Microsoft has officially started the rollout of Windows 11 KB5070311 for both the 25H2 and 24H2 versions, following a week’s delay. This update features a notable enhancement: the introduction of dark mode for File Explorer dialogs, including the ‘delete’ confirmation window. Additionally, the height of the Search UI has been aligned with that of the Start menu for consistency. For those interested, direct download links for the KB5070311 offline installer (.msu), available for both x64 and Arm64 architectures, have also been published.
It is important to note that KB5070311 is classified as an optional update and will not install automatically. To receive this update promptly, users must enable the toggle labeled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re possible…” on their Windows Update page. The update is listed under the title “2025-11 Preview Update (KB5070311) (26200.7309).
If you are using version 25H2, this update brings your system to Windows 11 Build 26200.7309. For those on version 24H2, it updates to Build 26100.7309. Though the build numbers differ, both belong to the same Windows release. To proceed with the installation of this update, simply select “Download & install“on the Windows Update page.
Direct Download Links for Windows 11 KB5070311
You can access the direct download links for Windows 11 KB5070311 here: 64-bit and ARM-64. Once you open the Update Catalog page, select your OS version and click the ‘Download’ button, which will bring up a pop-up window. Follow this by clicking the URL to download and save the.msu package.
In terms of file size, this optional update closely mirrors the previous ones. If you’re operating on x64 hardware, such as Intel or AMD products, the download will be approximately 4.2GB, whereas for Arm64 architecture, like Snapdragon X, it measures around 3.9GB.
| Build Number | Size | OS Version | Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26200.7309 | 4278.0 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | x64-based |
| 26200.7309 | 3933.1 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | arm64-based |
| 26100.7309 | 4278.0 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | x64-based |
| 26100.7309 | 3933.1 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | arm64-based |
Initial tests indicate that Windows 11 Build 26200.7309 takes approximately 20 minutes to download and install, requiring just one reboot to finalize the process. Personally, my experience post-update has been smooth; however, broader testing is currently being conducted across over 100 virtual machines.
New Features in Windows 11 Build 26200.7309 (25H2) / Build 26100.7309 (24H2)
Be aware that new features will be introduced gradually, which may delay their visibility for some users.
1. Expanded Dark Mode for Legacy Dialogs
Despite the availability of dark mode for several years, Windows has struggled with consistency, often defaulting to light-themed dialogs even with a dark setting enabled in Settings > Personalisation. With the release of Windows 11 KB5070311, dark mode is now applied universally to all operational dialogs.
Creating a dark theme experience, for instance, when attempting to delete the Program Files folder, the confirmation dialog now reflects this theme. Users can verify this by attempting to delete a folder in File Explorer if they haven’t yet updated to the new version.
The update also brings a dark-themed progress bar, which enhances visual consistency while navigating an action sequence in the File Explorer.
Moreover, actions such as deleting large files prompt a dark-themed dialog, making the entire process visually cohesive. Users can also witness this change in the ‘File In Use‘ dialog window.
In discussions with Windows Latest, Microsoft indicated that this update is part of a broader initiative to standardize dark mode throughout Windows 11, although further details regarding the Properties tab and other legacy components remain unconfirmed. However, reports suggest that testing for a dark-themed Properties tab is already underway internally.
It’s worth noting that while we currently have a dark mode for the Windows Run application, it has not been included in this round of updates:
Simplified Context Menu
Microsoft has also streamlined the context menu, combining options like Share, Copy, and Move into a single, more user-friendly interface. This feature is currently in a phased rollout, allowing Microsoft to gather feedback prior to a broader release.
In addition to these visual enhancements, KB5070311 addresses a critical issue that caused explorer.exe to crash upon receiving new notifications, which would disrupt the taskbar or Start menu functionality. While I experienced this bug on one of my devices, a simple restart of the Explorer process resolves the problem.
Other notable fixes in File Explorer include:
- Resolved a bug where thumbnails for videos failed to display.
- Addressed an issue causing the toolbar to appear unexpectedly in File Explorer.
- Fixed a bug preventing the correct app icon from displaying in the ‘Open’ menu for specific file formats.
2. Aligned Windows Search Height with Start Menu
The Windows Search UI historically presented a height discrepancy compared to the Start menu. While functionally sound, this discrepancy often felt jarring. Thankfully, with KB5070311, the height of the Search UI mirrors that of the Start menu, allowing for a more cohesive transition.
Though this modification is well-received, the Start menu itself remains larger, and users currently lack the ability to manually resize it as was previously possible in Windows 10. Adjusting screen resolution or scaling settings may offer some respite for users finding the Start menu overwhelming.
3. Enhanced Advanced Settings for Virtual Management
The “For Developers” section has been rebranded to “Advanced Settings, ” and KB5070311 is augmenting this area with the inclusion of a new “Virtual Workspaces” page.
You can access these settings via Settings > System > Advanced Settings > Virtual Workspaces, enabling or disabling features like “Hyper V.” Previously accessed through the Control Panel’s optional features dialogue, these options have been integrated into the Settings application.
Highlighted features manageable from the Advanced Settings page include:
- Windows Server Containers management.
- Guarded Host (Shielded Virtual Machines) and Virtual Machine Platform.
- Windows Hypervisor platform capabilities.
- Windows Sandbox for isolated app execution.
- Hyper V settings for GUI management tools and PowerShell.
4. Full-Screen Experience Now Available on All Handhelds
Initially limited to the Xbox ROG Ally, the new full-screen experience (FSE) for gaming has been made compatible across all handheld devices with this update.
FSE creates a console-like user experience, optimizing performance for gaming while obscuring Windows-related features for an immersive experience.
Future updates are set to extend FSE capabilities to regular PCs, accessible via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience.
5. Improved Quick Machine Recovery (QMR)
The recently established Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature allows for system recovery in cases of boot failure, particularly useful post-BSOD incidents. Introduced after widespread malfunctions attributed to CrowdStrike, QMR connects with Microsoft’s cloud services to initiate recovery protocols.
Upon installation of KB5070311, QMR will execute a one-time scan to identify issues and propose fixes; if none are available, it will guide users toward alternative recovery options.
6. Direct Screen Sharing with Copilot from the Taskbar
For users managing multiple applications, the update introduces a new feature that allows you to share an application’s screen directly with Copilot. By hovering over an open app in the taskbar, the “Share with Copilot” option becomes visible.
Utilizing this feature permits interaction with Copilot for inquiries and content analysis, enhancing user experience.
All these features are being rolled out gradually. If you prefer not to install the optional update currently, you can expect these enhancements to be available on December 9 as part of the Patch Tuesday cycle, although they may not be immediately visible.
As of now, Microsoft has reported no major issues, save for a bug affecting the visibility of the password icon on the login screen—this problem persists in previous Windows versions as well.
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