 11 feature releases, see “Windows 11 Insider Previews: What’s in the latest build?”
Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 Updates
KB5074105 (OS Builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705) Preview
Release Date: January 29, 2025
This build immediately introduces several new capabilities, including one for the Data Protection Application Programming Interface (DPAPI) domain backup key management. Administrators now have the ability to configure the automatic rotation frequency of these keys. This enhancement bolsters cryptographic security and decreases reliance on older encryption methods.
A new feature is being progressively rolled out: The Settings Agent now offers support for additional languages, with expanded coverage for German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Simplified Chinese.
Various defects have been rectified, including an issue that caused certain systems to cease responsiveness during startup when Windows Boot Manager debugging was activated.
For more information on KB5074105 Preview, click here.
KB5078127 (OS Builds 26200.7628 and 26100.7628) Out-of-band
Release Date: January 24, 2026
This patch addresses a flaw where certain applications would become unresponsive or encounter unexpected errors when interacting with files stored in cloud-based services such as OneDrive or Dropbox. In specific Outlook setups that kept PST files on OneDrive, Outlook occasionally froze and failed to reopen unless the process was forcibly ended or the system was rebooted. Users might also have experienced missing sent messages or previously downloaded emails.
(Access further details about KB5078127 Out-of-band.)
KB5077744 (OS Builds 26200.7627 and 26100.7627) Out-of-band
Release Date: January 17, 2026
This update resolves an issue where some users experienced authentication failures during Remote Desktop connections. This problem impacted the sign-in stages for various Remote Desktop applications on Windows, including the Windows App itself.
A single known issue exists within this build: the password icon may be absent or invisible within the lock screen sign-in options.
Get more info about KB5077744 Out-of-band.)
KB5074109 (OS Builds 26200.7623 and 26100.7623)
Release Date: January 13, 2026
This build addresses several defects, including one that could lead to RemoteApp connection failures in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments, potentially occurring after the installation of KB5070311. It also updates the Windows core component, WinSqlite3.dll. Previously, some security software might have incorrectly flagged this component as vulnerable.
Furthermore, it includes a comprehensive range of security enhancements. For complete information, please consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the January 2026 Security Updates.
A single known issue in this build is that the password icon might not be visible among the sign-in options on the lock screen. If you move your cursor over the area where the icon should be, the password button will still appear. Selecting this placeholder will reveal the password text box, allowing you to input your password. After entering your password, standard sign-in procedures can proceed. This particular issue is highly improbable for users of Windows Home or Pro editions on personal devices; its impact is primarily felt in enterprise or managed IT environments.
What IT administrators should note: Given that this is a security update, it is advisable to implement it relatively promptly. Monitor for any reports of significant issues over the coming weeks, and if everything appears stable, proceed with applying the update.
(Find more information about KB5074109.)
KB5072033 (OS Builds 26200.7462 and 26100.7462)
Release Date: December 9, 2025
This build incorporates several bug fixes, including one that resolved an issue where File Explorer momentarily flashed white when navigating between different pages.
It also delivers a broad array of security updates. For comprehensive details, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the December 2025 Security Updates.
One known issue exists: the password icon might not be visible in the lock screen’s sign-in options. If you hover your cursor over the expected location of the icon, the password button will become accessible. Click this placeholder to reveal the password text box and proceed with entering your password. After doing so, you can sign in normally. This issue is highly improbable for users of Windows Home or Pro editions on personal devices; it primarily affects enterprise or managed IT environments.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, prompt application is recommended. Monitor for reports of any critical issues over the next few weeks, and if conditions remain stable, deploy the update.
(Get further information about KB5072033.)
KB5070311 (OS Builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309) Preview
Release Date: December 1, 2025
A variety of new functionalities are being gradually introduced in this build, notably several tailored for Copilot+ PCs. The Click to Do context menu on Copilot+ PCs now features a refined design, simplifying access to commonly used actions such as Copy, Save, Share, and Open. On Copilot+ PCs, you can also now leverage Windows Studio Effects, which provide AI-driven camera enhancements, with an additional camera source like a USB webcam or your laptop’s integrated rear camera.
