Tag: Windows 11 24H2

Windows 11 mouse cursor bug caused by KB5120998 update August 2026
August 31, 2026

Windows 11 Mouse Cursor Bug: KB5120998 Fix & Workarounds

Post By administrator Microsoft, Windows , , , , , No Comments

The Windows 11 mouse cursor bug introduced by the optional August 2026 cumulative update KB5120998 has caught thousands of users off guard — cursor tails growing longer, pointer personalisation reverting to defaults, and high-DPI custom cursors ballooning into oversized white blobs. If you installed this update and your cursor is now behaving strangely, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take right now without having to roll back the entire update.

What Is KB5120998 and Why Did It Cause a Mouse Cursor Bug?

Windows 11 KB5120998 update history screen showing the cursor issue entry

Released on 27 August 2026 as an optional preview update, KB5120998 targets Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, bumping the OS builds to 26100.9278 and 26200.9278 respectively. According to Microsoft’s own release notes, the update ships with 35 changes covering taskbar reliability, Start menu improvements, voice-typing settings persistence, and Windows Management Instrumentation fixes. It is a preview — meaning IT admins and enthusiastic early adopters tend to grab it before the mandatory Patch Tuesday rollout — but its reach has still been wide enough to generate a significant wave of reports.

The KB5120998 cursor issue stems from a bug in the way the update handles mouse pointer personalisation settings. Microsoft has confirmed it received reports that “mouse cursor personalisation settings are being changed or reverted to certain standard settings” after installation. In practical terms, that means custom cursors get reset, cursor shadow and trail options change without the user touching them, and on high-DPI displays the system cursor reverts to an enlarged default white pointer. A secondary bug in the same update also resets desktop wallpaper for some users.

Which Windows 11 Versions Are Affected by the Cursor Bug?

The Windows cursor problem specifically targets machines running:

  • Windows 11 24H2 — OS Build 26100.9278
  • Windows 11 25H2 — OS Build 26200.9278

Because KB5120998 is an optional preview update, only users who actively chose to install it — or whose IT departments pushed it for testing — are exposed. Machines still on the standard automatic update channel that have not yet received KB5120998 are unaffected. You can confirm your current build by pressing Win + R, typing winver, and pressing Enter.

Symptoms: How the KB5120998 Cursor Issue Appears

Users across Reddit, Microsoft’s own Answers forum, and third-party tech outlets have reported a consistent set of symptoms. If you recognise any of these after installing KB5120998, the update is likely responsible:

  • Cursor tail or shadow appears noticeably longer than before
  • Custom cursor schemes revert to the default Windows white pointer
  • High-DPI cursors display as large, blocky white shapes instead of the intended design
  • The pointer size and colour settings in Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch appear to reset on reboot
  • Attempting to re-apply cursor personalisation in Settings has no lasting effect
  • Desktop wallpaper resets to a default image (a secondary bug in the same update)

Microsoft’s Response to the Windows 11 Mouse Cursor Bug

Windows 11 mouse cursor bug fix steps in Mouse Properties and Accessibility settings

Microsoft has publicly acknowledged the cursor fix Windows 11 situation is on its radar. In a statement reported by Windows Latest, the company confirmed: “We’re aware” — and said it is actively investigating. No patch or out-of-band fix had been released at the time of writing (late August 2026), but given that KB5120998 is a preview update and not yet a mandatory rollout, Microsoft has time to bake a resolution into the next Patch Tuesday release before it reaches the wider Windows user base.

For the full official breakdown of what KB5120998 was supposed to fix, you can review Microsoft’s official KB5120998 support page, which lists all 35 changes in detail.

How to Apply a Cursor Fix Without Rolling Back the Update

The good news is that the cursor fix for Windows 11 does not necessarily require uninstalling KB5120998. Try these steps in order before resorting to a full update rollback.

Step 1: Manually Re-Apply Your Cursor Scheme

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Additional mouse settings. In the Mouse Properties dialog, navigate to the Pointers tab and reselect your preferred cursor scheme from the drop-down. Click Apply, then OK. Reboot your PC. For many users, this temporary re-application holds between sessions once the system has completed its first full restart post-update.

