In the latest rollout, Microsoft has introduced cumulative updates KB5065426 and KB5065431 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2. These updates are mandatory, focusing on fixing critical security vulnerabilities, offering crucial patches to safeguard user data and system integrity. Users can easily obtain these updates through the Start menu, by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, or they can opt for manual downloads from Microsoft's official site.
Security and System Enhancements
The 23H2 version will transition to build number 226x1.5909, while the 24H2 version will move to build 26100.6584 post-installation. Notably, support for Windows 11 23H2 concludes on November 11, 2025, with devices needing an upgrade to continue receiving future updates. For Enterprise users and Windows Server systems with Hotpatch, the KB5065474 update offers similar fixes, updating to build 26100.6508.
Users can expect a series of substantial enhancements with this update. Recall introduces a personalized homepage, showcasing recent activities such as Recent Snapshots, Top Apps, and Websites, complemented by an intuitive left navigation bar for easy access to Home, Timeline, Feedback, and Settings. Click to Do provides a practical first-run interactive tutorial, guiding users through actions like text summarization and image background removal.
User Interface and Experience Improvements
Among the myriad improvements, users will find a redesigned privacy dialog for device capabilities like location, camera, and microphone, which dims the screen to highlight the prompt for user acceptance. The taskbar now features a larger clock with seconds in the notification center and better handling of preview thumbnail drag issues.
Enhancements extend to the lock screen, where new widget options and increased personalization are available universally. Users can manage these through Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. File Explorer receives functional upgrades including context menu dividers, a Recommended section when logged in with work or school accounts, and improvements concerning file properties management.
In efforts to keep Windows 11 forward-facing, the update discontinues the inclusion of legacy PowerShell 2.0 starting in August 2025, urging users to update older scripts where necessary. Task Manager sees improvements in workload metrics presentation, maintaining a standard across pages and an optional CPU Utility column to restore previous views.
Performance and Compatibility Fixes
Microsoft addresses several issues affecting user experience across various aspects of the operating system. Fixes include adjustments for live caption opacity, a Chinese IME first-character issue, and multiple crashes in essential apps and services like textinputframework.dll. Additionally, the update resolves problems associated with cloud file shares, audio services, and Event Viewer errors.
These changes are being deployed gradually, ensuring that users worldwide will receive the updates in due course. Microsoft has communicated that no known issues are currently linked with the latest updates, reinforcing user confidence in the stability and security of Windows 11.