New features being progressively rolled out to all Windows 11 PCs include a streamlined File Explorer context menu for improved navigation. Standard actions like Share, Copy, and Move are now consolidated into a single, organized menu.
Various bugs have been addressed across all PCs, including one where the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) could become unstable due to an access violation.
This build contains two identified issues: firstly, when opening File Explorer in dark mode, the window might briefly display a blank white screen before files and folders load. Secondly, the password icon is either absent or invisible in the lock screen sign-in options on some PCs. (A workaround for the latter bug is provided here.)
Get more info about KB5070311 Preview.)
KB5068861 (OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171)
Release Date: November 11, 2025
This Patch Tuesday release incorporates several bug fixes, including one where closing Task Manager via the Close button did not fully terminate the process, leading to lingering background instances that could degrade performance over time.
It also includes a broad spectrum of security updates. For detailed information, please consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the November 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Monitor for reports of problematic issues over the coming weeks, and if stability persists, deploy the update.
(Find additional information about KB5068861.)
KB5067036 (OS Builds 26200.7019 and 26100.7019) Preview
Release Date: October 28, 2025
A variety of new features are being progressively deployed in this build, notably several enhancements for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs, specifically a streamlined interaction between Click to Do and Copilot. Users can now directly input a custom prompt into the text box, which transmits both the prompt and the selected on-screen content to Copilot. Suggested prompts appear beneath the text box and are available for text selections in English, Spanish, and French.
New features are also being gradually introduced for all Windows 11 PCs, including a redesigned Start menu, which now features a scrollable “All” section and both category and grid views. The menu dynamically adjusts to your screen dimensions.
Numerous bugs have been addressed, including one where text sometimes failed to render correctly when editing content within a multiline text box in certain applications.
Get more info about KB5067036 Preview.)
KB5070773 (OS Builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901) Out-of-band
Release Date: October 20, 2025
This build addresses a single bug where USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, failed to function within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue prevented navigation through any of the recovery options available in WinRE.
This build has one known issue: some digital TV and Blu-ray/DVD applications may not play protected content as expected after installing the August 29, 2025, Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081) or subsequent updates. Applications that utilize Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio might display copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, unexpected stops, or black screens. Streaming services remain unaffected.
(Access further details about KB5070773 Out-of-band.)
KB5066791 (OS Builds 19044.6456 and 19045.6456)
Release Date: October 14, 2025
This build includes several bug fixes, notably one that resolved an issue causing the print preview screen to become unresponsive in Chromium-based browsers.
It also provides a wide array of security updates. For comprehensive details, please refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the October 2025 Security Updates.
What IT administrators should note: Given that this is a security update, it is advisable to implement it relatively promptly. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, proceed with applying the update.
(Access further information about KB5066791.)
KB5065789 (OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725) Preview
Release Date: September 29, 2025
This build progressively introduces a broad range of new capabilities, including the ability to utilize AI actions within File Explorer for image editing or document summarization. To access these, simply right-click (or press Shift + F10 on the keyboard) on the desired file and select AI actions.
Several defects have also been rectified, including one where you might have encountered difficulties connecting to shared files and folders when employing the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol over NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT).
(Find more information about KB5065789 Preview.)
Windows 11 25H2
At the close of September, Microsoft initiated the upgrade of Windows 11 from version 24H2 to 25H2, a phased deployment expected to span several months. Historically, Microsoft would typically roll out new features in a single annual update like this. However, this pattern does not hold true for 25H2.
Microsoft has been introducing new features through smaller, continuous updates throughout the year, meaning 25H2 does not contain any singular major new features. Instead, it consolidates all the new features that have accumulated across those more frequent, minor updates.
As the company elaborates, “While this update does not bring significant new features, it activates enhancements that have been incrementally deployed over the past year, ensuring your device benefits from the most recent refinements.”
Below are some of the most significant features in 25H2 that have been introduced for both end users and IT professionals since the release of 24H2 last autumn:
New capabilities for users:
File Explorer now boasts several valuable new functionalities, particularly AI actions, which facilitate image editing or document summarization. AI options such as Blur background, Erase objects, and Remove background are now conveniently accessible within the context menu.
Task Manager receives a series of minor adjustments, including performance enhancements when altering the sort order of processes.
