Microsoft has officially rolled out its latest Patch Tuesday update — the November 2025 cumulative release for both Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2, identified as KB5068861.
While this may sound like a routine update, it’s far from minor. The patch brings important security fixes, performance improvements, a redesigned Start Menu, and several long-awaited system tweaks that many insiders have been testing for months.
Let’s explore everything this new update includes — from the technical details to the visual refinements — and understand why it’s an essential install for all Windows 11 users.
🧭 1. Update Overview and Build Information
Let’s begin with the basics before diving into the detailed changes.
Microsoft released KB5068861 as part of its regular monthly security cycle. Once installed, it updates your Windows 11 build numbers to:
- OS Build 26200.7171 for version 25H2
- OS Build 26100.7171 for version 24H2
This is a mandatory cumulative update, meaning it will install automatically through Windows Update for all eligible systems.
Interestingly, Microsoft continues to use simplified update titles in Windows Update — something it initially planned to change back to the longer, descriptive style used previously. However, as of this update, that shift hasn’t happened yet.
💡 Many users have expressed that they prefer the old, detailed update names, as they give more insight into what’s being installed. But for now, Microsoft is sticking with simplified titles.
🔒 2. Security Fixes — The Core of Patch Tuesday
Every Patch Tuesday release focuses heavily on improving system security, and KB5068861 is no exception.
For Windows 11 24H2
- 35 vulnerabilities have been patched.
- 2 of them are rated “Critical.”
For Windows 11 25H2
- 36 vulnerabilities have been patched.
- 2 of them are rated “Critical.”
Now let’s take a closer look at those critical ones — because they directly affect system stability and safety.
- GDI+ Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- This flaw allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely by exploiting how Windows handled certain graphics components. It’s now fixed.
- DirectX Graphics Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- A critical exploit that could allow attackers to gain elevated system permissions through DirectX components. Also fully patched in this release.
Both vulnerabilities received the highest severity rating, meaning they could potentially allow full system compromise if exploited. This alone makes KB5068861 a must-install for all Windows 11 users.
💡 3. Optional Update Roll-Up (From KB5067036)
Before we move to the new changes, it’s important to note that this update includes all fixes from the optional October 2025 update — KB5067036.
So, even if you skipped that optional update, you’ll still receive all its improvements automatically with KB5068861.
Let’s recap the major highlights that were part of that earlier patch, since they’re now bundled into this one.
🪟 4. Redesigned Start Menu
The redesigned Start Menu has been one of the most talked-about features in recent insider builds. It’s now gradually rolling out to more users.
Here’s what’s new:
- Scrollable “Show All” Section: Makes it easier to navigate pinned apps and folders.
- Customizable Recommended Section: You can now remove it completely or switch between list, grid, or category views.
- Phone Link Widget Toggle: A new integration toggle lets you connect your phone companion directly from the Start Menu.
If you haven’t received this update yet, don’t worry — Microsoft is still rolling it out in stages.
Let’s move to the next set of improvements that make Windows more intuitive to use.
🗣️ 5. Voice Access Improvements
Windows Voice Access continues to evolve, and KB5068861 adds three new enhancements.
These updates make voice control more reliable and accessible, especially for users who depend on hands-free interaction.
Additionally, Microsoft fixed a critical issue where Voice Access would fail during initial setup if no microphone was connected. The setup now pauses gracefully until a microphone becomes available.
⚙️ 6. “Your Accounts” Settings Page Update
The Accounts → Email & Accounts page has now officially been renamed to Your Accounts, completing a visual and functional refresh Microsoft has been testing for a while.
This section simplifies how you manage connected accounts, credentials, and sign-in preferences. It’s also a small step toward the unified settings design Microsoft is rolling out across Windows 11.
🧭 7. CoPilot+ PC Features and AI Integration
If you’re running a Copilot+ PC, this update enables seven new click-to-do features — allowing faster access to AI-assisted actions across Windows.
While Microsoft hasn’t listed all of them explicitly, these features typically help you:
- Interact directly with apps through Copilot.
- Automate small system tasks.
- Access contextual recommendations faster.
This reinforces Microsoft’s push toward integrating on-device AI experiences into the Windows ecosystem.
