November 2025 Patch Tuesday Updates for Windows 11
Microsoft has unveiled its November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, introducing a fresh look for the Start Menu along with several enhancements for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions of the operating system. As is customary, these updates will be rolled out gradually, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
The KB5068861 update encompasses a variety of noteworthy changes, particularly for those utilizing Copilot+ PCs:
- Click to Do improvements (Copilot+ PCs only): The prompt box has been refined for a more seamless interaction with Copilot. Users can now leverage Click to Do for tasks such as translating on-screen text, converting units (including length, area, volume, height, temperature, and speed), and selecting objects on-screen through Freeform and Rectangle selection.
- File Explorer improvements (Copilot+ PCs only): When logged in with a Microsoft account, hovering over a file in the Home view reveals quick action commands like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot.”
- Voice Access improvements (Copilot+ PCs only): The Voice action feature now includes Fluid Dictation, enhancing grammar, punctuation, and filler word management in real time.
- Windows Search improvements (Copilot+ PCs only): The enhanced Windows Search, featuring semantic search capabilities, is now accessible on all Copilot+ PCs.
- Redesigned Start Menu: The revamped Start menu introduces a scrollable All section with both category and grid views. Its responsive layout adapts to various display sizes, and it includes Phone Link integration with a new mobile device button next to the search box, allowing for an expandable and collapsible side panel.
- Taskbar improvements: The battery icon has received a visual update, now displaying colors that indicate charging status and health: green for good, yellow for battery saver mode, and red for critically low levels. Additionally, users can now view the battery life percentage, which is also reflected in the lower-right corner of the lock screen.
- Administrator Protection: A new security control, currently in preview, can be activated in Windows Security (under Account protection) or through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.
- Quality updates: This update resolves an issue where closing Task Manager with the Close button did not fully terminate the process. It also addresses a problem that prevented gaming handheld devices from maintaining low-power states, which had led to accelerated battery drain.
In the release notes, Microsoft indicated that two changes related to File Explorer have been postponed for a future update. One of these will introduce recommended files in File Explorer Home for users signed in with a Microsoft Account, with an option to disable this feature. The other will enable third-party cloud storage providers to integrate with File Explorer Home.
