Microsoft released cumulative update KB5079385 for Windows 11, version 25H2 for insiders on the Dev channel – Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26300.7965). The preliminary build Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7965 (KB5079385) was released. Users of this channel will now receive Windows 11, version 25H2 updates, which are available using the enablement package KB5073032 (build 26300.xxx).
- Administrator protection. In Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7965 (Dev Channel), Microsoft re-enables the Administrator protection feature. It is designed to protect administrative rights and reduce risks associated with permanent administrator rights on the system. The feature provides a just-in-time administrative privilege model. This means a user with administrator rights can perform administrative actions, but privileges are granted only for the duration of a specific operation. This reduces the risk of abuse or compromise of administrative rights by malicious software. The feature is disabled by default. Administrators can enable it via OMA-URI in Microsoft Intune or using Group Policies.
- File sharing (Drag tray improvement). Based on user feedback, Microsoft refined the Drag tray interface. A more compact peek view is now used, reducing the chance of accidental panel appearance and making it easier to close when working near the top of the screen.
- File Explorer (voice input when renaming). When renaming files in File Explorer, you can now use voice input (Win + H).
- File Explorer (fix for white flashes). Fixed a white flash when opening new File Explorer windows or tabs if it is set to open the “This PC” section. Also fixed white flashes when resizing File Explorer interface elements.
- File Explorer (file unlocking reliability). Improved reliability of unlocking files downloaded from the internet so they can be correctly viewed in the File Explorer preview pane.
Installation via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete installation.
Features and capabilities that are included in Dev channel builds may never appear in the final release, as Microsoft actively tests different concepts and gathers feedback. Features may change, be removed, or be replaced and may not leave the Windows Insider program. Some of them may appear in future versions of Windows when fully ready.
Some prerelease features may not be fully localized in all languages. Localization will gradually improve as feature development completes. If you notice translation issues for your language, report them through the Feedback Hub.
Please note that some accessibility features may temporarily not work with prerelease features such as Recall and Click to Do.
Since the Dev and Beta channels represent parallel development tracks, there are cases where some features and capabilities appear first in the Beta channel.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase or Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrator protection (just-in-time admin privileges) | 🟢 Slight increase (less background exposure of admin rights) | 🟢 High (reduces attack surface and privilege abuse) | 🟢 Slight improvement (fewer permanent privileged processes) | ⚪ No direct impact (may slightly reduce risk of system tampering during gaming) |
| File sharing (Drag tray improvement) | ⚪ No measurable impact | 🟡 Medium (UI refinement, fewer accidental interruptions) | ⚪ No measurable impact | ⚪ No impact |
| File Explorer (voice input when renaming) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Medium (faster rename workflow) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| File Explorer (fix for white flashes) | 🟢 Slight increase (less rendering flicker, smoother UI) | 🟡 Medium (improved visual stability) | 🟢 Slight improvement (less UI lag during navigation) | ⚪ No direct impact |
| File Explorer (file unlocking reliability) | 🟢 Slight increase (fewer failed preview operations) | 🟡 Medium (better handling of downloaded files) | 🟢 Slight improvement (preview pane works more consistently) | ⚪ No impact |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator protection | Microsoft Intune > Devices > Configuration profiles (OMA-URI) or Group Policy Editor | To enable, create a configuration profile in Microsoft Intune using the appropriate OMA-URI, or open Group Policy Editor and enable the Administrator protection policy. To disable, set the policy to Disabled or remove the configuration profile. By default the feature is disabled. |
| File sharing (Drag tray improvement) | File Explorer > Drag tray (appears automatically when dragging files) | The compact peek view is applied automatically when dragging files near the top of the screen. To close the drag tray, move the cursor away from the top edge or press Esc. No manual configuration is required. |
| File Explorer (voice input when renaming) | File Explorer > Rename a file > Press Win + H | Select a file in File Explorer, press F2 or right-click and choose Rename, then press Win + H to start voice input. Speak the new name. To stop voice input, press Win + H again or click the microphone icon. |
| File Explorer (fix for white flashes) | File Explorer > Options > General > Open File Explorer to | The fix is applied automatically after the update. To avoid white flashes, set File Explorer to open to "This PC" or keep the default. No additional action is required. |
| File Explorer (file unlocking reliability) | File Explorer > Preview pane | The improvement is automatic. To use it, select a file downloaded from the internet and enable the preview pane via View > Preview pane. If the file remains locked, right-click the file, select Properties, and check "Unblock" if available. |
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 |