Step 2: Adjust Pointer Size and Colour via Accessibility Settings

Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Reset the pointer size slider and choose your preferred colour. Some users have reported that toggling between the custom colour option and then back to white — and applying — forces the system to write the correct value to the registry, making the preference stick.

Step 3: Edit the Registry Directly

For advanced users, the cursor preferences are stored under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Cursors. You can export this key before the next update so you always have a clean backup. If KB5120998 wiped your values, you can re-import the exported .reg file to restore them instantly. Always back up the registry before making changes — press Win + R, type regedit, go to File > Export, and save the Cursors key.

Step 4: Uninstall KB5120998 (Last Resort)

If the KB5120998 cursor issue persists and is severely disrupting your workflow, uninstalling the update is confirmed to restore both cursor and wallpaper settings. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, find KB5120998 in the list, and select Uninstall. Because this was an optional preview update, removing it does not leave you exposed to any mandatory security patches — those will arrive via the next standard cumulative update.

Will Microsoft Release a Permanent Cursor Fix for Windows 11?

Windows 11 licence validity unaffected by cursor bug or KB5120998 update

Almost certainly yes. Microsoft has a consistent pattern of resolving preview-update regressions in the subsequent mandatory Patch Tuesday release. Given that the Windows cursor problem is highly visible — literally affecting every action a user takes — it is a high-priority fix. The next scheduled Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 falls in September 2026, which gives Microsoft a tight but workable window. Until that update arrives, the manual workarounds above should keep most users productive.

Is Your Windows 11 Licence Still Valid After the Bug?

Absolutely. A buggy update does not affect your Windows activation status in any way. Your digital licence remains tied to your motherboard’s hardware signature and is entirely independent of cumulative updates. If you are, however, running an unactivated copy of Windows 11 or considering a fresh installation while this issue unfolds, now is a good time to ensure you have a legitimate licence in place. Browse our range of Windows 11 Pro licences — from €12.90 for an OEM key — or grab a Windows 11 Home licence starting at €9.35, both with lifetime activation and instant digital delivery.

How to Avoid Being Caught Out by Future Preview Updates

The KB5120998 situation is a reminder that optional preview updates exist for early testing — not production use. Here is how to protect yourself going forward:

  • Avoid optional updates unless you are specifically testing features. In Windows Update settings, toggle off “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”.
  • Create a restore point before every major update via Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create.
  • Export your Cursors registry key as described above so you can restore personalisation in seconds if a future update reverts it.
  • Monitor reputable Windows news sources after any update release before installing — a 48-hour wait often reveals major bugs like this one.
  • Check Microsoft’s Known Issues tracker on the Windows 11 release health dashboard before applying preview updates to production machines.

FAQ

What exactly does KB5120998 do to cause the mouse cursor bug?

KB5120998 contains a bug that reverts mouse cursor personalisation settings to system defaults after installation. This causes custom cursor schemes to reset, cursor tails to appear longer, and high-DPI cursors to display as oversized white pointers. The underlying pointer functionality is unaffected — only the appearance and personalisation settings are impacted.

Is the Windows 11 mouse cursor bug dangerous or a security risk?

No. The KB5120998 cursor issue is purely cosmetic and affects personalisation settings only. It does not expose your system to security vulnerabilities, corrupt files, or cause data loss. It is, however, genuinely disruptive to daily workflow, particularly for users who rely on custom high-contrast or accessibility-focused cursor schemes.

Do I have to uninstall KB5120998 to fix the cursor problem?

Not necessarily. Many users report success by manually re-applying their cursor scheme via Mouse Properties or Accessibility Settings after the update. Uninstalling the update is the most reliable fix if manual steps fail, but it is a last resort rather than the first step. Microsoft is expected to release a patched version in the next cumulative update.

Which Windows 11 versions are affected by the cursor bug?

Only Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100.9278) and 25H2 (Build 26200.9278) are affected, because KB5120998 only targets those versions. Windows 11 22H2 and older builds, as well as Windows 10, are not impacted by this specific update. Check your build via Win + R > winver to confirm.

Will the cursor fix come automatically through Windows Update?

Yes — Microsoft is expected to include the cursor fix in the next mandatory Patch Tuesday update, targeted for September 2026. Once that update installs automatically, your cursor settings should be preserved correctly going forward. In the meantime, re-applying your cursor scheme manually or uninstalling KB5120998 are your best interim options.

