Microsoft has released preview update KB5083631 (26200.8313) for Windows 11, versions 25H2/24H2. The cumulative update package KB5065426 (Build 26200.8313) is intended for Windows 11, version 25H2 (Windows 11 2025 Update) and (Windows 11 2024 Update) and Windows 11 LTSC 2024 based on x64 (amd64) and ARM64 processors.
Updated: 01.05.2026. The KB5083631 (Build 26100.8328) Preview update for Windows 11, version 24H2 is available for installation in Windows Update as a preview update and for manual download from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Xbox Mode. New: Xbox Mode is now available on Windows 11 PCs — laptops, desktops, and tablets. The interface is inspired by the Xbox console: full-screen mode puts games front and center and removes unnecessary distracting background elements. The mode is designed for situations where the user wants to lean back in a chair, pick up a gamepad, and focus on the game. Xbox Mode can be launched in three ways: through the Xbox app, through Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11.
- Folder display consistency in File Explorer. Improvement: increased consistency of folder display. View settings (sort by name, icon size) now apply in all folder-opening scenarios. If you open the same folder from another application — for example, from a web browser — the set parameters are automatically preserved. The improvement is especially noticeable in the Downloads folder when grouping by date is turned off.
- File Explorer performance. Improvement: increased speed and performance of File Explorer startup. Improvement: fixed a white flash when launching File Explorer in dark theme if This PC is selected as the start page, as well as when resizing the details pane.
- Preview anyway button. New: a Preview anyway button has been added to the File Explorer preview pane for files downloaded from the internet. The button appears after the warning is displayed.
- New archive formats. New: the list of supported archive formats has been expanded. File Explorer now works with uu, cpio, xar, and NuGet packages (nupkg).
- Reliability of explorer.exe. Improvement: increased reliability of terminating related explorer.exe processes after closing File Explorer windows.
- Haptic feedback. New: on compatible input devices, haptic feedback now works for certain actions — for example, when aligning objects in PowerPoint, attaching or resizing windows. You can enable or disable haptic signals in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, Touchpad, or Pen > Haptic signals. The feature is supported on Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, and MSI Pen 2 with haptic feedback. Support for other compatible devices, including certain mice (e.g., Logitech MX Master 4), may appear as hardware manufacturers release updates.
- Voice input on the touch keyboard. New: voice input on the touch keyboard has received a simpler and more intuitive interface. The updated design has abandoned the full-screen overlay — voice input animations are now displayed directly on the dictation key, helping you stay focused on your work.
- Arabic 101 Legacy layout. New: a new Arabic 101 Legacy layout has been added. It can be selected when setting up the keyboard for the Arabic language in Time & language > Language & region. The layout is intended for those who prefer to use a keyboard design that existed before recent changes to the AltGr key behavior.
- Reliability of tool and emoji panel settings. Improvement: increased reliability of custom tool settings in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Wheel. Improvement: improved preservation of Fluid Dictation settings when using voice input. Improvement: increased reliability of keyboard navigation on the emoji panel (Win + Period). Improvement: increased reliability of text input when using the ADLaM layout.
- Drop Tray (formerly Drag Tray). New: the Drag Tray panel has been renamed to Drop Tray. Feature settings have been moved from the Nearby sharing section to Settings > System > Multitasking. Drop Tray now uses a reduced preview area. This prevents accidental triggers and makes it easier to close the panel when working near the top edge of the screen.
- Agents on the taskbar. New: Windows gets a new way to monitor agent work directly from the taskbar. The feature supports agents in both native and third-party applications. The first to implement it was Researcher in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. When Researcher prepares a report, Windows shows progress on the taskbar so you can quickly check the work status. When you hover over the Microsoft 365 Copilot icon, real-time progress is displayed. After the work is complete, Windows sends a notification. Clicking the notification or the app icon opens Copilot to view and use the finished report. Developers can utilize the new API in their applications through the Windows.UI.Shell.Tasks API.
- Enterprise State Roaming (ESR). New: the Enterprise State Roaming feature is now managed through Windows Backup for Organizations policies. This simplifies configuration for IT administrators.
- Policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft apps. New: support for a dynamic list of removable apps has been added to the Remove Default Microsoft Store packages policy for Windows Enterprise and Education editions. Administrators can remove additional MSIX/APPX format applications by specifying their package family names via Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in the Intune settings catalog. Configuration must be done via Group Policy or a custom OMA-URI.
