Download Windows 11 KB5074109 (25H2) Update: Major Fixes and Direct Links (.msu)

Microsoft has released Windows 11 update KB5074109, now accessible for both the 25H2 and 24H2 versions. As this marks the first update of the year, it primarily focuses on addressing bugs. Users can download the January 2026 Patch Tuesday either through Windows Update or via direct download links for offline installers in the.msu format provided by Microsoft.

This update is a compulsory installation for Windows 11 25H2, automatically downloading unless users choose to pause updates. During our testing phase, January 2026 Patch Tuesday appeared as “2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623)“and was efficiently downloaded in the background.

Upon installation, KB5074109 upgrades PCs to Windows 11 Build 26200.7623 for version 25H2 and Build 26100.7623 for version 24H2. Notably, both versions represent the same update, which renders the particular version irrelevant as the changelog remains consistent across both.

It’s important to note that this update is still being rolled out and may not be available immediately; it will officially be accessible starting at 10 AM PT.

Download Links for Windows 11 KB5074109

For direct access to the Windows 11 KB5074109 offline installers, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog. This platform is usually beneficial for users managing updates across multiple machines or those experiencing difficulties with the Windows Update process.

In line with previous updates, this month’s Patch Tuesday is notably large, exceeding 4GB. This is due to Microsoft incorporating AI models, such as Phi, into the bundles. Although these models are intended solely for supported hardware, all users receive these larger update sizes regardless of their system capabilities.

Build Number	Size	OS Version	Architecture
26200.7623	4238.0 MB	Windows 11 25H2	x64-based
26200.7623	3953.1 MB	Windows 11 25H2	arm64-based
26100.7623	4298.0 MB	Windows 11 24H2	x64-based
26100.7623	3913.1 MB	Windows 11 24H2	arm64-based

Based on our experience, downloading Windows 11 Build 26200.7623 takes approximately 5 minutes at a bandwidth of 200 Mbps, with installation lasting around 7-10 minutes across multiple devices. Currently, we haven’t faced any issues, but we will extend our testing to over 100 machines and update you if any problems arise.

Key Features of Windows 11 Build 26200.7623 (25H2) / Build 26100.7623 (24H2)

The January 2026 Patch Tuesday is largely an incremental update focusing primarily on bug fixes and potentially releasing some previously delayed features to the wider audience.

Notably, users who have been waiting for the vibrant battery icons on the taskbar may find them included after this update. Furthermore, the taskbar’s new ‘Share with Copilot’ feature, which began rolling out with the December 2025 update, is also now more broadly available. The following highlights showcase additional features rolling out with Windows 11 KB5074109:

1. Taskbar Integration of ‘Share with Copilot’

The taskbar now includes a “Share with Copilot”toggle when users hover over applications. This allows immediate screen sharing with Copilot, utilizing the Windows API, traditionally used for applications like Teams. In a notable move, Microsoft adjusted the API to be compatible with chatbots.

Share with Copilot on Windows 11 taskbar

This means potential integration with APIs for other services, such as “Share with ChatGPT.”After the installation of KB5074109, users can ask directed queries about their current applications while sharing their screen with Copilot, e.g., queries about managing emails in Outlook.

Share with Copilot button on the taskbar for Windows 11

Copilot will illustrate which areas of the screen to focus on, but it will not perform actions autonomously.

2. New ‘Recommended’ Section in File Explorer

A notable enhancement in KB5074109 is the introduction of a ‘Recommended’ feed in File Explorer. This allows users to access recently utilized files and quick access to recently downloaded items, elevating the utility beyond the traditional ‘Recent’ section.

File Explorer with Recommended feed in Windows 11 24H2

To enable this functionality, users must utilize a Microsoft account. Simply navigate to File Explorer, click on ‘Options, ’ and activate the ‘Recommended‘ feature.

Turn off Recommended section in File Explorer

3. Advanced Settings Management

Windows 11 now simplifies the management of advanced features including Sandbox, virtual workspaces, and environments such as Hyper-V within the Settings application: System > Advanced Settings.

Windows 11 Advanced Settings for Virtual Workspaces

4. Enhanced Dark Mode in File Explorer

The KB5074109 update brings a more consistent dark mode experience throughout File Explorer. Users might notice a rollout of dark-themed dialogs during common actions such as deleting files or moving folders.

5. Full-Screen Experience for Handheld Devices

One of the highlights of KB5074109 is the introduction of a Full Screen Experience mode designed for gaming handhelds, which will eventually be accessible to general PCs as well. This feature enhances the gaming experience by concealing other Windows components and optimizing system resources.

To use this, navigate to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience > Xbox.

6. Improved Performance

The December 2025 update introduced optimizations for games and applications querying monitors for supported modes upon launch. The current KB5074109 update may extend this fix to a broader audience, reducing performance stuttering often encountered with high-resolution monitors. Furthermore, users with HID-compliant keyboards should notice enhancements in backlight performance.

Known Issues Associated with KB5074109

Given that KB5074109 is largely a minor update following the December 2025 release, users should not expect to encounter new issues. We continue to conduct rigorous testing and will update you on any complications if they arise.

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