Official Windows 11 ISO download page open on a laptop screen
August 28, 2026

Windows 11 ISO Download: Get the Official File & Install It Right

Post By administrator Microsoft, Windows , , , , , , No Comments

The Windows 11 ISO download you get directly from Microsoft is the cleanest, safest starting point for any fresh installation — no third-party repacks, no bundled bloatware, no surprises. Whether you’re building a new PC, wiping a sluggish old machine, or preparing a spare drive, this guide walks you through every step: finding the real ISO, creating bootable media, and completing a smooth clean install.

Why Use the Official Windows 11 ISO?

Windows 11 ISO system requirements checklist showing TPM 2.0 and UEFI icons

Downloading the Windows 11 ISO straight from Microsoft’s servers guarantees you get an unmodified, digitally signed image. Third-party copies circulating on file-sharing sites frequently contain unwanted software, outdated drivers, or — in the worst cases — malware embedded in the installer itself. Microsoft makes the official file freely available, so there’s never a good reason to go anywhere else for the Windows 11 ISO.

According to Microsoft’s own download page, the ISO is available for both the Home and Pro editions and supports every language Windows 11 ships in. The image you download will always be the most recent feature update — as of mid-2026, that’s the 24H2 release.

Check System Requirements Before You Download

Before grabbing the ISO, make sure your hardware will actually run Windows 11. Microsoft’s requirements are stricter than they were for Windows 10, and skipping this step wastes time.

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit CPU
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum
  • Storage: 64 GB or more
  • Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 — this is the requirement that catches most older PCs
  • Graphics: DirectX 12-compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: 720p, 9-inch diagonal or larger
  • Internet: Required for Windows 11 Home setup; optional for Pro

Not sure whether your PC qualifies? The Windows 11 system requirements check guide on Buy Now Key breaks down exactly what to look for — including how to verify TPM 2.0 status in your BIOS.

How to Get the Official Windows 11 ISO Download

Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB drive with Rufus on a laptop

Microsoft offers two official routes for obtaining a Windows 11 ISO download: the Media Creation Tool and a direct ISO download via a browser trick. Both routes reach the same file; pick whichever suits your workflow.

Method 1 — Media Creation Tool (Recommended for Most Users)

The Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s all-in-one utility. It downloads the ISO, verifies its integrity, and can write it to a USB drive in a single workflow.

  1. Open a browser and go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
  2. Scroll to the section labelled Create Windows 11 Installation Media and click Download Now. This saves MediaCreationTool.exe to your PC.
  3. Run the tool and accept the licence terms.
  4. Select your preferred language and edition (Home or Pro — both are included in the same ISO).
  5. Choose ISO file as the media type, pick a save location, and click Save.
  6. The tool downloads and assembles the ISO. For most broadband connections, this takes 15–30 minutes; the finished file is approximately 5.4 GB.

Method 2 — Direct ISO Download (Advanced Users)

If you’re on a Mac, Linux machine, or prefer to manage the download yourself, you can obtain the Windows 11 ISO directly without the Media Creation Tool. Visit Microsoft’s download page, switch your browser’s user-agent to a non-Windows browser (or use Firefox’s developer tools), and the page will reveal a direct ISO download link instead of offering the Media Creation Tool. Alternatively, use the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices section — scroll past the Media Creation Tool section and you’ll find a dropdown to select your edition and language, then generate a time-limited download link.

Creating a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive

Windows 11 clean install setup screen showing partition selection step

An ISO file alone won’t install Windows 11 — you need to write it to a USB drive in a bootable format. You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space. Writing to it will erase everything on it, so back up any data first.

Option A — Use the Media Creation Tool to Write Directly

If you chose USB flash drive instead of ISO file in the Media Creation Tool steps above, the tool writes the Windows 11 bootable USB automatically. Insert your drive before launching the tool, select it when prompted, and the tool handles everything.

Option B — Use Rufus for the Windows 11 Bootable USB

Rufus is a free, open-source tool widely recommended for creating a Windows 11 bootable USB from an ISO you’ve already downloaded. It gives you more control over partition scheme (GPT for UEFI systems, MBR for older legacy BIOS setups) and can optionally bypass TPM/Secure Boot checks during setup.

