Microsoft has unveiled the KB5064081 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing a suite of thirty-six new features and enhancements, many of which are being rolled out gradually. Among the notable updates are new Recall features and an improved method for displaying CPU usage in Task Manager.
This update is part of Microsoft’s optional non-security preview update schedule, which aims to test new fixes and features ahead of the following month’s Patch Tuesday. Unlike the regular Patch Tuesday updates, these monthly releases do not include security updates and are entirely optional for users.
To install the KB5064081 update, users can navigate to Settings, select Windows Update, and then click on “Check for Updates.” As this is an optional update, users will be prompted to confirm their desire to install it by clicking the “Download and install” link, unless they have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, which allows for automatic installation.
Source: BleepingComputer
Users also have the option to manually download and install the KB5064081 preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 11 KB5064081 highlights
Upon installation, this optional cumulative release will elevate Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.5074. The August 2025 preview update features a variety of new additions, including a revamped method for displaying CPU workload metrics in Task Manager.
Historically, the Processes tab in Windows Task Manager utilized a “Processor Utility” metric that often led to confusion and inaccuracies. This method overlooked the number of cores in a processor, resulting in misleading overall usage readings. For instance, a single core maxed out on a 16-core CPU could display 100% usage, while the actual performance varied significantly. Furthermore, the previous method compared workload against the chip’s base clock speed rather than its real-time operating frequency, causing spikes beyond 100% that were clipped in the display.
With the KB5064081 update, Microsoft has standardized CPU reporting across Task Manager. The Processes tab now employs the same formula used in the Performance and Users tabs, calculated as:
(Δ Process CPU Time) ÷ (Δ Elapsed Time × Logical Processors)
This new CPU utilization formula is currently being rolled out with the update. For users who prefer the traditional view, Microsoft has included an optional “CPU Utility” column in the Details tab, although Task Manager will now default to showing consistent CPU metrics throughout the application.
The complete list of changes gradually rolling out includes:
- [Recall] New! Recall now features a personalized homepage that highlights recent activity and frequently used apps and websites, allowing users to easily pick up where they left off. After enabling snapshot collection, users can access key productivity features like Recent Snapshots and Top Apps and Websites.
- [Click to Do] New! The first launch of Click to Do includes an interactive tutorial that demonstrates how to complete tasks more efficiently.
- [General] New! A redesigned system dialog box appears when an app requests access to location, camera, or microphone, enhancing user privacy awareness.
- [Taskbar]
- New! The larger clock with seconds has returned to the notification center, positioned above the date and calendar.
- Fixed: An issue where dragging the mouse across the taskbar preview thumbnail could cause it to stop working.
- [Search on the Taskbar]
- New! A new grid view enhances the search experience, making it easier to identify images.
- New! Search results now provide clearer status information, indicating whether files are available online or stored locally.
- [Lock screen] New! More widget options and personalization support for the lock screen are being rolled out, allowing users to customize their lock screen experience.
- [File Explorer]
- New! Dividers now separate top-level icons in the context menu.
- New! Users signed in with a work or school account will see people icons in the Activity column, providing quick access to their Microsoft 365 Live Persona Card.
- [Windows Hello]
- New! A redesigned Windows Hello interface enhances the user experience across various authentication flows.
- Fixed: Issues with facial recognition on the login screen have been addressed.
- Improved: Fingerprint login after standby is now more reliable.
- [Settings]
- New! Activation and expiration prompts now align with the Windows 11 design, appearing as system notifications.
- New! Users can manage third-party app access to generative AI models through the Privacy & security settings.
- New! The agent in Settings now supports AMD- and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs.
- [Task Manager] New! Task Manager now consistently displays CPU workload metrics across all pages.
- [Widgets]
- New! Multiple dashboards are now available in the Widgets Board, enhancing user experience.
- New! A new visual experience for the Discover feed has been introduced, offering a more organized and engaging layout.
- [Windows Backup for Organizations] New! Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available, facilitating seamless device transitions.
- [PowerShell 2.0] Starting in August 2025, Windows 11 will no longer include PowerShell 2.0, encouraging users to transition to newer versions.
Additionally, Microsoft has reported two known issues with this release, including incorrect CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll) errors and audio/video performance lag when using Network Device Interface (NDI). A fix for the CertEnroll errors is being gradually rolled out over the next four weeks.
For a comprehensive overview of the KB5064081 update, users can refer to the full release notes available in the support bulletin.
