Microsoft has unveiled its March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, designated as KB5079473, for all supported versions of Windows 11. This update, applicable to versions 25H2 and 24H2, incorporates several new features that were previewed in an optional update released in late February. However, users can expect a gradual rollout of these enhancements across the Windows 11 ecosystem.
Main Changes in the Update
Among the noteworthy changes included in this update are:
- Network Speed Test Tool in Taskbar: Accessible via the Wi-Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or through a right-click on the network icon in the system tray, this tool opens in the default browser and measures the performance of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections.
- Camera Settings: The Settings menu now features new pan and tilt options for supported cameras, enhancing user control over video conferencing and streaming.
- Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon): This popular monitoring tool is now available as an optional feature within Windows 11. Users are advised to uninstall any previous versions downloaded from Microsoft’s website before enabling the new built-in variant.
- Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) Improvements: The update introduces support for RSAT on Windows 11 Arm64 devices, broadening the accessibility of these essential tools.
- Quick Machine Recovery: A new tool designed to facilitate the recovery of Windows 11 PCs during critical errors is now automatically enabled for Windows Professional devices that are neither domain-joined nor enrolled in enterprise endpoint management.
- Desktop Background: Users can now personalize their desktop backgrounds with .webp image files, adding a touch of creativity to their workspace.
- New Emoji: The release of Emoji 16.0 introduces a variety of new emojis, including a face with bags under the eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, and splatter, enriching digital communication.
- BitLocker Improvements: Enhancements have been made to ensure that devices remain responsive after entering a recovery key, improving user experience during critical recovery scenarios.
- File Explorer Improvements: The update enhances the reliability of search functions within File Explorer, particularly when searching across multiple drives or “This PC”.
In addition to these updates, Microsoft has begun publishing patch notes for the upcoming version 26H1 of the OS, although this version is not yet available to the public. It is expected to debut on new devices powered by advanced ARM silicon. Currently, Microsoft is distributing 26H1 builds to Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel, but these builds typically lack features already accessible in other channels. The recently released KB5079466 patch for Windows 11 version 26H1 follows this trend, offering several features that have already been introduced in earlier versions of Windows 11.