  1. Download Rufus from its official site (rufus.ie) — no installation needed, it runs as a portable .exe.
  2. Insert your USB drive and open Rufus. It will detect the drive automatically.
  3. Click SELECT and browse to your Windows 11 ISO file.
  4. Choose GPT as the partition scheme if your PC uses UEFI (most modern PCs do).
  5. Leave the file system as NTFS and the cluster size as default.
  6. Click START. Rufus may prompt you to select Windows compatibility options — for a fully compatible PC, leave these at default.
  7. The process takes roughly 8–12 minutes. When Rufus shows READY, your bootable drive is complete.

Performing the Windows 11 Clean Install

A Windows 11 clean install wipes the target drive and gives you a fresh OS with no legacy clutter. Back up any important files before proceeding — this process is irreversible once you format the drive.

  1. Boot from the USB. Restart your PC, enter the BIOS/UEFI (typically by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup — check your motherboard manual), and set your USB drive as the first boot device. Save and exit.
  2. Windows Setup launches. Select your language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click Next → Install now.
  3. Enter a product key. If you have a licence key, enter it here. If you’re reinstalling on a device with a previously activated digital licence, click I don’t have a product key — Windows will reactivate automatically once setup is complete.
  4. Choose the edition. Select Windows 11 Home or Pro to match your licence.
  5. Select the installation type. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a clean install.
  6. Select the partition. Delete existing partitions on the target drive to give Windows a clean slate (or select unallocated space on a new drive). Windows Setup will create the necessary system partitions automatically.
  7. Wait for installation. Setup copies files, installs features, and reboots several times. The whole process takes 15–30 minutes depending on drive speed.
  8. Complete initial setup (OOBE). On first boot, Windows 11 walks you through region, Wi-Fi, Microsoft account sign-in, and privacy settings.

Activating Windows 11 After a Clean Install

After the Windows 11 clean install completes, check activation status by going to Settings → System → Activation. If the device previously ran an activated copy of Windows 11, the digital licence typically re-links automatically when you sign in with your Microsoft account — no key entry needed.

If you need a fresh licence for a new build or a PC that has never been activated, Buy Now Key offers genuine Windows 11 licences at competitive prices. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – Retail is available from €17.90 and includes a global, lifetime licence delivered instantly. For home users, Microsoft Windows 11 Home – Retail starts from €15.60 — a fraction of what you’d pay at a high-street retailer, with the same genuine activation.

Not sure which edition is right for your PC? The Windows 11 Pro vs Home comparison on Buy Now Key breaks down every meaningful difference to help you decide.

For a deeper look at all the legal activation routes available in 2026, the Windows licence activation guide covers every option — from digital licences to volume keys.

Common Issues with the Windows 11 ISO Download and Install

Even a straightforward Windows 11 ISO process can hit snags. Here are the most frequent problems and their fixes:

  • “This PC can’t run Windows 11” — Usually a TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot issue. Enter the BIOS, enable TPM (sometimes listed as PTT on Intel systems or fTPM on AMD) and enable Secure Boot, then restart setup.
  • USB drive not detected in boot menu — Ensure the drive was formatted as GPT (for UEFI) or MBR (for legacy BIOS). Disable Fast Boot in the BIOS if the USB doesn’t appear.
  • Setup stops at “Getting files ready for installation” — A damaged ISO or a failing USB drive. Redownload the ISO and verify its SHA-256 hash against Microsoft’s published value, then rewrite the drive.
  • Windows won’t activate after reinstall — Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your digital licence. If you’re using a retail key, re-enter it in Settings → Activation → Change product key.
  • Driver issues after a clean install — Windows Update usually handles drivers automatically. For stubborn hardware, visit the manufacturer’s site or use Device Manager to locate missing drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Windows 11 ISO download free?

Yes — the ISO file itself is free to download from Microsoft’s website. What you pay for is the Windows 11 licence (product key) that activates the software. Without a valid licence, Windows 11 runs in an unactivated state with limited personalisation options and a persistent watermark on the desktop.

Can I use a Windows 10 key to activate a Windows 11 clean install?

