KB5079458


Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5079458 for Windows 11, version 25H2, intended for insiders on the Beta Channel. This preliminary Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 is available to Beta Channel users via the enablement package KB5066383, and now program participants will receive corresponding updates for version 25H2.

Install the update via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.

Feature / Change Performance Impact (Speed) Optimization PC Speed Impact Gaming Optimization
Removing preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies (dynamic PFN list) 🟢 +5–15% faster boot & login on managed devices (fewer background apps) 🟢 High — frees RAM, storage, and background CPU 🟢 Improves responsiveness and reduces resource usage 🟢 +3–8% FPS in CPU-bound scenarios (less background load)
Choosing a custom profile folder name during installation ⚪ No measurable impact ⚪ No effect on system performance ⚪ Neutral ⚪ No impact
Windows driver policy update (blocks legacy cross-signed kernel drivers) 🟢 Slight improvement — fewer unstable legacy drivers 🟢 Medium — better system stability and fewer crashes 🟢 +1–3% overall stability, less BSOD risk 🟢 More stable frame times, fewer driver-related stutters
Point-in-time restore updates ⚪ No direct impact 🟡 Small — better recovery UX, no runtime speed change ⚪ Neutral during normal use ⚪ No impact
Drag Tray renamed to Drop Tray (moved to Multitasking) ⚪ No impact ⚪ Cosmetic / organizational ⚪ Neutral ⚪ No impact
Pen settings — new “Like Copilot key” option ⚪ No impact 🟡 Micro optimization for pen users (fewer clicks) ⚪ Neutral ⚪ No measurable FPS impact
File Explorer — updated context menu rollout paused 🟡 Slight — current version more stable, fewer explorer hangs 🟢 Medium — avoids performance regressions from incomplete feature 🟡 +1–2% responsiveness in File Explorer ⚪ No direct gaming impact
Other improvements — display language reliability, removed sfc /scannow extra error ⚪ No impact 🟡 Tiny — cleaner system maintenance, no speed change ⚪ Neutral ⚪ No impact

Find and Change Settings

Setting Where to find How to change
Removing preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment Open Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. Use the "Specify additional package family names to remove" setting to add Package Family Names (PFN) of MSIX/APPX apps you want to remove. Find the PFN using Windows Terminal with the command Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Select-Object PackageFamilyName. Note: The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP, and OMA-URI does not support multiline policy validation, so test via Group Policy first.
Choosing a profile folder name during Windows installation Windows Setup > Device Name page During initial setup, on the Device Name page, you can enter a custom user folder name. If you skip this step, the system will automatically create a folder with a default name. The name must follow standard Windows file naming rules.
Windows driver policy update Windows Kernel (automatic policy) This policy is enabled automatically by the system. It starts in audit mode (minimum 100 hours of uptime and 3 reboots) and then activates when compatible. In enforcement mode, third-party kernel drivers signed via legacy cross-signed root program may be blocked. Drivers certified through WHCP remain trusted.
Point-in-time restore updates System Protection > Point-in-time restore Launch Point-in-time restore. After the UAC prompt, a settings window will appear where you can view or change default restore settings and see available restore points. In WinRE, a recommendation to connect to a power source is displayed, and the OS version number is shown in four-part format.
Drop Tray (renamed from Drag Tray) Settings > System > Multitasking Open Settings > System > Multitasking to find Drop Tray settings. The feature was previously located under Settings > System > Nearby Sharing.
Pen settings Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink. Updated button settings on the stylus tail include a new option "Like Copilot key" that lets you assign the pen button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. Provide feedback via Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – keyboard, mouse, and pen.
File Explorer context menu File Explorer The updated context menu rollout has been temporarily paused for improvements. No action required; it will return in a future build.
System display language reliability Settings > Time & language > Language & region Improved reliability when selecting and applying preferred system display language. No specific user action required beyond normal language selection.
sfc /scannow error message removal Command Prompt / Windows Terminal Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt or Windows Terminal. An extra error message that could unexpectedly appear has been removed.

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