You can now view the applications that have recently utilized on-device generative AI models provided by Windows. Additionally, you have the option to specify which applications are permitted to employ these generative AI technologies. To configure these settings and more, navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Text and Image Generation.
New capabilities for IT professionals:
IT administrators can leverage policy-based tools to effortlessly remove preinstalled Microsoft Store apps from Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 25H2 and later. This streamlines device provisioning and prevents previously removed apps such as Microsoft Clipchamp, Media Player, and Microsoft Teams from being reinstalled. For further details, refer to Policy-based removal of preinstalled Microsoft Store apps and RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages in the ApplicationManagement Policy CSP.
Enterprise access points now support Wi-Fi 7, facilitating increased speeds, greater throughput, improved reliability, and enhanced security. For specifics, visit https://aka.ms/WiFi7forEnterprise.
Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available.
A new feature dubbed Quick Machine Recovery enables the restoration of Windows devices encountering critical errors that prevent booting. Quick Machine Recovery seeks out remedies in the cloud and resolves widespread boot failures, thereby alleviating the burden on IT administrators in scenarios where multiple devices are impacted. For additional information, see Computerworld’s Quick Machine Recovery explainer.
Updates for Windows 11 24H2
KB5068221 (OS Build 26100.6588) Out-of-band
Release Date: September 22, 2025
This update resolves a bug that impacted Microsoft Office applications operating within Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) environments. The failure stemmed from a double handle closure within the AppVEntSubsystems32 or AppVEntSubsystems64 system component.
There is one known issue in this build: you might experience difficulties connecting to shared files and folders using the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol over NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT). This problem can occur if either the SMB client or the SMB server has the September 2025 security update installed.
(For more information about KB5068221 (OS Build 26100.6588) Out-of-band, click here).
KB5065426 (OS Build 26100.6584)
Release Date: September 9, 2025
This build introduces several bug fixes, including one that resolved an issue where non-admin users unexpectedly received User Account Control (UAC) prompts when MSI installers executed certain custom actions, such as configuration or repair operations in either the foreground or background during the initial application installation.
The build also features a wide array of security updates. For comprehensive details, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the September 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: Given that this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.
(Get further information about KB5065426.)
KB5064081 (OS Build 26100.5074) Preview
Release Date: August 29, 2025
A diverse range of new features are being gradually deployed in this build, including a fresh personalized homepage in Windows Recall that showcases your recent activity and most frequently used applications and websites (exclusively available on Copilot+ PCs). Among the changes rolling out to all users is a new grid view for Search accessible from the Windows taskbar, designed to help you more swiftly and precisely pinpoint desired images within your search results.
Several defects have also been rectified, including one where certain system recovery features malfunctioned due to a temporary file sharing conflict. This impacted specific device management tools and disrupted critical functions on some devices.
(For more information on KB5064081 Preview, click here.)
KB5063878 (OS Build 26100.4946)
Release Date: August 12, 2025
This build resolves an issue that caused delays during the sign-in process on new devices. The delay was attributed to certain preinstalled packages. It also includes a comprehensive range of security updates. For complete details, consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the August 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, prompt application is recommended. Monitor for any reports of problematic issues over the next few weeks, and if stability holds, deploy the update.
(Access further details about KB5063878.)
KB5062660 (OS Build 26100.4770) Preview
Release Date: July 22, 2025
A broad spectrum of new functionalities are being progressively rolled out in this build, including a new agent for Copilot+ PCs designed to assist users in locating and modifying PC settings. You can describe your needs, such as “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the agent will propose steps to resolve the issue. This agent leverages AI on your PC to comprehend your request and, with your consent, can automate and complete tasks on your behalf. It is currently being deployed to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs slated for future release.
Several bugs have also been addressed, including one where, if you had an application pinned to your desktop and it updated, the app icon might not display correctly, showing a white page instead.
(Find more information about KB5062660 Preview.)
KB5064489 (OS Build 26100.4656) Out-of-band
Release Date: July 13, 2025
This update rectifies a bug that prevented some virtual machines (VMs) from initiating when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) was active. It impacted VMs utilizing version 8.0 (a non-default version) where VBS was supported by the host. In Azure, this applied to standard (non–Trusted Launch) General Enterprise (GE) VMs running on older VM SKUs. The issue was caused by a secure kernel initialization problem.