In many cases, yes. If your PC previously ran an activated copy of Windows 10, Microsoft’s digital licence system often allows a free upgrade activation for Windows 11 on the same hardware. If you’re installing on a different machine entirely, you’ll need a separate Windows 11 licence key — your old Windows 10 key is tied to the original device.

How large is the Windows 11 ISO file?

The full Windows 11 multi-edition ISO (covering both Home and Pro) is approximately 5.4 GB as of the 24H2 release. Make sure you have enough free space on your download destination before starting, and use a USB drive of at least 8 GB capacity for creating bootable media.

Do I need to be connected to the internet for a Windows 11 clean install?

Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account during the out-of-box setup experience (OOBE). Windows 11 Pro can be set up with a local account offline by selecting Domain join instead at the account screen. Post-install, internet access is needed to download updates and drivers via Windows Update.

What’s the difference between Media Creation Tool and downloading the ISO directly?

The Media Creation Tool is a guided wizard that downloads and optionally writes to USB in one go — ideal for most users. Downloading the ISO directly gives you the raw file, which you can store, archive, and use with your preferred USB-writing tool (like Rufus). Both methods produce an identical Windows 11 installation image from Microsoft’s servers.

Windows 11 gaming crashes caused by KB5121003 cumulative update August 2026
August 22, 2026

Windows 11 Gaming Crashes: KB5121003 Fixes and Workarounds

Post By administrator Microsoft, Windows , , , , , No Comments

Windows 11 gaming crashes are hitting millions of players in August 2026, and the culprit is a single cumulative update: KB5121003. Released on 12 August 2026 as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday cycle, this security update patches over 400 vulnerabilities — but it has introduced severe stability problems that are making games unplayable. Here is everything you need to know, and the fastest ways to get back in the game.

What Is KB5121003 and Why Does It Cause Game Crashes?

Diagram showing KB5121003 update conflict causing Windows 11 gaming crashes

KB5121003 is the August 2026 cumulative security update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 (OS Builds 26100.9168 and 26200.9168). It is one of the largest Patch Tuesday releases in recent memory, fixing over 400 documented security issues across the operating system. Unfortunately, the update also appears to have introduced a conflict with a low-level hardware input driver called inpoutx64.sys.

This driver is used by a wide range of PC games and third-party peripherals to handle hardware I/O at a kernel level. When KB5121003 modifies how Windows handles this driver, games either crash to desktop immediately on launch, freeze mid-session, or cause graphical corruption across both dedicated GPUs (dGPU) and integrated graphics (iGPU). Users on Reddit and Microsoft’s own support forums have reported crashes in titles including Valorant, Roblox, and a broad selection of other games spanning multiple genres and launchers.

Microsoft has officially acknowledged the issue on its support page for KB5121003, confirming it has received reports of games failing to run as expected following installation and that an investigation is ongoing.

Which Games Are Affected by Windows 11 Update Crashes?

The Windows 11 update crashes triggered by KB5121003 appear to affect games that rely on the inpoutx64.sys driver for input handling. Reported affected titles include, but are not limited to:

  • Valorant (and other anti-cheat–protected titles)
  • Roblox
  • Titles using older DirectInput or raw hardware I/O frameworks
  • Games with third-party overlay software that hooks into kernel drivers

Graphical corruption has been reported even on systems where the game launches successfully, with rendering artefacts appearing across both dGPU and iGPU configurations. Some players are also experiencing random forced system reboots while gaming — a secondary bug linked to the same update cycle.

Additionally, unrelated problems introduced by KB5121003 include PIN login failures and display driver errors, suggesting the update’s impact extends well beyond gaming.

KB5121003 Fix: Step-by-Step Workarounds Right Now

Step-by-step guide to fixing Windows 11 game crashes by uninstalling KB5121003

While Microsoft works on a dedicated patch, there are two main approaches to resolving the game crashes Windows 11 players are experiencing. Choose the one that best matches your situation.

Option 1: Delete the inpoutx64.sys Driver

The most targeted workaround — recommended for users who want to keep the security patches in KB5121003 — is to remove the problematic driver file without rolling back the entire update.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click the Start button → Terminal (Admin)).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: del /f /q C:\Windows\System32\drivers\inpoutx64.sys
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Try launching your game again.

This approach removes the conflicting driver but leaves the 400+ security fixes from KB5121003 in place, which is the preferable outcome from a security standpoint.

