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.
- Removing preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies. In build 26220.8062, Microsoft updated the Remove Default Microsoft Store packages policy for Windows Enterprise and Education editions. It now supports a dynamic app removal list: administrators can remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their Package Family Name (PFN) to a special dynamic list. The policy is located in the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) under: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. To remove an app, add its PFN to the Specify additional package family names to remove setting. You can find the PFN using the Get-AppxPackage command in Windows Terminal (e.g., Get-AppxPackage *Notepad* | Select-Object PackageFamilyName). Limitation: the dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP, and OMA-URI does not support multiline policy validation, so testing is recommended via Group Policy.
- Choosing a profile folder name during Windows installation. Microsoft continues developing the feature to choose a custom profile folder name during Windows setup. Now during initial setup on the Device Name page, you can choose your own user folder name. If you skip this step, the system will automatically create a folder with a default name. The name must comply with standard Windows file naming rules.
- Windows driver policy update. Starting with this update, the Windows kernel removes default trust for third-party kernel drivers signed via the legacy cross-signed root program. Drivers certified through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) remain trusted. The feature is first enabled in audit mode (minimum 100 hours of uptime and 3 reboots), then automatically activates when compatible. In enforcement mode, cross-signing drivers may be blocked.
- Point-in-time restore updates. When launching Point-in-time restore, local administrators will see a settings window after the UAC prompt, where they can view or change default restore settings as well as the list of available restore points. In the WinRE environment, a recommendation to connect the device to a power source has been added, and the OS version number is now displayed in four-part format.
- Drag Tray renamed to Drop Tray. The Drag Tray component has been renamed to Drop Tray. Function settings have been moved from Settings > System > Nearby Sharing to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Pen settings. Minor changes have been made to the pen settings page: updated button settings on the stylus tail. A new option "Like Copilot key" has been added, allowing you to assign the pen button to launch the same app that opens when pressing the Copilot key. Feedback is accepted via Feedback Hub (Win + F) under Devices and Drivers > Bluetooth – keyboard, mouse, and pen.
- File Explorer. Microsoft has temporarily stopped rolling out the updated context menu to make additional improvements. The feature will be returned in one of future builds.
- Other improvements. Improved reliability of the feature to select and apply the preferred system display language. Removed an extra error message that could unexpectedly appear when running the sfc /scannow command.
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 |