🧩 8. File Explorer and Storage Fixes
Let’s move to the next big area — File Explorer and storage stability.
This update brings multiple refinements for performance and file management. Some fixes address underlying system reliability, including:
- Storage Spaces Reliability: Fixes an issue that could cause Storage Spaces to become inaccessible or Storage Spaces Direct to fail during cluster creation.
- File Explorer Optimizations: Improves responsiveness when browsing directories with large numbers of files.
These may sound minor, but they significantly improve stability, especially for power users working with large volumes of data.
🔋 9. Battery Icon and Power Improvements
Windows 11 now includes new battery icons with percentage indicators and color-coded states.
- Green: Charging
- Yellow: Medium Battery
- Red: Low Battery
You can turn the battery percentage display on or off in Settings → System → Power & Battery.
This update also ensures these new icons appear consistently on the lock screen, offering a quick glance at your battery level even before logging in.
It’s a small change — but a highly requested one that improves daily usability.
🎮 10. Gaming Device Fixes
Now let’s talk about gamers — because KB5068861 addresses several issues that directly impacted gaming handhelds and controllers.
- Battery Drain on Handhelds
- Some portable gaming devices weren’t entering low-power states properly, causing faster battery drain. This has been fixed.
- Controller Input Delay
- A rare issue caused gamepads to become unresponsive for a few seconds after login on some handheld systems. That input delay is now resolved.
These fixes will particularly benefit users of handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11, such as the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go.
🧰 11. Task Manager and System Utilities Fixes
Let’s move to one of the more technical yet important fixes.
Task Manager previously had a known issue where clicking the close button didn’t actually end the Task Manager process — it kept running silently in the background.
This could lead to unnecessary memory usage and system slowdowns over time.
KB5068861 finally fixes this bug, ensuring Task Manager closes completely when you exit it.
🧑💻 12. Windows Management and Network Fixes
Under the hood, several minor improvements were made to system utilities and network stability:
- Task View Fix: Selecting the desktop would sometimes open Task View unexpectedly — this has now been resolved.
- Network Improvements: Microsoft implemented network reliability optimizations to prevent occasional connection drops and improve speed consistency.
These changes may not be visible, but they help ensure Windows runs more predictably — especially in multi-display or network-heavy environments.
🔄 13. Windows Update and Display Fixes
For users who previously experienced display or graphics issues after earlier builds, this update brings several targeted patches.
In particular, it addresses rare instances where display scaling, HDR brightness, or rendering performance could fluctuate after a driver update.
Additionally, Microsoft made some Windows Update reliability improvements, ensuring smoother background installation and fewer reboots for cumulative updates.
💬 14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is KB5068861 a mandatory update?
Yes. It’s part of Microsoft’s November 2025 Patch Tuesday rollout and installs automatically for all Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices.
Q2: Does this update include the October optional update?
Yes. All fixes and enhancements from KB5067036 are included automatically.
Q3: Are there any known issues after installing KB5068861?
So far, no major post-update issues have been widely reported. However, gradual rollout means certain users may receive some features (like the new Start Menu) later.
Q4: How do I verify the update is installed?
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History, and check for “Cumulative Update KB5068861.”
Your OS build should end with .7171 after installation.
Q5: Can I uninstall KB5068861?
It’s technically possible, but not recommended, as it includes critical security patches. Only advanced users troubleshooting compatibility should consider removal.
⚖️ 15. Final Thoughts
So far, we’ve covered all major changes — from redesigned interface elements to deeper performance and stability improvements.
Windows 11 KB5068861 is a substantial update disguised as a routine patch. It refines user experience, improves accessibility, enhances gaming stability, and tightens security across the board.
Even if you don’t see immediate visual changes, under the hood your system becomes more efficient and secure. If you’ve been postponing updates, this one is definitely worth applying right away.
You can check for it manually by going to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
For official update details, visit the Microsoft Support page for KB5068861.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The KB5068861 update is part of Microsoft’s automatic Patch Tuesday cycle. While it has been tested extensively, some devices may experience delays in receiving all new features due to staged rollouts. Always back up important data before applying system updates.
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