Option 2: Uninstall KB5121003 Entirely

If deleting the driver does not resolve your game crashes Windows 11 issue, or if you are experiencing additional problems such as PIN login failures, you can uninstall the update completely. Be aware that this also removes all the security patches it delivered.

  1. Go to Start → Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
  2. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
  3. Find KB5121003 in the list and select Uninstall.
  4. Restart your PC when prompted.

To prevent Windows from automatically reinstalling the update before a fix is ready, you can pause updates temporarily: Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates, then choose a pause period of up to five weeks. Nvidia has also suggested this uninstall route as a temporary measure for affected users.

Option 3: Wait for Microsoft’s Official Fix

Microsoft has confirmed it is investigating the KB5121003 gaming crash issue. A fix is expected to arrive either as an out-of-band (OOB) patch or as part of the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update. If your games are mostly stable and only occasionally crashing, it may be worth simply waiting — especially if you work in a regulated environment where patching is mandatory.

KB5121003 Fix Progress: What Microsoft Has Said

According to BleepingComputer’s coverage of the issue, Microsoft has flagged the gaming problem in its Windows Health Dashboard and is actively investigating. The company has not yet released a timeline for a permanent fix, but the scale of reports — spanning gaming forums, Microsoft Answers, and mainstream tech press — suggests a rapid response is likely. Users with Sophos endpoint security software may already find the issue is resolved, as Sophos pushed a targeted remediation shortly after the problem was identified.

How to Check If KB5121003 Is Installed on Your PC

Security versus gaming stability trade-off in Windows 11 KB5121003 update fix

Not every Windows 11 machine will have received KB5121003 yet, depending on your update settings. Here is how to check:

  • Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
  • Look for KB5121003 in the list of quality updates.
  • If it appears with a status of “Successfully installed”, your system has the update and could be affected.

If you have not installed the update yet and are primarily a gaming PC user, you may want to pause updates and wait for Microsoft’s corrective patch before proceeding.

Should You Sacrifice Security to Fix Game Crashes on Windows 11?

This is the core dilemma. KB5121003 addresses over 400 security vulnerabilities, making it one of the most significant Patch Tuesday releases of 2026. Uninstalling it leaves your system exposed to those vulnerabilities. For a home gaming rig that is behind a router and not storing sensitive data, the practical risk of uninstalling temporarily is relatively low — but it is not zero.

For best results, try the inpoutx64.sys driver deletion (Option 1) first, since it preserves the security patches while targeting the specific conflict causing the Windows 11 gaming crashes. Only escalate to a full uninstall if Option 1 does not resolve the problem.

Upgrade to a Stable Windows 11 Licence While You Wait

If you are still running Windows 11 Home on a gaming rig, this incident is a good reminder that Windows 11 Pro gives you more granular control over update scheduling — including the ability to defer feature and quality updates independently, giving you more breathing room when a problem patch lands. Whether you need Windows 11 Home or Pro, Buy Now Key stocks genuine licences at competitive prices, with instant digital delivery and lifetime activation.

You can explore our full range of Windows 11 licences — including Windows 11 Pro starting from €12.90 — so your next clean install or upgrade is covered the moment Microsoft ships a stable build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Windows 11 update is causing game crashes in August 2026?

The update responsible for widespread Windows 11 gaming crashes is KB5121003, released on 12 August 2026 as part of Patch Tuesday. It targets Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and is confirmed by Microsoft to be causing game launch failures and mid-session crashes.

What is inpoutx64.sys and why is it involved?

inpoutx64.sys is a low-level Windows kernel driver used by many games and peripherals for direct hardware I/O access. KB5121003 appears to conflict with how this driver operates, causing games that depend on it to crash or produce graphical corruption. Deleting the driver file via Command Prompt is the fastest targeted fix available right now.

Will uninstalling KB5121003 fix my game crashes on Windows 11?

In most cases, yes — uninstalling KB5121003 resolves the game crashes Windows 11 users are experiencing. However, it also removes over 400 security patches. Try deleting the inpoutx64.sys driver first, as that fix targets only the conflict while keeping your security patches intact.

When will Microsoft release an official KB5121003 fix?

