Windows 11 December 2025 Update (Preview) KB5070311 (Build 26200.7296) Released

Latest Windows 11 Updates – November 2025

As of November 17, 2025, Microsoft has introduced updates for Windows 11 in the Release Preview channel, featuring builds 26100.7296 and 26200.7296 (KB5070311) as the first previews for the final cumulative update in 2025 for versions 25H2 and 24H2. Also available is build 22631.6269 (KB5070312) for version 23H2, part of the December 2025 update that includes non-security fixes.

Key Enhancements in the November 2025 Updates

Improvements to File Explorer’s dark mode.
Support for external fingerprint sensors via Windows Hello.
An option to disable the Drag Tray feature.
Changes to Quick Machine Recovery settings and more.

The KB5070311 update specifically enhances the dark mode in File Explorer, introduces Mobile Device settings within the main Settings app, and allows users to disable the Drag Tray feature for Nearby Sharing. Additional changes include enhancements in Widgets, keyboard performance, and other functionalities.

The KB5070312 update focuses on providing updated Country and Operator Settings Assets (COSA) for various mobile operators, along with fixes to File Explorer, Group Policy, and Configuration errors.

Although version 23H2 reached its end of support on November 11, 2025, organizations will continue to receive extended support until November 10, 2026. During the early development phase, Microsoft typically does not disclose the final names of updates slated for the Stable Channel, labeling them as non-security updates until officially released on Patch Tuesday.

What’s New in Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 Updates (TBD)

The December 2025 updates for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 include numerous exciting new features and improvements:

Desktop Spotlight Options

Users will find new options in the context menu when utilizing Windows Spotlight as the desktop background, offering quick access to learn about the background and to select the next desktop image.

Disabling Drag Tray

The update now allows users to disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings > System > Nearby sharing.

Option to Disable the Drag Tray / Image: Mauro Huculak

The Drag Tray is now also equipped to handle multi-file sharing and provides a more organized list of relevant applications.

Keyboard Enhancements

Enhancements in keyboard backlight performance ensure better visibility of keys in dim environments, coupled with power-saving features.

File Explorer’s Dark Mode Revamp

Expect a visually improved File Explorer with a more polished dark mode, featuring consistent appearances in dialogs related to copying, moving, deleting, and errors, along with enhancements to progress indicators.

File Explorer Dark Mode Enhancements / Image: Mauro Huculak

Bug fixes are also included, such as proper display of thumbnails for video files and removal of random appearances of a white toolbar.

Windows Hello Enhancements

Windows Hello now expands its capabilities to include support for external fingerprint sensors, previously limited to integrated biometric hardware, making sign-in options more flexible.

Enhanced Sign-in Security Options / Image: Mauro Huculak

Sharing Updates

The sharing feature has been updated to streamline sharing OneDrive files through various applications with the Copy link option.

Mobile Device Settings Improvement

Users can now access mobile device settings directly from the Mobile devices page within the Settings app, enhancing usability and experience.

Mobile Device Settings Integration / Image: Mauro Huculak

Settings App Refinements

Further refinements in the Settings app include importing more features from the Control Panel, such as character repeat rates, with a newly designed “Device Card” providing quick access to important specs and usage details.

Settings Home Game Pass Card Update / Image: Microsoft

Taskbar and Quick Machine Recovery Updates

An improved animation for taskbar app groups facilitates smoother transitions between applications. The Quick Machine Recovery feature has also been optimized to perform a one-time scan by default.

Widgets Design Overhaul

The dashboard for Widgets is receiving an updated design, transitioning from a page overlay to a dedicated settings page for improved usability.

Widgets Dashboard New Settings / Image: Mauro Huculak

Haptic Feedback for Digital Pens

Updates also include haptic feedback for digital pens, enhancing interaction with system elements through tactile responses.

Camera Enhancements via Windows Studio Effects

AI-powered enhancements for secondary cameras are introduced, aiming to improve user experience in video calls and recordings.

Windows 11 23H2 Update KB5070312 Features

The KB5070312 update for Windows 11 23H2 includes notable fixes and improvements:

Updated Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA): Profiles for mobile operators are now current.
File Explorer Fixes: Resolved issues leading to app unresponsiveness and extraction failures with certain file formats.
Group Policy Adjustments: Corrected failures in the HideRecommendedSection policy that affected multi-session environments.

It’s worth mentioning that version 23H2 will not gain new features due to its end of support status.

How to Manually Install Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday Update

To obtain the latest Windows 11 updates:

Open the Windows Update settings.
Enroll in the Release Preview Channel under Windows Insider Program.
Activate the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option.
Click on the “Check for Updates” button.

If you encounter issues post-installation, detailed steps are available to guide you in uninstalling the December 2025 update.

Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday – Update History

Initial Release – Release Preview Channel:
- Build 26200.7296 official release: November 17, 2025.Official notes.
- Build 26100.7296 release date: November 17, 2025.
- Build 22631.6269 release date: November 13, 2025.Official notes.
Second Release – Optional Install (Stable Channel):
- Build 26200.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Build 26100.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Build 22631.xxxx release date: TBD.
Final Release – Patch Tuesday (Stable Channel):
- Build 26200.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025.Official notes.
- Build 26100.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025.(same)
- Build 22631.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025.Official notes.

Update November 17, 2025: This document has been updated with new information reflecting the latest features and improvements.

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