UPDATED 3/11/2025: Microsoft has officially launched the March 2025 cumulative updates for Windows 11, rolling out security enhancements and introducing exciting new features. These updates, identified as KB5053598 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5053602 for 23H2 and 22H2 versions, are part of the well-known Patch Tuesday release on March 11, 2025.
Focusing on bolstering security and optimizing the internal workings of the operating system, you can explore the detailed official changes as well as information regarding earlier updates such as KB5052093 and build 26100.3321. Windows 11 build 26100.3476 (KB5053598) streamlines the sharing process through the Jump List menu and enhances the Windows Spotlight feature, File Explorer, and more.
The update for Windows 11 build 22631.5039 (KB5053602) introduces user-friendly elements, including a new file-sharing method from the Taskbar and significant improvements to the Windows Spotlight feature, enhancing the overall desktop experience. Additionally, you’ll notice valuable enhancements in File Explorer.
The updates also include modifications to the Lock Screen, the Settings app, the Start menu, and mouse settings, contributing to a more seamless user interaction.
Note that update KB5053602 is made available as build 22621.5039 for version 22H2, delivering all the same enhancements, fixes, and improvements.
Highlights of the Windows 11 March 2025 Update (24H2)
Here are the key security fixes and improvements introduced in this Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 24H2:
New Sharing Feature on the Taskbar
You’ll be delighted to find a new file sharing option integrated directly into the Jump List on the Taskbar. This improves efficiency, allowing users to right-click on apps like Notepad and swiftly send recent files via the “Share” button.
Updated Spotlight for Desktop
The Spotlight feature now boasts a new icon and dynamically generated text corresponding to your current wallpaper. Additionally, upon liking a Lock Screen image, you can access further image details.
File Explorer Improvements
Among the upgrades to File Explorer, users can now choose to snooze or disable the “Start backup” prompt that appears in the address bar when backing up files to OneDrive.
This update also addresses several issues including URL processing errors, display problems in full-screen modes, and performance lags when loading folders with numerous media files.
Advanced Camera Features
This update introduces an innovative “Advanced camera options” page within the camera settings, providing the following capabilities:
- Multi-App Camera: Stream from the same camera across multiple applications.
- Media Type: Choose preferred camera resolution and frame rate when using the multi-app feature.
- Basic Camera Mode: For debugging purposes, activate your camera’s basic functionality if other options fail.
Updates to Windows Narrator
The Windows Narrator’s scan mode has received several beneficial enhancements, making navigation much smoother:
- Skip past links (n): Jump swiftly to the text after a hyperlink.
- Jump to the start of an item (, ): Visit the beginning of a sizeable element, such as a table or list.
- Jump to the end of an item (.): Navigate to the end of a large element.
- Jump to lists (l): Quickly find the next list within your document.
Game Pass Subscription Features
If you hold a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription, the Settings home page now features a refreshed Game Pass card that enables you to invite friends to enjoy a complimentary trial.
General Improvements and Fixes
Alongside these enhancements, the update incorporates various fixes, such as addressing the Start menu color display issue during the account manager flyout menu operation. Additionally, KB5053598 resolves scanner recognition problems and audio inconsistencies encountered during sleep mode.
Several notable bugs have been remedied, including those affecting image color integrity after resizing, and improvements are made to the drag-and-drop functionality across applications and screen configurations.
Lastly, build 26100.3476 implements necessary Daylight Saving Time (DST) changes for Paraguay, addressing various critical issues related to Windows services, including OpenSSH startup failures and Remote Desktop connectivity glitches.
Features Removed from This Update
Originally, Microsoft intended to introduce a new feature displaying battery percentage and modifying battery icon imagery for better user notification; however, these changes have been postponed for a later update.
The planned iconography would have included indicators for battery status:
- Green: The device is charging and battery health is optimal.
- Yellow: Indicates low battery; the device is conserving power mode has engaged.
- Red: Critical battery warning; immediate connection to power source is necessary.
- Black/White: Default state when operating on battery power.
Windows 11 March 2025 Update for Versions 23H2 and 22H2
The latest Patch Tuesday update also impacts Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, incorporating similar security enhancements and feature updates.
Taskbar Sharing Feature
Just like the 24H2 update, KB5053602 introduces an identical file-sharing option through the Taskbar’s Jump List, streamlining your sharing tasks efficiently.
Spotlight Feature Enhancements
Similar improvements in the Spotlight functionality apply here, including the new icon and enhanced details for liked images on the Lock Screen.
File Explorer Enhancements
Beyond features like snoozing the backup prompt to OneDrive, the update for 23H2 also resolves several performance issues associated with the File Explorer and the context menu.
Accessibility with Windows Narrator
For users relying on assistive technology, the Windows Narrator enhancements provide much-needed navigation capabilities that lessen the frustration often encountered.
Additional Fixes
This update improves system stability by resolving the issues surrounding color display in the Start menu, ensuring consistent experience across functionalities.
How to Install the Updates
To download the latest Windows 11 March 2025 updates, navigate to the “Windows Update” settings. Enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and click “Check for Updates.” Keep in mind, it may take some time for the updates to appear on your system, given Microsoft’s staggered rollout approach.
If you prefer a manual installation process for the March 2025 updates, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog to find the 24H2 update, or check out the Microsoft support page for the 23H2 update.
This update was initially deployed to version 23H2 in the Release Preview Channel as Windows 11 build 22631.4969 (KB5052094).For version 24H2, a comparable update referred to as Windows 11 build 26100.3321 (KB5052093) is being rolled out.
On February 25, 2025, updates became available in the Stable channels with the same KB numbers: build 26100.3323 for version 24H2 and build 22631.4974 for version 23H2.
Update March 11, 2025: This content has been revised for accuracy and to include the most recent information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the March 2025 cumulative updates for Windows 11?
The March 2025 cumulative updates for Windows 11 include security enhancements, new features such as improved file sharing from the Taskbar, updates to the Windows Spotlight feature, and critical fixes for the File Explorer and other system functionality.
2. How do I manually install the March 2025 updates?
To manually install the updates, navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog website. You can find the updates for version 24H2 by searching for KB5053598 and for version 23H2 by searching for KB5053602, and then follow the installation prompts.
3. Are there any known issues with the March 2025 updates?
As with many updates, users may encounter issues following installation. Common problems include discrepancies in Start menu color display and audio functionality related to waking from sleep mode. Microsoft typically releases patches to address these problems in subsequent updates.
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