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and an investigation is ongoing. An out-of-band patch or a fix included in the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update is the most likely timeline. Monitoring the Windows Health Dashboard or the KB5121003 support page will give you the earliest notification when a fix ships.

How do I stop Windows 11 from reinstalling the broken update?

After uninstalling KB5121003, go to Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates and set a pause of up to five weeks. This prevents Windows from automatically re-downloading and reinstalling the update before an official fix is available.

Are all Windows 11 gaming crashes caused by KB5121003?

Not necessarily. KB5121003 is the confirmed culprit for the August 2026 crash wave, but game crashes on Windows 11 can also stem from outdated GPU drivers, overheating, faulty RAM, or software conflicts. If the KB5121003 workarounds do not resolve your issue, check your GPU driver version and run a memory diagnostic as additional troubleshooting steps.

Windows 11 cumulative updates notification on a modern laptop screen
August 13, 2026

Windows 11 Cumulative Updates August 2026: What’s Fixed

Post By administrator Microsoft, Windows , , , , , , No Comments

The August 2026 Windows 11 cumulative updates — KB5121003 and KB5120240 — are now rolling out to all supported devices, and they are not optional. Released on 12 August 2026 as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday cycle, these updates collectively address 400 security vulnerabilities, including three actively exploited zero-days, making them among the most critical releases of the year. If you haven’t installed them yet, read on to understand exactly what’s fixed, what’s improved, and how to get your PC protected.

What Are KB5121003 and KB5120240?

Windows 11 cumulative updates KB5121003 and KB5120240 package icons infographic

KB5121003 and KB5120240 are Windows 11 security patches targeting different release branches. KB5121003 applies to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 (OS Builds 26100.9168 and 26200.9168), while KB5120240 covers earlier supported builds. Both updates are classified as mandatory cumulative updates — meaning Windows Update will push them automatically to devices that haven’t opted out of automatic updates. Together they represent the full August 2026 Patch Tuesday rollout for Windows 11.

Microsoft’s own support page for KB5121003 confirms the update provides broad security improvements and includes new Secure Boot certificate targeting, designed to harden systems against firmware-level attacks.

400 Vulnerabilities Fixed: The Security Breakdown

The August 2026 Patch Tuesday Windows 11 release is one of the largest in recent memory. According to reporting by BleepingComputer, the full patch batch addresses 400 flaws across the Windows ecosystem, with the most severe breakdown as follows:

  • 42 Critical vulnerabilities patched in total
  • 37 Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaws within those Critical CVEs
  • 5 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities rated Critical
  • 3 zero-day exploits confirmed as actively exploited in the wild

Remote code execution flaws are among the most dangerous classes of vulnerability — they can allow an attacker to run arbitrary code on your machine without any interaction from you beyond visiting a compromised page or opening a malicious file. The three zero-days mean threat actors were already using these gaps before Microsoft published the fix, which is precisely why this update should be treated as urgent.

Windows 11 Security Patch: Key Fixes in KB5121003

Windows 11 security patch August 2026 vulnerability breakdown chart with 400 fixes

Beyond raw vulnerability counts, the August Windows 11 security patch includes a range of targeted quality and stability fixes that real users will notice day-to-day. Here is a summary of the most significant changes confirmed across multiple sources:

  • Secure Boot certificate updates — Additional high-confidence device targeting to block unauthorised bootloaders, directly addressing firmware-level attack vectors.
  • Slow startup fix — A bug causing extremely slow boot times on certain hardware configurations has been resolved.
  • Memory leak resolved — A memory leak affecting background processes was causing gradual performance degradation; KB5121003 stops the leak.
  • App search improvements — The Start menu and Settings search now handle typos and partial app names more reliably, making it faster to find installed apps on low-end PCs.
  • Voice Isolation — The update activates Voice Isolation in supported audio settings, filtering background noise during calls and recordings.
  • File Explorer readable sizes — File sizes in Explorer are now displayed in a more human-readable format, removing ambiguity about whether a listed size is in KB, MB, or GB.
  • External fingerprint sign-in — Improved support for external fingerprint readers at the Windows Hello login screen, broadening biometric authentication without built-in hardware.
  • USB/xHCI regression fix — A regression introduced in a previous update that broke certain USB controller configurations has been corrected.

Patch Tuesday Windows 11: Which Versions Are Affected?