(Get more info about KB5064489 Out-of-band.)
KB5062553 (OS Build 26100.4652)
Release Date: July 8, 2025
The build addresses several bugs, including one where notification sounds failed to play. Affected sounds encompassed those for on-screen alerts, volume adjustments, and sign-in events. It also provides a comprehensive array of security updates. For detailed information, consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the July 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.
(Get further information about KB5062553.)
KB5060829 (OS Build 26100.4484) Preview
Release Date: June 26, 2025
A diverse collection of new features are being progressively deployed in this build, including a refreshed Settings home page that incorporates enterprise-specific device information cards for commercial clients on PCs managed by an IT administrator. The taskbar also now automatically resizes icons to accommodate more applications when available space is limited.
Users within the European Economic Area will observe several minor adjustments pertaining to default browsers, such as mapping additional file and link types to the default browser and pinning it to the taskbar and Start menu.
Numerous bugs have also been rectified, including one that hindered the automatic renewal of expiring certificates in Windows Hello for Business.
One known issue exists within this build: blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text may appear when displayed at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.
(For more information on KB5060829 Preview, click here.)
KB5063060 (OS Build 26100.4351) Out-of-band
Release Date: June 11, 2025
This out-of-band update supersedes the KB5060842 Patch Tuesday release, rectifying a bug where Windows occasionally restarted unexpectedly when users launched games utilizing the Easy Anti-Cheat service. Easy Anti-Cheat is automatically installed with specific games to bolster security and prevent cheating in multiplayer online PC games.
Note: In this build, there are reports of blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text when rendered at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. This issue is attributed to limited pixel density at 96 DPI, which can compromise the clarity and alignment of CJK characters. Increasing the display scaling typically improves clarity by enhancing text rendering.
(Access further details about KB5063060 Out-of-band.)
KB5060842 (OS Build 26100.4349)
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Following the installation of this update, Windows will only retain system restore points for a period of 60 days. Restore points older than 60 days will no longer be accessible. This 60-day limitation will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, specifically version 24H2.
The build resolves an issue that prevented users from signing in with self-signed certificates when employing Windows Hello for Business with the Key Trust model. Furthermore, it incorporates a wide array of security updates. For comprehensive details, consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the June 2025 Security Updates.
Note: In this build, there are reports of blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text when rendered at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. This issue is attributed to limited pixel density at 96 DPI, which can compromise the clarity and alignment of CJK characters. Increasing the display scaling typically improves clarity by enhancing text rendering.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Monitor for any reports of problematic issues over the coming weeks, and if stability persists, deploy the update.
(Get further information about KB5060842.)
KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) Preview
Release Date: May 27, 2025
A diverse array of new features are being progressively rolled out in this build, including one where Click to Do gains the new Ask Copilot action. When you highlight text or an image, Click to Do will present the Ask Copilot option. Selecting it will open Microsoft Copilot with your content pre-filled in the prompt box. You can then directly send the selected text or image to the Copilot app to complete your query.
Numerous bugs have also been rectified, including one where devices with BitLocker enabled on removable drives could encounter a blue screen error after resuming from sleep or performing a hybrid-boot.
(Find more information about KB5058499 Preview.)
KB5061977 (OS Build 26100.4066)
Release Date: May 27, 2025
This out-of-band update addresses a bug in the direct send path for a guest physical address (GPA). This issue caused confidential virtual machines operating on Hyper-V with Windows Server 2022 to intermittently cease responsiveness or restart unexpectedly. Consequently, service availability was compromised, necessitating manual intervention. This problem predominantly affected Azure confidential VMs.
(Access further details about KB5061977.)
KB5058411 (OS Build 26100.4061)
Release Date: May 13, 2025
This update resolves two bugs: one where your microphone might have unexpectedly muted, and another where the eye controller application failed to launch. It also includes a comprehensive range of security updates. For detailed information, consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the May 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
(Get further information about KB5058411.)
KB5055627 (OS Build 26100.3915) Preview
Release Date: April 25, 2025
This build progressively introduces several new functionalities for Copilot+ PCs, including a preview of Windows Recall. When you opt in, Recall captures snapshots of your activity, enabling you to quickly locate and revisit previously viewed content on your PC. With this feature, you can use a timeline to find content you recall seeing.
