Download Windows 11 KB5079473: New Features and Offline Installer Links (.msu) Released

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 KB5079473 as part of its March 2026 Patch Tuesday updates. This significant update introduces up to nine new features, such as Emoji 16, a built-in Internet Speed Test, and enhanced options for file extraction in File Explorer, among others. Users can acquire this update via Windows Update or through direct download links for offline installers (.msu).

Marked as a mandatory patch, this update is officially named 2026-03 Security Update (KB5079473) (26200.8037). As a security update, it will download and install automatically unless the Windows Update service is manually paused.

Testing conducted by Windows Latest indicates that following this update, Windows 11 version 25H2 upgrades to Build 26200.8037, while version 24H2 upgrades to Build 26100.8037.

Additional Updates from Microsoft

In conjunction with KB5079473, Microsoft has also issued two critical. NET updates:

2026-03. NET 8.0.25 Security Update for x64 Clients (KB5081277)
2026-03. NET 9.0.14 Security Update for x64 Clients (KB5081278)

These. NET updates are essential for certain applications, including system inbox apps and features.

How to Download Windows 11 KB5079473

Direct download links for Windows 11 KB5079473 are available at the Microsoft Update Catalog for both 64-bit and ARM-64 architectures as offline installers.

The total size of the update is approximately 4GB, with the following breakdown based on architecture:

Build Number	Size	OS Version	Architecture
26200.8037	4523.6 MB	Windows 11 25H2	x64
26200.8037	4308.8 MB	Windows 11 25H2	arm64
26100.8037	4523.6 MB	Windows 11 24H2	x64
26100.8037	4308.8 MB	Windows 11 24H2	arm64

To initiate the update for Windows 11 Build 26200.8037, navigate to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.

For enterprise environments, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) can be utilized for managing updates. Third-party tools like Zoho’s ManageEngine provide a centralized interface to scan, download, and deploy patches across various operating systems.

Key Features in Windows 11 Build 26200.8037

The fresh features integrated into the March 2026 Update will roll out progressively and may not be immediately visible post-installation.

1. Introduction of Emoji 16.0

After several months of anticipation, Windows 11 now welcomes Emoji 16.0. The updated emoji panel includes a selection of new emojis from each major category, enhancing user expression.

2. Enhanced Windows Backup for Organizations

Windows 11 KB5079473 expands the Windows Backup restore capabilities to businesses. It now automatically restores user settings and Microsoft Store apps upon first sign-in on hybrid or cloud PCs, simplifying device refreshes and migrations.

Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined devices
Cloud PCs
Multi-user environments

3. Automatic Quick Machine Recovery Activation

The update enables Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) automatically for unmanaged Windows Professional devices, enhancing recovery options during boot issues.

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 Build 26200.8037

4. Built-in Network Speed Test

The taskbar features a new built-in network speed test tool, providing users with easy access to check their connection performance directly from the system tray.

5. Sysmon Integrated for Security Monitoring

The update integrates Sysmon (System Monitor) directly into Windows, facilitating detailed system activity monitoring for security professionals. Though disabled by default, it can be enabled via:

Settings > System > Optional Features > More Windows Features > Sysmon

6. Redesigned Widgets Settings

Widgets settings now open in a new full-page interface, enhancing usability and accessibility.

7. WebP Wallpaper Support

The new update adds support for WebP images as desktop wallpapers, a modern format known for efficient compression and high quality.

8. Taskbar Search Enhancements

Taskbar search functionality receives updates that introduce group headers indicating the number of results per category, along with a new preview feature for viewing contents without direct file access.

9. Improved File Explorer Search

The search function within File Explorer has seen reliability improvements, especially during extensive drive searches.

10. Colorful Battery Icons and Start Menu Layouts

Colorful battery icons indicating charging status have been expanded to more devices, along with the redesigned Start menu featuring a categorized layout.

Security Enhancements and Fixes in Windows 11 KB5079473

Not only does the March 2026 Update bring new features, but it also includes vital security fixes addressing six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities and a total of 58 security issues.

Summary of Security Improvements:

Security Fixes in Windows 11 KB5079473
Fix Category	Count
Total Flaws Fixed	58
Actively Exploited Zero-Days	6
Publicly Disclosed Zero-Days	3
Critical Vulnerabilities	5
Elevation of Privilege	25
Security Feature Bypass	5
Remote Code Execution	12
Information Disclosure	6
Denial of Service	3
Spoofing	7

Noteworthy Vulnerabilities Addressed

Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities Fixed in the March 2026 Update
CVE	Vulnerability Details
CVE-2026-21510	Windows Shell flaw allowing bypass of SmartScreen protections via malicious links.
CVE-2026-21513	MSHTML Framework security bypass exploited over networks.
CVE-2026-21514	Microsoft Word flaw enabling OLE protection bypass through malicious Office files.
CVE-2026-21519	Elevation of privilege issue in Desktop Window Manager granting SYSTEM privileges.
CVE-2026-21525	Denial of service vulnerability in Windows Remote Access Connection Manager found in public malware repositories.
CVE-2026-21533	Elevation of privilege flaw in Remote Desktop Services allowing new user addition to Administrators group.

Should You Be Concerned About Issues in Windows 11 March 2026 Update?

When inquiring with Microsoft about potential bugs, the company has reported no known issues with the update thus far. However, installations can occasionally encounter problems. In such cases, utilizing the Media Creation Tool for a fresh install while keeping personal files may resolve installation errors.

If you experience any new bugs, please document them for reporting to Microsoft as part of improving future updates.

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