Microsoft has rolled out cumulative updates KB5079473 and KB5078883 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2. These updates are essential, addressing security vulnerabilities, fixing bugs, and introducing new features. As part of the March 2026 Patch Tuesday, these updates are mandatory due to the critical nature of the security patches they contain.
To install the updates, users can navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update and click on ‘Check for Updates’. Alternatively, the updates can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This marks the third ‘Patch Tuesday’ release in 2026, with updates applicable across both 24H2 and 25H2 versions, ensuring uniformity in fixes and enhancements.
What’s new in the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update
Upon installation, the build numbers will reflect the updates: Windows 11 25H2 (KB5079473) will shift to 26200.8037, while 24H2 will change to 26100.8037, and 23H2 (KB5078883) will be updated to 22631.6783. Notably, this update enhances device targeting data for Secure Boot certificates, broadening the range of devices eligible for automatic updates.
In addition to security enhancements, users will notice improved reliability in File Explorer searches across multiple drives, as well as enhancements in how Windows Defender Application Control manages COM objects.
The update introduces a variety of new features, including:
- [Emoji] New! A curated selection of new emojis is now available in the emoji panel, enhancing user expression.
- [Backup & Restore] New! The first sign-in restore experience is integrated into Windows Backup for Organizations, streamlining the restoration of user settings and Microsoft Store apps.
- [Quick Machine Recovery] New! Automatic activation of Quick Machine Recovery for non-domain Windows Professional devices, providing recovery features previously exclusive to Windows Home users.
- [Taskbar & System Tray]
- New! A built-in network speed test can now be accessed directly from the taskbar, facilitating network performance checks.
- Improved taskbar functionality ensures that only the windows that do not fit will move to the overflow area, enhancing user experience.
- [Accounts] New! A new option in the account menu directs users to their Microsoft account benefits page for easier management.
- [Camera Settings] New! Users can now control pan and tilt functions for supported cameras directly within the Settings app.
- [Built-in Sysmon] New! The introduction of System Monitor functionality allows users to capture system events for enhanced threat detection, with customizable configuration options.
- [Widgets] New! Widget Settings now provide a full-page experience within the Widgets app.
- [Desktop Background] New! Users can now set WebP images as their desktop background.
- [Search on Taskbar]
- New! Group headers now display the number of results available, improving navigation.
- New! A preview function allows users to hover over search results for a quick view.
- [Storage Settings] Improvements have been made for better user experience.
- [Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)] New! Support for RSAT on Windows 11 Arm64 devices is now available, enhancing IT administrative capabilities.
- [Windows Update Settings] Enhanced responsiveness of the Windows Update settings page.
- [File Explorer]
- Improved reliability in opening new File Explorer windows.
- New options for extracting files from non-ZIP archive folders.
- [Display]
- Improvements in reliability when waking from sleep.
As of now, Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month’s Patch Tuesday updates.
