Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5068861 and KB5068865 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing critical security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. The updates are mandatory and include the November 2025 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build number for Windows 11 25H2 will change to Build 26200.7019, and 23H2 will update to 226x1.6050.
New features include:
- A revamped Start menu UI allowing removal of the Recommended feed.
- Updated lock screen battery icons with color indicators and battery percentage.
- A dedicated Microsoft 365 Copilot page for commercial devices.
- Rebranding of the “Email & accounts” section to “Your accounts.”
- Refreshed taskbar battery icons with clearer visual cues.
- New Administrator Protection Preview feature for safeguarding admin rights.
- API support for NIST post-quantum cryptography algorithms.
Fixed issues include:
- Taskbar app icon hover behavior.
- Display issues in apps and browsers.
- Context menu behavior in File Explorer.
- Pen and handwriting input responsiveness.
- Narrator launch issues during Windows setup.
- Performance improvements in taskbar loading after sleep.
This update is the final release for Windows 11 23H2, as support for this version ends today, and no optional updates will be released in December.