- Windows driver policy update. New: the update improves Windows security by changing the kernel's trust rules for third-party drivers. By default, the kernel no longer trusts cross-signed drivers. Only drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) and a list of trusted legacy drivers are allowed. Windows checks driver compatibility for at least 100 hours and three reboots before enforcing restrictions.
- Security and performance improvements for batch files. New: administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors gain additional control over batch file and command-line script (CMD) processing. You can now enable a more secure processing mode that prevents batch files from being modified during execution. To activate the mode, add a registry parameter: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor, LockBatchFilesWhenInUse (DWORD): 0 (disabled) or 1 (enabled). Policy authors can also enable the mode via the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse control element in the application manifest.
- Microsoft Store. Fixed: reduced number of unexpected errors when downloading and installing applications from the Microsoft Store. Specifically, errors 0x80070057, 0x80240008, and 0x80073d28 have been fixed.
- Leelawadee UI fonts. Improvement: the Leelawadee UI font family for Thai, Lao, Khmer, and the Lontara script has been refined. Glyph sequence, positioning, and rendering have been improved.
- Audio and midisrv.exe. Improvement: increased compatibility of third-party drivers with the midisrv.exe process.
- Taskbar and system tray. Improvement: increased reliability of loading the system tray area on the taskbar.
- Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint. Improvement: increased reliability of Windows Hello Face (facial recognition). Improvement: improved preservation of Windows Hello Fingerprint (fingerprint login) data during system updates.
- Disk and volume management. Improvement: increased performance when navigating to the large volume management section via Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes. Change: increased the FAT32 formatting limit via the command line — from 32 GB to 2 TB.
- Delivery Optimization. Improvement: optimized RAM usage. Reduced likelihood that the Delivery Optimization service will consume an unexpectedly large amount of memory.
- Display, graphics, and color profiles. Improvement: improved preservation and accessibility of color profile settings for supported monitors.
- Kiosk mode. Improvement: simplified configuration of allowed packaged applications in kiosk mode in cases where Microsoft Edge is included in the allowed applications list.
- Startup performance. Improvement: increased performance of startup applications after system boot — referring to applications shown in Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Overall reliability of explorer.exe. Improvement: made fundamental changes that increase the reliability of explorer.exe. Improvements affect system sign-in, interaction with taskbar pop-up menus and Task View, unpinning items from the Quick Access area in File Explorer, and other scenarios. Feature availability may vary depending on device and market.
After activating the new driver trust rules, a small number of cross-signed drivers may become blocked. The dynamic list of removable apps in the Remove Default Microsoft Store packages policy is not yet available in the Intune settings catalog — configuration must be done via Group Policy or a custom OMA-URI.
This non-security update includes quality improvements. Below are the main changes that apply after installing the update. [Secure Boot] Improvement: additional data on point sampling of highly reliable devices has been added to Windows quality updates. This expands the set of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. New certificates are delivered to devices only after a sufficient number of successful update installation signals have been accumulated — rollout remains controlled and phased. [Windows Security] Improvement: improved logging of events related to CVE-2024-30098. The log now indicates the name of the affected application. This simplifies identification of applications that use smart card certificates and may require updating due to recent security changes.
Installation: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A system restart is required to complete installation. After the update, the Windows 11 build number will change to 26200.8313.
