Direct Download Links for Windows 11 KB5068861 25H2 Update with New Features (.msu)

Microsoft has rolled out one of the most significant updates for Windows 11, identified as KB5068861, applicable for both the 25H2 and 24H2 builds. This update, part of the November 2025 Update, introduces a revamped Start menu interface, vibrantly colored battery icons on the taskbar, and notable performance enhancements. Moreover, both Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog provide direct download links for users who prefer offline installation.

As a mandatory update, KB5068861 will automatically download and install if it hasn’t been applied yet. It appears as “2025-10 Security Update (KB5068861) (26200.7171)”.Users on Windows 11 25H2 will advance to Build 26200.7171, while those still on 24H2 will see an upgrade to Build 26100.7171. The overall size of this update is around 1GB when obtained via Windows Update but may reach up to 4GB from the Update Catalog.

Where to Download Windows 11 KB5068861

You can access the direct download links for Windows 11 KB5068861 here: 64-bit and ARM-64. Simply click “Download” on the Update Catalog page to retrieve the.msu file.

New Features in Builds 26200.7171 (25H2) and 26100.7171 (24H2)

1. Revamped Start Menu Interface

With the latest update, the Windows 11 Start menu has undergone its first significant redesign since launch, adopting a streamlined single-page layout. Users can now effortlessly scroll through their applications without the need to click on “All.” However, scrolling to find your apps may still require some getting used to.

Windows 11 KB5068861 with new Start menu UI

To enhance user experience, Microsoft has introduced two new views for the app listing: Categories and Grid list. The default setting, ‘Categories’, groups apps into specific classifications. For instance, media players and streaming services are organized under “Entertainment.”

Understanding the New Categorization

The updated menu utilizes a 15 MB JSON file stored locally to categorize apps. As the Start menu compiles the “All” list, it references these category lists to assign apps accordingly. Notably, this process operates offline and does not require any communication with Microsoft servers. However, to keep a category visible, at least three apps must be present; otherwise, they are lumped into “Other”.If desired, users can revert to the traditional alphabetical list or opt for the grid layout for a more compact view.

2. Colorful Battery Icons with Percentage Display

Another exciting addition in Windows 11 KB5068861 is the colorful battery icons in the taskbar, which visually represent battery levels through three colors:

Red: Indicates the battery is critically low (below 6%).
Orange: Activates when the energy saver mode is enabled.
Green: Shows when the device is charging.

Additionally, the update extends the battery icon’s length to improve clarity and introduces an optional percentage display—though this feature needs to be toggled on in the “Power and sleep” settings.

3. Task Manager Performance Fixes

Microsoft has addressed a notable bug in the Task Manager, which occasionally left the program running in the background instead of closing fully when using the close button. Previously, this issue could clutter the system with countless hidden processes, adversely impacting performance.

4. Enhanced System Performance

Windows 11 KB5068861 delivers performance improvements. Users will likely notice that the taskbar now loads more swiftly after waking from sleep or powering on. Previous delays and freezing issues related to the lock screen have also been addressed, allowing for a smoother user experience.

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