Microsoft released update KB5077232 for Windows Insider Program participants on the Dev channel. Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (KB5077232) refers to Windows 11 version 25H2. The update is delivered via the enabling package KB5073032 (build 26300.xxx) and includes many improvements to the interface, system settings, and built-in applications.
- Context menu. When right-clicking .exe, .bat, or .cmd files, the context menu now displays the icon of the default application used for that file type for the "Open" item. This makes the interface more visually clear and consistent.
- Device info card (Settings). On the main page of the Settings app, the "Device info" card, first introduced in June 2025, has been improved. The update simplifies the display of key device characteristics and makes the transition from the card on the main page to the "Settings > System > About" section smoother and more intuitive. This version of the interface is gradually being rolled out to program participants in the US, while a separate version of the card continues to be used for corporate devices managed by IT administrators.
- About system section (Settings). In the "Settings > System > About" section, the main hardware specifications have been moved back to the top of the page. Additional information, including graphics and storage details, is now gathered into a single block from which you can easily copy data for contacting support or sharing with other users. The frequently asked questions section is temporarily hidden — Microsoft continues to look for the optimal way to provide contextual help within the Settings app.
- Taskbar and system tray. The animation when hovering the cursor over application groups on the taskbar has been improved — the interaction is now smoother and more visually pleasing. The reliability of displaying application icons in the system tray has also been improved when the automatic taskbar hiding mode is enabled.
- File Explorer. Fixed an issue where all open File Explorer windows and tabs could unexpectedly switch to the desktop or the Home page.
- Nearby sharing. Improved reliability when sending large files using the Nearby sharing feature.
- Paint app. In Paint version 11.2601.391.0, the long-awaited Freeform Rotate feature has arrived. You can now rotate shapes, text, and selected areas to any angle. Simply select an object and drag the rotation handle that appears above it. In the Rotate menu, a "Freeform rotate" option is also available, where you can manually enter an exact angle value. This makes image editing more flexible and allows you to precisely position elements on the canvas.
To install this update, go to Settings → Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase / Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Context menu icon for .exe, .bat, .cmd | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Minor (UI consistency) | ⚪ No measurable change | ⚪ No impact |
| Device info card (Settings) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Minor (navigation flow) | ⚪ No measurable change | ⚪ No impact |
| About system section (Settings) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Minor (data organization) | ⚪ No measurable change | ⚪ No impact |
| Taskbar hover animation | 🟢 +1–3% smoother UI rendering | 🟢 Minor GPU/compositor optimization | 🟡 Negligible (~0.1% faster perceived) | ⚪ No impact |
| System tray icon reliability | 🟢 Slight reduction in explorer.exe crashes | 🟢 Improved background process stability | 🟡 Marginal (less UI freezes) | ⚪ No impact |
| File Explorer unexpected switching fix | 🟢 Reduces unwanted tab reloads | 🟢 Better window management | 🟡 Minor (no more disruptive jumps) | ⚪ No impact |
| Nearby sharing large file reliability | 🟢 Faster/more stable transfer speed | 🟢 Lower packet loss, fewer retries | 🟡 Minor (less CPU/network wait) | ⚪ No impact |
| Paint Freeform Rotate | ⚪ No impact (app-level) | 🟡 Minor (editing workflow) | ⚪ No measurable change | ⚪ No impact |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Context menu icon for executable files | Right-click any .exe, .bat, or .cmd file | No manual configuration is required. The "Open" item in the context menu automatically displays the icon of the default application associated with that file type. To change the default application, right-click the file, select "Open with" > "Choose another app", pick the desired program, and check "Always use this app". |
| Device info card | Settings > System > About | The Device info card appears on the main page of the Settings app. To view or change device information, open Settings > System > About. Key hardware specifications are shown at the top of the page. For corporate devices managed by IT administrators, a separate version of the card may be displayed and cannot be changed by end users. |
| About system section | Settings > System > About | Open Settings > System > About to view hardware specifications, graphics, and storage details. To copy information for support, click the copy button next to the desired block. The frequently asked questions section is temporarily hidden and cannot be re-enabled by users. |
| Taskbar hover animation | Settings > Personalization > Taskbar | The improved hover animation for taskbar app groups is enabled automatically. To manage taskbar behaviors, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and adjust options such as "Automatically hide the taskbar". The system tray icon reliability improvement requires no user action. |
| File Explorer unexpected navigation fix | File Explorer | This issue has been fixed automatically via update. No user action is required. If you still experience unexpected navigation to desktop or Home, restart File Explorer or sign out and sign back in. |
| Nearby sharing large file reliability | Settings > System > Nearby sharing | Open Settings > System > Nearby sharing and ensure the feature is turned on. To share large files, select the file, click the Share icon, and choose the target device. No additional configuration is needed for the reliability improvement. |
| Freeform Rotate in Paint | Paint app > Rotate menu | Open an image in Paint version 11.2601.391.0 or later. Select a shape, text, or selected area, then drag the rotation handle that appears above the object. Alternatively, open the Rotate menu, choose "Freeform rotate", and enter an exact angle value manually. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121157 | 28020.2818 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121158 | 28120.2824 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-31 |
| KB5121794 | 26300.9278 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-27 |
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |