Microsoft has rolled out the November 2025 Preview Update (KB5070311), bringing OS Build 26200.7309 for Windows 11 version 25H2 and Build 26100.7309 for version 24H2. This non-security cumulative update introduces new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes, but also comes with a few known issues that users should be aware of.
📅 Release Information
- Update Name: 2025-11 Preview Update (KB5070311)
- Build Versions: 26200.7309 (25H2), 26100.7309 (24H2)
- Release Date: December 1, 2025
- Type: Optional, non-security preview update
🌟 Key Features & Improvements
- Dark Mode Enhancements: File Explorer operation dialogs (like delete confirmations) now support dark mode for a consistent UI.
- Search UI Alignment: Search interface height now matches the Start menu for better visual consistency.
- File Explorer Fixes: Addresses freezes and performance issues when navigating large directories.
- Search Reliability: Fixes bugs causing search delays or failures in Windows Explorer.
- Performance & Reliability: General improvements across system stability and responsiveness.
🛠️ Bug Fixes
- 49 changes included in this cumulative update, targeting system stability and user experience.
- Fixes for File Explorer crashes and search indexing issues.
- Addresses minor UI inconsistencies in Windows 11 25H2.
⚠️ Known Issues
While KB5070311 improves many aspects, some users have reported problems:
- Installation Failures: Errors like
0x80070306may prevent successful installation. - Dark Mode Bugs: In some cases, dark mode breaks or fails to apply correctly.
- Login Screen Glitch: Password reveal icon may disappear on login screen.
- Driver Conflicts: Intel Arc GPU drivers may experience instability after installing this update.
📥 How to Get the Update
- Windows Update: Available under “Optional Updates.” It won’t install automatically unless you enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Settings.
- Manual Download: Microsoft provides direct
.msuoffline installer links for x64 and ARM64 systems.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The 2025-11 Preview Update (KB5070311) is a significant optional release that enhances dark mode consistency, improves search and File Explorer performance, and fixes long-standing bugs. However, users should be cautious of installation errors and driver conflicts. Since it’s a preview update, it’s best suited for enthusiasts and IT admins who want early access to new features before the December Patch Tuesday rollout.
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