Copilot+ PCs also gain a new natural-language Windows search, allowing you to search for anything on your PC without needing to remember specific file names, exact words within file content, or settings names. Simply describe what you are seeking. On Copilot+ PCs, you can also more easily locate photos stored and saved in the cloud by inputting your own descriptive terms (e.g., “summer picnics”) into the search box located at the upper-right corner of File Explorer.
All PCs receive a number of new features, including speech recap, which enables you to track what Narrator has spoken and access it for quick reference. With speech recap, you can swiftly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy Narrator’s most recent utterance using keyboard shortcuts.
Various bugs are being rectified, including one where some devices experienced intermittent internet connections upon resuming from sleep mode. Several AI components have also been updated.
This build contains two known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox from the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Find more information about KB5055627 Preview.)
KB5055523 (OS Build 26100.3775)
Release Date: April 8, 2025
This update includes a broad spectrum of security updates. For detailed information, consult Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the April 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
This build contains two known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Get further information about KB5055523.)
KB5053656 (OS Build 26100.3624) Preview
Release Date: March 27, 2025
This build progressively introduces several new functionalities for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the ability to search for any content on your PC without the need to recall specific file names, exact words within file content, or settings names. Simply describe what you are looking for.
On Copilot+ PCs, you can also more effortlessly locate photos stored and saved in the cloud by inputting your own descriptive terms (e.g., “summer picnics”) into the search box situated at the upper-right corner of File Explorer. In addition to photos stored locally on your Copilot+ PC, cloud-stored photos will now appear alongside them in the search results.
Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs will also enable the use of natural-language processing in voice access, allowing users to employ their own words rather than relying on rigid, predefined commands.
Furthermore, the build includes a variety of immediate bug fixes, such as one addressing issues where some third-party applications rendered the graphics settings page unresponsive.
This build contains two known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox from the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Find more information about KB5053656 Preview.)
KB5053598 (OS Build 26100.3476)
Release Date: March 11, 2025
This update contains a comprehensive range of security updates. For detailed information, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the March 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
This build contains two known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Access further details about KB5053598.)
KB5052093 (OS Build 26100.3323) Preview
Release Date: February 25, 2025
In this build, various new features are being gradually introduced, including an option that allows you to snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder within the File Explorer address bar. This is applicable only if you are not already backing up your files and folders. To access this new option, right-click Start backup.
A number of bug fixes are being progressively rolled out, including one for an issue where the address bar overlapped files in File Explorer when F11 full-screen mode was active. A variety of bug fixes take immediate effect, such as one addressing display rendering issues encountered when attempting to connect to certain PCs.
This build contains two known issues, including one where Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. Additionally, devices with certain Citrix components installed might be unable to complete the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update. This issue was observed on devices running Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411.
(For more information on KB5052093 Preview, click here.)
KB5051987 (OS Build 26100.3194)
Release Date: February 11, 2025
This update features a broad array of security updates. For comprehensive details, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the February 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
This build contains three known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Access further details about KB5051987.)
KB5050094 (OS Build 26100.3037) Preview
Release Date: January 28, 2025
In this build, a variety of new functionalities are being progressively introduced, including one where an icon will appear in the system tray when you use an application that supports Windows Studio Effects. This phenomenon occurs exclusively on devices equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU). Select the icon to open the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. To identify the application currently utilizing the camera, hover your cursor over the icon for a tooltip.
A number of bug fixes are being progressively rolled out, including one for an issue where a search would sometimes repeat unintentionally. Other bug fixes are immediately available, such as one addressing oversaturated game display when Auto HDR is enabled.
This build contains three known issues, including one where Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. Additionally, following the installation of the October 2024 security update, some customers report that the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service fails to start, thereby preventing SSH connections. Furthermore, devices with certain Citrix components installed might be unable to complete the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update.
(Find more information about KB5050094 Preview.)
KB5050009 (OS Build 26100.2894)
Release Date: January 14, 2025
This update includes a comprehensive range of security updates. For detailed information, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the January 2025 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
This build contains three known issues, including one where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Get further information about KB5050009.)
