Windows 11 update Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2026

New out-of-band Windows 11 update fixes March’s installation errors – how to get it

Microsoft faced backlash due to the March non-security preview update (KB5079391) for Windows 11, which caused installation errors for many users. In response, Microsoft paused the initial update and released an out-of-band update (KB5086672) on March 31, 2026, to address these issues. The new update includes all enhancements from the previous update and fixes the installation problems. Users set to receive preview updates will automatically download KB5086672, while others can manually check for it in the Windows Update settings. Users can also manage their preferences for optional preview updates through the Windows Update screen.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft Issues Emergency Fix for Windows 11 Update Installation Errors

Microsoft retracted its KB5079391 non-security feature update for Windows 11 due to installation errors and has released an out-of-band update, KB5086672, to address these issues. The KB5086672 update consolidates previous packages, including KB5079473, KB5085516, and the pulled KB5079391. It resolves the installation error message "Some update files are missing or have problems. We'll try to download the update again later. Error code: (0x80073712)" and is available through Windows Update for devices with KB5079473 or later. It can also be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Currently, there are no known issues with KB5086672, and Microsoft will update support documentation if any complications arise.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Windows 11 Update Adds Support for Display Refresh Rates Above 1,000Hz

Microsoft's preview update for Windows 11, KB5079391, initially supported display refresh rates exceeding 1,000Hz, potentially reaching up to 5,000Hz. The update was applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1. It introduced enhancements such as improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, better power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors, detailed image descriptions for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs using Narrator, and redesigned dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu. However, Microsoft retracted the update on March 27 due to installation issues, with plans to roll out the enhancements in a future release.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Latest Windows 11 update is broken, refuses to install — Microsoft pulls latest update over missing files error

Microsoft's KB5079391 non-security update, released on March 26, 2026, aimed to improve the stability and reliability of the Windows operating system but has faced installation issues, with many users encountering the 0x80073712 error code. This error indicates that something is broken or missing in the update files. The update includes support for monitors exceeding 1,000 Hz, a revamped About page in Settings, a new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, and enhancements to File Explorer. The update is optional and released in preview mode, but the lack of a workaround for installation remains a concern for users.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 update to modernize legacy UI, as Control Panel and other legacy features continue to live

Microsoft is phasing out legacy features in Windows 11, including the Control Panel, and is modernizing aspects of the operating system in response to user feedback. The company is working on an overhaul of the dark mode feature, which will extend to legacy pop-ups like the Windows Run dialog and the Windows Registry Editor, although no specific timeline has been provided for these updates. Microsoft is developing new tools to modernize legacy dialogs and user interfaces, with a focus on modernizing Windows as a primary goal. Recent Windows preview builds show a modernized Windows Run developed with WinUI 3, which supports dark mode and will include enhanced search capabilities. The legacy Run will remain available and will also receive a dark mode update. Microsoft plans to roll out these changes throughout 2026. Additionally, features like a movable and resizable taskbar and a native Start menu are being prioritized, along with the introduction of 100% native applications for Windows 11. A major update for Windows 11 was unveiled on March 20, which included plans to reduce ads and potentially remove the requirement for a Microsoft account.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft is urgently recalling a problematic update. Windows 11KB5079391

Representatives of Microsoft announced the suspension of distribution for the optional update KB5079391 after it was available for a few hours due to user complaints about a critical installation error. Users reported interruptions during the update process and received a message about missing system files, with a common error code of 0x80073712 indicating damage or absence of essential components in the WinSxS system folder. Microsoft has initiated an internal investigation and temporarily restricted access to the update through the Windows Update service. There is currently no estimated timeline for resolving the issue. Microsoft is also working on future enhancements, including improving the Start menu's performance, reducing File Explorer's loading time, and allowing users to pause patch downloads for several months.

Winsage

March 28, 2026

Windows 11 Update Aims to Cut Upsells and Improve User Experience

Microsoft is shifting its strategy for Windows 11 to reduce intrusive ads, upsells, and distractions based on user feedback. The company plans to scale back promotional content, particularly in the Start menu and system notifications, to create a cleaner user interface. The integration of Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant, will be reduced in various applications to minimize distractions. Users will gain more control over updates, including the timing of installations and fewer forced restarts. Additional improvements include the ability to move the taskbar, enhanced performance and reliability, and a reduction of intrusive AI elements. Microsoft has acknowledged user criticism and is focusing on meaningful improvements in response to feedback.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Microsoft publishes instructions on how to restore access to C: drive in Windows 11 on Samsung laptops

In March, users experienced issues accessing the C: drive on Samsung laptops, initially thought to be caused by an upcoming Windows 11 update. Microsoft clarified that the issue was due to Samsung's Galaxy Connect program. Both companies collaborated to resolve the problem, and Microsoft provided instructions for users to restore access, which typically takes around 15 minutes. Users should log in with an administrator account or contact Samsung support for help. The restoration process involves uninstalling the Samsung app, adjusting drive permissions, creating a restore file, and running it as an administrator. Microsoft's instructions do not require reinstalling Windows or deleting data, except for the Samsung applications. If issues persist, users are advised to contact Samsung technical support.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft and Samsung scramble to fix a major C: drive lockout bug on Galaxy devices — faulty Galaxy Connect app leaves users with ‘limited’ recovery options following recent Windows 11 update

An unusual bug affecting Windows 11 users on Samsung devices prevents access to the main C: drive, following a February 2026 security update (KB5077181). Users receive an "Access denied" message when trying to launch applications or access files. The issue is linked to a Samsung-specific application, particularly the Galaxy Connect and Galaxy Share Folder applications, which may have broken Access Control Lists in Samsung’s factory image for Windows. Affected devices include various models of the Galaxy Book 4 laptops and certain Samsung Desktop models. Users are advised to remove the affected applications or revert to a recommended version while awaiting an official resolution from Microsoft and Samsung.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Windows 11 March Update Blocks C: Drive Access for Some Users

The March 2026 Windows 11 update (KB5079473) has caused significant issues for users, including inaccessible C: drives, system crashes, and freezing. Reports indicate that Samsung Galaxy Book device owners are particularly affected, with complete blockage of access to the C: drive. Microsoft acknowledges the "C: is not accessible - Access denied" issue, linking it to the Samsung Galaxy Connect application, and is working on a resolution. The affected devices include various models of the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and certain Samsung Desktop models running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. While Microsoft claims only Samsung users are impacted, it is unclear if other manufacturers are experiencing similar problems. The update has raised concerns about the quality assurance processes prior to releases.