Windows 11 January 2026 Update: Consumer-Focused Fixes Alongside Windows Server KB5073379 and KB5073450 for Enterprises

The January 2026 Update for Windows 11 has begun its rollout, affecting Windows versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, along with Windows Server editions 2025 and 2023. This month’s security update focuses primarily on security enhancements rather than introducing new features for both consumer and enterprise users.

January 2026 Patch Tuesday Summary

Below is a table summarizing the updates released on January 13, 2026:

**Overview of January 2026 Windows Patch Updates**
Windows Version	OS Build(s)	Release Date
Windows Server 2025 (KB5073379)	Build 26100.32230	January 13, 2025
Windows Server 2023 (KB5073450)	Build 25398.2092	January 13, 2026
Windows 11 25H2 (KB5074109)	Builds 26200.7623 (25H2) and 26100.7623 (24H2)	January 13, 2026
Windows 11 23H2 (KB5073455)	Build 22631.6491	January 13, 2026
Windows 10 ESU (KB5073724)	Builds 19045.6809 and 19044.6809	January 13, 2026

Downloading the January 2026 Patch Updates

To install the Windows 11 January Patch Tuesday updates, navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click on Check for updates.

If you encounter issues with the installation via Windows Update, consider utilizing the Microsoft Update Catalog. Simply enter the corresponding KB number in the search box to locate offline installers for the updates listed above, including KB5073379 for Windows Server 2025.

Details on Windows Server Updates

The January 2026 Patch Tuesday introduces new KB identifiers for Windows Server 2025 (KB5073379), differentiating it from the KB numbers used in Windows 11 consumer editions. This distinction enhances administrative clarity while managing installations.

“This change improves clarity for administrators, ” Microsoft notes in a support document.“Installation and management processes remain the same.”

While Microsoft has indicated no major issues with the updates, it has made notable changes, including the removal of obsolete drivers associated with older Motorola modems. However, most users are unlikely to experience any impacts. Additionally, a bug was fixed concerning Windows Server installations that were not receiving Hotpatch updates after an out-of-band update (KB5070881).

Key modifications in Windows Server KB5073379 (Build 26100.32230) include:

Replacement of outdated Secure Boot certificates to ensure hardware can confirm legitimate boot loaders.
Security updates to the WinSqlite3.dll component, which is utilized by various Windows and third-party applications.

For Windows Server 2023, KB5073450 was released, updating the OS to Build 25398.2092. Users of Windows Server 2022 will receive KB5073457 with Build 20348.4648.

Changes in Windows 11 Builds 26200.7623 and 26100.7623

This month, the Windows 11 KB5074109 update enhances the 25H2 version to Build 26200.7623 and the 24H2 version to Build 26100.7623. According to personal experience, the update has functioned smoothly without any noticeable issues.

For instance, after installing the update, users will find a newly titled ‘Advanced Settings’ section under Settings > System. This section, previously known as ‘For Developers, ’ offers options to enable advanced features for File Explorer, including integration with GitHub, providing direct insight into file commits and branches.

Windows 11 Advanced Settings for Virtual Workspaces

Moreover, users can enable Hyper-V features, including Windows Sandbox, directly from these advanced settings.

A revamped Start menu is now accessible to a broader range of users, showcasing a single-page UI that defaults to the Categories view for the All apps list. While users can revert to the original grid layout, the new Start menu occupies more vertical space, optimizing screen utilization based on resolution and scaling.

Additional Noteworthy Changes in Windows 11

The January 2026 Patch Tuesday update includes further enhancements:

Dark mode has expanded within File Explorer, introducing this aesthetic to operational dialogs, including deletion confirmations requiring approval.
A new Recommended section can be enabled in File Explorer via the Options menu, enhancing user experience.
The Full Screen Experience for handheld devices has been extended beyond ROG Ally models, optimizing performance while minimizing background resource usage.
Stylus pens now feature haptic feedback, echoing the tactile sensation offered by haptic trackpads.
Improvements have been made to keyboard backlight functionality.
Settings now provide management capabilities for connected mobile devices under Bluetooth & Devices.
A drag tray enhancement allows users to drag files from File Explorer or the desktop to the top of the screen, now supporting multi-file sharing.

Floating windows share tray in Windows 11 Beta

Windows 11 KB5073455 (23H2) Update Overview

The Windows 11 KB5073455 update is available for enterprise users utilizing version 23H2, as support for consumer editions concluded in November 2025.

Changes in this update mirror those in Windows Server revisions, including the removal of outdated modem drivers, improvements to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections, and resolutions to issues causing applications like Outlook, Teams, and Excel to crash during text input.

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