Windows 11 Update KB5072033 25H2 Enhances Gaming Experience and Dark Mode with Direct Download Links for Offline Installer (.msu)

Windows 11 has received its latest update, KB5072033, applicable to versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update marks the final release for the year 2025, as Microsoft developers take a break for the holidays. The update is designed to minimize issues and includes notable improvements, particularly in dark mode support, alongside a series of fixes. Direct download links for the offline installer of KB5072033 are available for users who prefer manual installation.

Titled “2025-11 Security Update (KB5072033) (26200.7462), ” this mandatory December 2025 Patch Tuesday update is expected to start downloading automatically as Windows periodically checks for updates, according to observations by Windows Latest.

The update raises Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.7462 while upgrading Windows 11 24H2 to Build 26100.7462. Among the various enhancements, gamers will benefit from long-overdue fixes for AMD GPU issues that have plagued users for some time.

Please note that this update is still being gradually rolled out; therefore, it may not appear immediately. Users should check back after 10 AM PT. Although it is classified as a mandatory security update, there is an option to pause updates if desired.

How to Download Windows 11 KB5072033

You can access the direct download links for Windows 11 KB5072033 here: 64-bit and ARM-64 versions. The December 2025 Patch Tuesday update can also be found via Settings > Windows Update. However, for users facing slow download speeds or issues due to the large size of the update (over 1GB), utilizing the Microsoft Update Catalog is recommended.

To ensure you download the correct version via the Microsoft Update Catalog, verify your Windows 11 OS version and architecture by navigating to Settings > System > About. Below are the relevant details regarding Windows 11 builds and their sizes:

Build Number	Size	OS Version	Architecture
26100.7462	3912.1 MB	Windows 11 Version 24H2	x64-based
26100.7462	3716.5 MB	Windows 11 Version 24H2	arm64-based
26200.7462	3912.1 MB	Windows 11 Version 25H2	x64-based
26200.7462	3716.5 MB	Windows 11 Version 25H2	arm64-based

New Features in Windows 11 Build 26200.7462 (25H2) and 26100.7462 (24H2)

1. Harmonized Search UI Height with Start Menu

One of the most noticeable changes after installing this cumulative update is the new synchronization in height between the Windows Search interface and the Start menu. Previously, the Search UI appeared shorter, but this update resolves this inconsistency, aligning the height of both elements.

Here’s a visual comparison before and after the update:

Windows 11 Start menu and Search UI comparison

2. Enhanced Advanced Settings for Comprehensive Management

The updated Advanced Settings (formerly For Developers) now includes support for Virtual Workspaces. Previously scattered across multiple areas, management of features like Sandbox and Hypervisor has been centralized, vastly simplifying user experience for developers and casual users alike.

Windows 11 Advanced Settings for Virtual Workspaces

A newly organized interface allows users to control various features, including:

Containers: Enable this to run applications like Docker.
Guarded Host: Create secure virtual machines.
Virtual Machine Platform: Supports applications like WSL2.
Windows Hypervisor Platform: Manage emulators and VMs.
Windows Sandbox: Now controllable via Settings.

3. Full Dark Mode Implementation for File Explorer Dialogs

With this update, Windows 11 enables dark mode for all operational dialogs in File Explorer. Users can expect uniformity, as previously light-themed dialogs, like the file deletion confirmation, now adopt the dark mode aesthetic.

Additionally, the file transfer dialog has received an aesthetic update, shifting to a darker theme while incorporating various colors to indicate status—blue for active transfers, orange for pauses, and red for errors. The following fixes were also made:

Resolved an issue with missing video thumbnails in File Explorer.
Fixed a bug causing the toolbar to appear unexpectedly.
Restored the app icon in the context menu for the “Open”command.

4. Optimizations for Gamers

Users with AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics cards have reported substantial stability improvements after installing KB5072033. Issues such as “GPU hung” and “driver removed” errors during gameplay in titles like Battlefield 6 and COD Black Ops 7 have been mitigated.

While AMD’s driver notes continue to acknowledge some issues, Microsoft’s update documentation confirms a fix for a bug incorrectly flagging supported GPUs as unsupported, hinting at underlying improvements to the graphics stack.

In addition to graphical stability, this month’s update addresses several frustrating Windows issues, including potential freezes of explorer.exe related to notifications. Enhanced performance for high-resolution displays has also been targeted, promising a smoother experience when launching apps and games.

However, users should be aware of some cosmetic bugs, including white flashes in File Explorer while dark mode is active and potential login screen issues.

For those experiencing ongoing issues with AMD GPUs, applying the Windows 11 KB5072033 update alongside the latest Adrenalin driver could be beneficial, even if some minor visual bugs persist.

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