Microsoft released cumulative update KB5089574 (Build 26220.8544) for Windows 11, version 25H2 for insiders on the Beta Channel. The update is distributed based on Windows 11 version 25H2 through a feature enablement package (build 26220.8544).
- Unified loading indicators (donut spinners). The company is introducing new cohesive ring-shaped indicators in key Windows scenarios: boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation. This update replaces legacy visual effects of indicators, providing a more integrated and modern experience consistent with Windows design standards. Now users will see a unified indicator behavior with corresponding status text (e.g., Restarting, Working on updates, Welcome) across all these stages, enhancing visual consistency.
- Search by Substring. Files with compound names or content (e.g., MeetingNotesApril, ProjectStatusReport) are now easily discovered when typing queries like April or status.
- Windows Ready Print (printer installation switch). Last month, a change was announced where new printers default to using IPP to simplify setup. This update adds a new switch in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Install printers by default using Windows Ready Print to let users control this behavior. When the feature is enabled, Windows installs supported printers via IPP by default. When disabled, Windows may use other available installation methods. This experience is part of the modern printing platform, now called Windows Ready Print, designed for a more consistent, reliable, and simplified printing experience.
Installation via Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation. To update Windows 11, version 25H2 to build 26220.8544, you can also download update KB5089574 and install it manually using the links above.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase/Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unified loading indicators (donut spinners) | ⚪ No measurable impact (cosmetic change) | 🟢 Minor (replaces legacy rendering, potentially lighter draw calls) | ⚪ No impact on operational speed | ⚪ No impact |
| Search by Substring | ⚪ No impact on raw performance | 🟢 Medium (faster file discovery reduces user waiting time) | 🟡 Low (perceived speed increase in workflow efficiency) | ⚪ No impact |
| Windows Ready Print (printer installation switch) | ⚪ No impact on system performance | 🟢 Medium (IPP protocol streamlines setup, reduces driver overhead) | 🟡 Low (faster printer installation, less background resource use) | ⚪ No impact |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Unified loading indicators (donut spinners) | Boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation screens | This is a system-wide visual update applied automatically. No user action is required to enable or disable the new ring-shaped indicators. They replace legacy visuals during boot, sign-in, restart, shutdown, and update installation, showing unified behavior with corresponding status text like "Restarting", "Working on updates", or "Welcome". |
| Search by Substring | File Explorer search box or Windows Search | This feature is enabled by default. To use it, simply type a part of a compound word (e.g., "April" or "status") into the search box. Windows will now return files with compound names or content like "MeetingNotesApril" or "ProjectStatusReport". No configuration change is necessary. |
| Windows Ready Print (printer installation switch) | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners | Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Locate the option "Install printers by default using Windows Ready Print". Turn it on to allow Windows to install supported printers via IPP by default. Turn it off if you prefer Windows to use other available installation methods. |
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 |