Microsoft has officially launched the Windows 11 November 2025 Update, referred to as KB5068861, featuring the build number 26200.7171. This substantial update introduces significant enhancements to both the Start menu and Taskbar, alongside several crucial bug fixes.
As has become standard with Microsoft releases, not every feature may be available immediately after the update, despite your system being updated. The majority of notable changes can be traced back to the October non-security preview update (KB5067036), which has been integrated into this latest cumulative update.
Revamped Start Menu: Customization at Its Best
Following numerous user complaints regarding the previous split in the Start menu’s design, Microsoft has responded with a more streamlined, single-page layout.
The updated Start menu now features a scrollable “All” section that resides directly beneath your pinned apps, eliminating the need for navigating separate pages. Users can opt to maintain a vertical list of all apps akin to what was seen in Windows 10, although this new update may default to a categorized view for app organization.
With automatic categorization, apps are grouped into distinct segments, dependent on the variety present on your system. This means that if a certain category lacks sufficient apps—specifically three or more—the category will not be created. For instance, if you have fewer than three games, they may be listed under “Entertainment” instead.
On my PC, the categorization grouped apps into sections labeled Utilities & Tools, Productivity, Creativity, Social, Other, Entertainment, Games, Music, and Accessibility. However, users are unable to rearrange these categories, which may come as a disappointment to those fond of customizing their interface, reminiscent of the Windows Phone era.
Additionally, there’s a Grid view option available that presents apps in a simple alphabetical format featuring wider rows, reminiscent of older Android home screens. If neither layout suits your style, the List view is also available, providing a straightforward and user-friendly interface.
The Start menu dynamically adjusts its content display based on your monitor’s size and resolution, expanding to showcase more pinned apps and recommendations on larger screens. However, some users may find the new size a bit overwhelming.
For those who prefer minimalism, you have the option to disable the Recommendations section entirely via Settings > Personalization > Start.
A new Phone Link toggle next to the search bar allows users to expand or condense phone-related functionalities effortlessly without needing to delve into Settings.
Overall, this iteration of the Start menu is the most customizable version seen across all Windows editions. Users can curate a Start menu packed with apps, recommendations, and various views, or create an austere layout comprising only a few favored applications.
Smart Taskbar: Introducing Color-Coded Battery Indicators
The long-awaited enhancement to the battery indicator in Windows has finally arrived. The new update provides color-coded statuses for the battery icon displayed across the taskbar, lock screen, Quick Settings, and Settings menu:
- Green: Battery is charging
- Orange: Energy Saver mode is active
- Red: Critical battery level
This update enhances the former plain white or black battery icons, adding significant usability and visual appeal. Users can now display the battery percentage next to the icon, a feature that may use extra resources, hence being switched off by default.
The new Energy Saver mode indicator has also seen improvement, providing a more accurate representation of battery life, and can be activated at any time.
Yet again, color transitions for these indicators are not user-customizable – many users would appreciate more control over these thresholds. The modifications carried out on the battery icon will be visible across various system interfaces like the lock screen and Quick Settings.
These updates come with the November Patch Tuesday under KB5068861 but expect a staggered rollout, so the changes may not apply immediately even after performing the updates.
Upcoming Features and Enhancements
Delayed Recommendations in File Explorer
Microsoft intends to introduce a “Recommended” panel in File Explorer, meant to include recently used files displayed prominently. However, the rollout of this feature has currently been paused with plans for future implementation.
The feature would have included larger thumbnail previews of recent files on the File Explorer home page, and it can be turned off easily via the three-dot menu under the “Folder Options” section.
Users can disable individual file recommendations by right-clicking and selecting “Remove from Recommended.”
Enhanced Security with Administrative Protection
This November 2025 Patch Tuesday update elevates Windows security with the new Administrative Protection feature. This enhancement introduces an extra layer of authentication, ensuring actions requiring admin privileges are securely verified via Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, PIN) prior to execution.
This feature runs security tasks in an isolated, system-generated account, enhancing system integrity. The toggle for this option can be found under Windows Security > Account Protection, though it appears to be part of a phased rollout based on our observations.
Patch Tuesday Update Addresses Various Issues
Improved Task Manager Functionality
The KB5068861 update resolves a significant issue where the Task Manager would occasionally remain open despite closing attempts, potentially inconveniencing users and hindering device performance.
Additionally, this update rectifies battery usability on handheld gaming devices and addresses issues with the touch keyboard and file management.
Other Fixes Include:
- Issues related to Storage Spaces accessibility and functionality.
- Voice Access setup problems when no microphone was connected.
- Window management problems causing unintended Task View activations.
- Resolved problems related to HTTP.sys impacting LocalHost functionalities.
- Fixed extraction issues for large archive files (over 1.5GB).
- Implemented correct functions for “Update and shutdown” and “Update and restart” options.
No Known Issues Following Update
Notably, the Windows 11 KB5068861 update has been met with positive stability feedback, with no reported issues so far from users. Microsoft has confirmed they are currently unaware of any known issues related to this update.
Considering its stability and the resolution of various long-standing concerns, users are encouraged to update their systems via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. However, it’s important to note that certain features may not be immediately available after the update due to staggered rollouts.
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