Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5079464 for Windows 11 version 25H2, intended for insiders on the Dev channel. This update is a preview build of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB5079464), and users of that channel will now receive Windows 11 version 25H2 updates available through the enablement package KB5073032 (build 26300.xxx).
- Removal of preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies. In Build 26300.8068, Microsoft updated the "Remove Default Microsoft Store packages" policy for Windows Enterprise and Education editions. It now supports a dynamic app removal list, allowing IT administrators to flexibly manage preinstalled MSIX/APPX apps by adding their Package Family Name (PFN) to a special list. The policy is located at: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages. To remove an app, add its PFN to the "Specify additional package family names to remove" setting. You can identify the package family name using the Get-AppxPackage command in Windows Terminal.
- Windows driver policy update. Starting with this update, the Windows kernel will enforce a new policy that removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, trusting only drivers certified through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). This feature first enables in audit mode (minimum 100 hours of uptime and 3 reboots), then automatically activates when compatible. After activation, drivers signed via cross-signing may be blocked.
- Point-in-time restore feature updates. When launching Point-in-time restore, local administrators now see a settings window after the UAC prompt, where they can view or change default restore settings and the list of available restore points. In the WinRE environment, a recommendation has been added to connect the device to power before restoring, and the OS version number is now displayed in a four-part format.
- Account settings. Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can now see an offer to switch to another Microsoft 365 plan on the account page in the Settings app, and this option can be hidden by disabling the display of recommended content.
- Drag Tray > Drop Tray. The location of Drop Tray feature settings has been changed: they have been moved from Settings > System > Nearby sharing to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- File Explorer. Microsoft has temporarily stopped rolling out the updated context menu to make additional improvements — the feature will return in a future build.
- Other. Improved reliability of the system preferred display language selection and application feature, and removed an extra error message that could unexpectedly appear when running the sfc /scannow command.
The Dev channel is intended for experienced users, as it includes the latest preview builds of Windows 11 with new features that may have low stability and some issues. The update can be installed through Windows Update for Insiders. Also note that the dynamic app removal list is not yet available in Intune CSP, and testing is recommended via Group Policies. The driver policy update feature initially works in audit mode and requires sufficient system uptime for automatic activation.
Installation via Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A system restart is required to complete the installation.
| Feature / Change | Performance Impact | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal of preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies | 🟢 +5–15% less background CPU/RAM usage (fewer processes) | 🟢 High — removes bloat, reduces telemetry and disk I/O | 🟢 Faster login and lower memory pressure | 🟢 +2–8% more stable frame times on low-RAM systems |
| Windows driver policy update (WHCP-only trust) | 🟡 No direct FPS change; -1–3% possible if unsigned driver blocked | 🟢 Better driver quality, fewer crashes | 🟡 Slightly slower cold boot if legacy driver fails | 🟡 Neutral to +5% stability in GPU-heavy titles |
| Point-in-time restore feature updates | ⚪ No impact | 🟢 Faster restore workflow, less downtime | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Account settings (Microsoft 365 plan offer) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Drag Tray > Drop Tray settings relocation | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Minor UX optimization | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| File Explorer context menu rollout paused | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Stability prioritized over new feature | 🟢 Prevents potential Explorer slowdown | ⚪ No impact |
| Display language selection reliability fix | ⚪ No impact | 🟢 Less system errors | 🟢 Avoids rare UI freezes | ⚪ No impact |
| sfc /scannow extra error message removed | ⚪ No impact | 🟢 Cleaner diagnostics | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of preinstalled Microsoft apps via policies | Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages | Open the policy in Group Policy Editor or Intune. To remove an app, add its Package Family Name (PFN) to the "Specify additional package family names to remove" setting. You can identify the PFN using the Get-AppxPackage command in Windows Terminal. |
| Windows driver policy update | System (automatic policy enforced by Windows kernel) | This policy is enforced automatically by the Windows kernel. It removes default trust for cross-signed drivers and trusts only drivers certified through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). It first enables in audit mode (minimum 100 hours of uptime and 3 reboots), then automatically activates when compatible. After activation, drivers signed via cross-signing may be blocked. |
| Point-in-time restore feature updates | System Protection > Point-in-time restore (in Windows and WinRE environment) | When launching Point-in-time restore, local administrators see a settings window after the UAC prompt, where they can view or change default restore settings and the list of available restore points. In WinRE, a recommendation to connect the device to power before restoring is shown, and the OS version number is displayed in a four-part format. |
| Account settings (Microsoft 365 plan offer) | Settings > Accounts | Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can see an offer to switch to another Microsoft 365 plan on the account page. This option can be hidden by disabling the display of recommended content in Settings. |
| Drag Tray > Drop Tray | Settings > System > Multitasking | The location of Drop Tray feature settings has been moved from Settings > System > Nearby sharing to Settings > System > Multitasking. Open the new location to configure Drop Tray options. |
| File Explorer context menu | File Explorer | Microsoft has temporarily stopped rolling out the updated context menu. No user action is required; the feature will return in a future build. |
| System preferred display language and sfc /scannow | Settings > Time & language > Language & region; Command Prompt / Windows Terminal | Improved reliability of the system preferred display language selection and application feature occurs automatically. The extra error message that could appear when running sfc /scannow has been removed; no user action is needed. |
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 |