KB5070311: Windows 11 OS Builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309 Preview (December 2025)

Summary

KB5070311 is an optional non-security preview update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, producing OS builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309. Released on December 1, 2025, it delivers improvements to functionality, performance, and reliability across File Explorer, input, gaming, settings, and Copilot+ PC experiences. Source: Microsoft Support

Highlights

• Copilot+ PCs - Agent in Settings: Search results now display more available results with a scroll bar; recommended settings show an inline agent option for recently modified items; a dialog explains when settings cannot be adjusted further.
• Copilot+ PCs - Click to Do: The context menu has a streamlined design for faster access to Copy, Save, Share, and Open actions; the menu now opens automatically when a large image or table appears on screen.
• Copilot+ PCs - Camera: Windows Studio Effects can now be applied to additional cameras, including USB webcams and built-in rear cameras on laptops.
• Copilot+ PCs - File Explorer: Search box placeholder text updated to highlight enhanced Windows Search; home on-hover actions for faster file management now available to enterprise customers.
• Advanced Settings: Virtual Workspaces can now be enabled or disabled via Settings > Systems > Advanced, allowing management of virtual environments such as Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox.
• Desktop Spotlight: The context menu now includes "Learn more about this background" and "Next desktop background" when Windows Spotlight is set as the desktop background.
• Gaming: The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices beyond the initial ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X launch.
• Keyboard: The AltGr layer is now enabled for the Arabic 101 keyboard layout, adding the Saudi Riyal currency symbol via AltGr+S; Arabic 102 and Arabic 102 AZERTY layouts updated similarly.
• Taskbar: Users can now share an open app window with Copilot directly by hovering over the app icon in the taskbar and selecting Share with Copilot.
• Windows Share - Drag Tray: Now supports multi-file sharing, shows more relevant apps, and allows moving files to a chosen folder; can be toggled from Settings > System > Nearby sharing.

Improvements and fixes

• File Explorer dark mode: Copy, move, and delete dialogs, progress bars, chart views, and confirmation dialogs have been updated to align with the dark theme for a consistent experience.
• File Explorer context menu: Common actions such as Share, Copy, and Move now appear in a single organized menu, reducing clutter for mouse, keyboard, and assistive technology users. This change rolls out initially to a small group of devices.
• File Explorer - Recommended section: The Recommended section now surfaces frequently used and recently downloaded files on the homepage; available to all users including those signed in with personal Microsoft accounts. Requires enabling the Show Recommended section setting in File Explorer > Options.
• File Explorer fix: Thumbnails were sometimes missing for video files containing certain EXIF metadata - this is now resolved.
• File Explorer fix: A toolbar was sometimes appearing unexpectedly in File Explorer - this is now resolved.
• File Explorer fix: The app icon next to the Open option in the right-click menu was showing a generic icon instead of the correct default app icon - this is now resolved.
• Input - Haptic pen feedback: Pens that support haptic feedback now provide tactile responses when interacting with the Windows interface, such as when hovering over the close button or snapping and resizing windows.
• Keyboard backlight: Performance has improved on supported HID-compliant keyboards, with clearer key visibility in low-light environments and power-conserving backlight adjustment.
• Mobile Device Settings: Users can now add and manage mobile devices under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices, including connected camera use and file access in File Explorer.
• OneDrive: The updated OneDrive icon now appears in Settings > Accounts > Homepage.
• Recovery - Quick Machine Recovery: QMR now runs a one-time scan on qualifying PCs; if a fix is not immediately available, it directs users to the best recovery options.
• Settings - Keyboard options moved: Character repeat delay and rate, and cursor blink rate settings have moved from Control Panel to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor respectively.
• Settings - About page: The About page in Settings has an updated layout consolidating device details and related options, including quicker access to Storage settings.
• Settings fix: Settings was sometimes becoming unresponsive when navigating to the Network & Internet section - this is now resolved.
• Settings fix: The search bar in Settings was sometimes overlapping the minimize and maximize buttons in the title bar - this is now resolved.
• Taskbar fix: The "Automatically hide the taskbar" setting was sometimes turning off unexpectedly after displaying a toolbar conflict message - this is now resolved.
• Taskbar fix: Voice access was not working correctly when interacting with the taskbar - this is now resolved.
• Taskbar fix: Taskbar icons were sometimes automatically scaling smaller despite sufficient available space - this is now resolved.
• Windows Share - OneDrive: Users can now share OneDrive files through other apps using the Copy link option under Share using, when signed into a Microsoft account.
• Display and Graphics: Performance has improved when apps query monitors for their full list of supported display modes.

Known issues

Microsoft lists no known issues for this update at the time of writing.

How to get this update

This update is distributed through a gradual rollout phase before moving to a normal rollout to all eligible devices. You can obtain KB5070311 through the following channels:

• Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Because this is an optional preview update, select the option to download and install optional updates.
• Microsoft Update Catalog: Search for KB5070311 at the Microsoft Update Catalog to download the package manually. Note that a second MSU file listed under Catalog in Method 2 was updated on May 26, 2026.
• WSUS: This update is available to organizations using Windows Server Update Services for managed deployment.

No specific prerequisite servicing stack update is mentioned in the page text for this release.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a security update?

No. KB5070311 is a non-security optional preview update. It delivers improvements to functionality, performance, and reliability but does not address security vulnerabilities. The monthly security update for December 2025 is released separately on its scheduled date and is not affected by this preview.

Will there be a non-security preview update later in December 2025?

No. Microsoft has confirmed that due to reduced operations during Western holidays in December and New Year's Day, there will be no second non-security preview update in December 2025. The monthly security update will still release as scheduled, and regular servicing - including both security and non-security preview updates - resumes in January 2026.

What should IT admins know about Secure Boot certificate expiration?

Secure Boot certificates used by most Windows devices are set to expire starting in June 2026. Microsoft has been pushing updated certificates to consumer and non-managed business devices. Devices that have not yet received the newer certificates will continue to start and operate normally, and standard Windows updates will continue to install. IT administrators should consult the Secure Boot Playbook for Windows clients and Windows Server for managed environment guidance.

Do all highlighted features reach every device at the same time?

Not necessarily. This update uses two rollout phases: a gradual rollout that delivers features to devices in stages over time, and a normal rollout that releases broadly to all eligible devices. Some features - such as the simplified File Explorer context menu - are initially limited to a small group of devices as Microsoft evaluates the approach. Availability may vary by device and market for certain Copilot+ experiences.