| Feature / Change | Performance Impact (Speed) | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Mode (full-screen game-focused interface) | 🟢 +10–15% perceived responsiveness in game-focused UI (fewer background elements) | 🟢 High (dedicated full-screen mode reduces visual clutter and taskbar interruptions) | 🟢 +5–10% smoother navigation when using gamepad in full-screen mode | 🟢 Critical (console-like experience, faster game access, Win+F11 shortcut) |
| Folder display consistency in File Explorer | ⚪ No direct FPS/CPU impact | 🟢 High (consistent view settings reduce repeated manual sorting; smoother workflow) | 🟡 +2–3% faster folder navigation in repeated open scenarios | ⚪ Not applicable |
| File Explorer performance (startup speed, white flash fix) | 🟢 +10–20% faster File Explorer startup | 🟢 High (removed white flash in dark theme; faster details pane resize) | 🟢 +8–15% more responsive file browsing | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Preview anyway button | ⚪ No performance change | 🟡 Medium (saves time when previewing downloaded files) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| New archive formats (uu, cpio, xar, nupkg) | 🟡 +1–2% minor I/O improvement when opening these formats natively | 🟢 High (no third-party tools needed; fewer background processes) | 🟡 Slightly faster archive handling | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Reliability of explorer.exe termination | 🟢 +2–3% system stability after closing multiple windows | 🟢 High (cleaner process termination reduces memory leaks) | 🟡 Less background resource waste | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Haptic feedback for compatible devices | ⚪ No CPU/FPS impact | 🟡 Medium (tactile feedback improves precision for some users) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 +1–2% better input feedback in games when using supported pens/mice |
| Voice input on touch keyboard (simpler UI) | 🟢 +3–5% faster voice input due to less overlay rendering | 🟢 High (inline dictation keeps focus, reduces context switching) | 🟡 Slightly faster text entry | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Arabic 101 Legacy layout | ⚪ No performance change | 🟡 Medium (better input compatibility for specific users) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Reliability of tool/emoji panel settings | 🟡 +1–2% fewer input glitches | 🟢 High (settings persist correctly, less reconfiguration) | 🟡 Minor stability improvement | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Drop Tray (renamed from Drag Tray) | 🟡 +1–2% fewer accidental triggers improves workflow speed | 🟢 High (reduced preview area, easier to close) | 🟡 Slightly faster multitasking | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Agents on the taskbar | 🟡 +2–3% faster monitoring of background agent tasks | 🟢 High (real-time progress without opening app) | 🟡 Less time switching between windows | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Enterprise State Roaming via Windows Backup policies | ⚪ No direct PC speed change | 🟢 High for IT admins (simpler policy management) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Dynamic list for removing preinstalled apps | 🟢 +2–3% less bloatware may improve system responsiveness | 🟢 High (admins can remove more apps) | 🟡 Potentially faster startup after app removal | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Windows driver policy update (cross-signed drivers blocked) | 🟢 +1–3% fewer bad driver crashes improves stability | 🟢 High (security over performance) | 🟡 Slight boot time improvement if risky drivers removed | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Batch file security (LockBatchFilesWhenInUse) | 🟢 +1–2% fewer script-related hangs | 🟢 High (prevents modification during execution) | 🟡 Minor stability gain | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Microsoft Store error fixes | 🟢 +2–3% fewer failed installs reduces repeated I/O | 🟢 High (less time wasted on error retries) | 🟡 Slightly faster app deployment | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Leelawadee UI font refinement | ⚪ No CPU/GPU impact | 🟡 Medium (better text rendering for Thai/Lao/Khmer) | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Audio and midisrv.exe compatibility | 🟡 +1% fewer audio glitches | 🟢 High (better third-party driver compatibility) | 🟡 Minor stability improvement | 🟡 Slight audio latency improvement in games |
| Taskbar and system tray reliability | 🟢 +1–2% faster UI response when tray loads | 🟢 High (fewer reloads) | 🟡 Minor speed gain | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint reliability | 🟢 +2–4% faster login = faster time to desktop | 🟢 High (biometric data preserved across updates) | 🟢 +3–5% faster login | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Disk and volume management performance | 🟢 +5–8% faster navigation to Disks & Volumes | 🟢 High (large volume management smoother) | 🟡 +2–3% faster storage settings | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Delivery Optimization RAM usage | 🟢 +1–3% less unexpected RAM consumption | 🟢 High (prevents memory hogging) | 🟡 More stable system during updates | 🟡 Slightly less background RAM usage during game downloads |
| Display, graphics, and color profiles | 🟡 +1% fewer color reset issues | 🟢 High (preserves monitor profiles) | ⚪ No impact | 🟡 Slight improvement for HDR game color consistency |
| Kiosk mode configuration | ⚪ No PC speed change | 🟢 High for admins | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Startup performance of startup applications | 🟢 +3–5% faster app launch after boot | 🟢 High (reduces post-boot lag) | 🟢 +5% quicker usability after login | 🟡 Slightly faster game launcher startup |
| Overall reliability of explorer.exe | 🟢 +2–4% fewer UI freezes | 🟢 High (fundamental reliability improvements) | 🟡 More consistent performance | ⚪ Not applicable |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Mode | Xbox app > Settings > Xbox Mode Game Bar > Settings > Xbox Mode |