KB5048667 (OS Build 26100.2605)
Release Date: December 10, 2024
This update includes a comprehensive range of security updates. For detailed information, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the December 2024 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
This build contains one known issue, where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Access further details about KB5048667.)
KB5046740 (OS Build 26100.2454) Preview
Release Date: November 21, 2024
This build introduces several interface enhancements that are being progressively rolled out. The system tray now displays a condensed date and time, and a new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added to Settings. When you right-click an application on the Start menu, a jump list will appear (if the app supports one). Furthermore, holding Ctrl + Shift while clicking a jump list item will open the item with administrative privileges.
A variety of bugs have been addressed in this build, including one where the users page might have caused Task Manager to become unresponsive when navigating with the keyboard.
This build contains one known issue, where Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Find more information about KB5046740 Preview.)
KB5046617 (OS Build 26100.2314)
Release Date: November 12, 2024
This update includes a comprehensive range of security updates. For detailed information, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the November 2024 Security Updates.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
(Get further information about KB5046617.)
KB5044384 (OS Build 26100.2161) Preview
Release Date: October 24, 2024
In this build, users can now configure the Copilot key on their keyboard. On new devices, this key activates the Copilot app. If you sign into your account using a Microsoft Entra ID, the key will open the M365 app instead. You have the option to reassign the key to open a different application or launch Search. To do this, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Text input.
Additionally, a variety of features are being progressively rolled out, including the ability to suppress suggestions to disable notifications from specific applications. You can achieve this by selecting the ellipsis (…) within the notification and turning off the suggestions, or by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications and disabling them there.
Numerous bugs have also been rectified, including one where certain parts of the user interface were not visible when running specific applications.
This build contains one known issue, where Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
(Find more information about KB5044384 Preview.)
Windows 11 24H2 KB5044284 (OS Build 26100.2033)
Release Date: October 8, 2024
This update features a broad array of security updates. For comprehensive details, refer to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the October 2024 Security Updates.
This build also rectifies a bug where the Remote Desktop Gateway Service ceased responsiveness when a service utilized remote procedure calls (RPC) over HTTP.
This build contains one known issue, where Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
What IT needs to know: As this is a security update, its prompt application is recommended. Over the next few weeks, monitor for any reports of problematic issues, and if everything appears stable, deploy the update.
(Get further information about KB5044284.)
Windows 11, version 24H2
Release Date: October 1, 2024
The Windows 11 24H2 update (also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update) is currently undergoing a gradual rollout. Its full availability may extend over several months, meaning you might not yet have received it. Consistent with prior annual Windows updates, this is not a monumental upgrade but does encompass a variety of minor new functionalities.
Here are the principal highlights for end users:
File Explorer gains several new capabilities, including support for TAR and 7z compression, and the ability to embed metadata into PNG files, allowing you to add information to your images.
New privacy settings for Wi-Fi networks offer enhanced control over which applications can access the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Restricting applications’ access to this list can make it more challenging for others to pinpoint your exact location.
You can now connect to Wi-Fi networks by scanning QR codes, and also generate a QR code to enable others to share your mobile hotspot.
A new Energy Saver mode reduces electrical consumption on both desktop PCs and laptops, assisting in lowering your carbon footprint and extending laptop battery life. It diminishes energy usage from both background tasks and those actively running in the foreground.
Copilot now operates as an independent application, making it movable and resizable like any other app, rather than being confined to a sidebar panel.
Copilot+ PCs receive several new functionalities, including Cocreator in Paint, which uses AI to generate images; improved video calls with AI-powered noise cancellation and enhanced lighting; and what Microsoft terms Auto Super Resolution, which delivers higher resolution and smoother gameplay for supported games.
For IT administrators, key highlights include:
Policy enhancements and automated account management for Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS).
Personal Data Encryption (PDE) for users’ Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders.
App Control for Business.
Windows protected print mode.
Local Security Authority (LSA) protection.
Support for Wi-Fi 7.
SHA-3 support.
For more comprehensive details, refer to this blog post by Microsoft’s Harjit Dhaliwal.
Windows 11WindowsMicrosoftIT OperationsSmall and Medium BusinessBusinessIndustryOperating Systems