Launch Xbox Mode via the Xbox app, Game Bar settings, or by pressing Win + F11. Configure the mode preferences inside Xbox Mode settings, including full-screen behavior and which elements to hide or show. |
| Folder display consistency in File Explorer | File Explorer > View menu | Set sort by name, icon size, or other view options in any folder. The same settings now automatically apply when the folder is opened from other applications (e.g., a web browser). To adjust grouping, open the Downloads folder, go to View > Group by, and turn grouping by date off or on. |
| File Explorer performance | File Explorer > Options > General > Open File Explorer to | To reduce the white flash in dark theme, select This PC as the start page in File Explorer Options. Performance improvements are automatic; no user action is required unless you want to change the start page. |
| Preview anyway button | File Explorer > Preview pane | Open the preview pane (View > Preview pane). Select a downloaded file. When a warning appears, click Preview anyway to view the file. |
| New archive formats | File Explorer | Open .uu, .cpio, .xar, or .nupkg files directly in File Explorer. No configuration is needed; the support is built in. |
| Reliability of explorer.exe | System-level | Automatic improvement. No user action is required. |
| Haptic feedback | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, Touchpad, or Pen > Haptic signals | Turn Haptic signals on or off for your compatible device. Works with Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, MSI Pen 2, and potentially other devices as manufacturer updates are released. |
| Voice input on the touch keyboard | Touch keyboard > Dictation key | Tap the dictation key on the touch keyboard. The new interface shows voice input animations directly on the key; no full-screen overlay appears. |
| Arabic 101 Legacy layout | Settings > Time & language > Language & region | Add Arabic if not already added. Select the Arabic language, choose Keyboard options, and add Arabic 101 Legacy layout. |
| Reliability of tool and emoji panel settings | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Wheel | Configure custom tool settings for your wheel device. Emoji panel keyboard navigation improvements are automatic; press Win + Period to open the emoji panel. |
| Drop Tray (formerly Drag Tray) | Settings > System > Multitasking | Open Settings > System > Multitasking and find Drop Tray settings. The panel uses a reduced preview area; adjust behavior there. |
| Agents on the taskbar | Taskbar | Hover over the Microsoft 365 Copilot icon to see real-time progress from Researcher. Click the notification or the icon to open Copilot and view the finished report. Developers can integrate via Windows.UI.Shell.Tasks API. |
| Enterprise State Roaming (ESR) | Windows Backup for Organizations policies | Managed through Windows Backup for Organizations policies. Configure via Intune or Group Policy in the appropriate administrative templates. |
| Policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft apps | Group Policy > Remove Default Microsoft Store packages | Open the policy in Group Policy Editor. Specify package family names of additional MSIX/APPX apps to remove. The dynamic list is configured via Group Policy or custom OMA-URI, not yet in Intune settings catalog. |
| Windows driver policy update | Kernel trust rules | Automatic security update. Drivers must be from Windows Hardware Compatibility Program or trusted legacy list. No user action required. |
| Security and performance improvements for batch files | Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor | Add DWORD value LockBatchFilesWhenInUse and set to 1 to enable, 0 to disable. Policy authors can also use the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse control element in application manifest. |
| Microsoft Store | Microsoft Store | Automatic fixes for errors 0x80070057, 0x80240008, and 0x80073d28. No user action required. |
| Leelawadee UI fonts | System fonts | Automatic improvement for Thai, Lao, Khmer, and Lontara script rendering. No user action required. |
| Audio and midisrv.exe | System-level | Automatic compatibility improvement for third-party drivers. No user action required. |
| Taskbar and system tray | Taskbar | Automatic reliability improvement. No user action required. |
| Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint | Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options | Facial recognition and fingerprint reliability improvements are automatic. To manage, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and reconfigure Windows Hello Face or Fingerprint if needed. |
| Disk and volume management | Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes | Navigate to Disks & volumes for improved performance. FAT32 formatting limit via command line increased from 32 GB to 2 TB using the format command. |
| Delivery Optimization | Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization | Automatic RAM usage optimization. Adjust Delivery Optimization settings if desired. |
| Display, graphics, and color profiles | Settings > System > Display > Color profile | Color profile settings are preserved automatically for supported monitors. Manage under Settings > System > Display > Color profile. |
| Kiosk mode | Settings > Accounts > Other users > Kiosk | Configure kiosk mode and allowed packaged applications. Including Microsoft Edge in the allowed list is simplified. |
| Startup performance | Settings > Apps > Startup | View and manage startup apps. Performance after boot is improved automatically. |
| Overall reliability of explorer.exe | System-level | Automatic fundamental changes improve sign-in, taskbar pop-up menus, Task View, unpinning from Quick Access, and other scenarios. No user action required. |
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 |