Not all Windows 11 installations receive the same update package. Here is how Microsoft has split the August rollout:

  • Windows 11 24H2 & 25H2 → KB5121003 (Builds 26100.9168 / 26200.9168)
  • Windows 11 26H1 → KB5121000 (Build 28000.2704)
  • Earlier supported builds → KB5120240

Devices running editions that have reached end-of-servicing will not receive these fixes. Microsoft’s support documentation explicitly states that such devices will no longer receive fixes for known issues or time zone updates — another strong reason to stay on a supported version. If you are still running Windows 10 or an out-of-support Windows 11 build, you are exposed to all 400 of these vulnerabilities with no official mitigation.

Should You Install the Windows 11 Updates Immediately?

Yes — particularly given the three active zero-days. Microsoft classifies these Windows 11 updates as mandatory, and independent security researchers echo that recommendation. The combination of three in-the-wild zero-days and 37 critical remote code execution flaws means the risk of delaying is measurably higher than the risk of installing. The known post-install issue is limited to a USB/xHCI regression for specific controller setups, which Microsoft has already confirmed is fixed within KB5121003 itself.

To install manually: open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. The update will appear automatically if it hasn’t already downloaded in the background. A restart is required to complete installation.

Windows 11 Updates and Your Licence: Are You Covered?

Windows 11 updates settings screen showing cumulative update installation steps

Cumulative updates like KB5121003 are free for all activated Windows 11 installations — Microsoft does not charge for security patches. However, they only apply to genuine, activated copies of Windows 11. If your PC is running an unactivated or counterfeit licence, Windows Update may still deliver the update file, but you remain at risk because system integrity protections are weakened on non-genuine installations.

If you’re on Windows 10 or an older version and these headlines are prompting an overdue upgrade, now is a sensible time to act. Buy Now Key offers genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (Retail) licences from €17.90 — a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime activation, full Windows Update coverage, and every future security patch as it drops. There is also a more affordable Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM option from €9.65 if you are activating on a single new device and don’t need the Pro feature set.

Not sure which edition suits you? Read our in-depth Windows 11 Pro vs Home comparison to pick the right version before you buy.

How These Windows 11 Security Patches Relate to Previous Updates

The August release builds on a year of increasingly substantial monthly updates. In May 2026, for example, Microsoft shipped KB5089549, which alone patched 120 vulnerabilities alongside Xbox mode integration and a critical BitLocker recovery fix. The August 2026 batch dwarfs that figure at 400 flaws, reflecting both the growing attack surface of a maturing OS and Microsoft’s shift toward consolidating previously deferred patches into single large rollouts.

The Secure Boot improvements in KB5121003 are particularly notable in the context of earlier 2026 vulnerabilities. A zero-day BitLocker bypass exploit (CVE-2026-45585) disclosed earlier this year demonstrated that firmware-level weaknesses can let attackers read encrypted drives with nothing more than a USB stick. The new Secure Boot certificate targeting in August’s update closes a related class of bootloader exploits before they reach that severity.

How to Check Your Current Windows 11 Build

Before or after installing the update, you can confirm exactly which build is running on your machine:

  1. Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
  2. The About Windows dialog shows your exact OS build number.
  3. Compare it against the target build for your version (e.g. 26100.9168 for 24H2).
  4. If your build is lower, go to Settings → Windows Update and install pending updates.

After a successful install and restart, running winver again should reflect the updated build number, confirming KB5121003 or its equivalent is applied.

For the complete official changelog and issue history, refer to Microsoft’s own support article: August 11, 2026 — KB5121003 (OS Builds 26200.9168 and 26100.9168).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KB5121003 and KB5120240 mandatory Windows 11 updates?

Yes. Both are classified as mandatory security updates by Microsoft. They form the August 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative rollout and will be pushed automatically to devices running Windows Update. Because they address actively exploited zero-days, Microsoft and independent security researchers strongly advise installing them without delay.

What zero-days do the August 2026 Windows 11 updates fix?

The August 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes three zero-day vulnerabilities that were confirmed as being actively exploited in the wild at the time of release. Microsoft has not publicly disclosed the full technical details of all three at launch — this is standard practice to give users time to patch before full exploit code circulates widely.

Will these Windows 11 security patches slow down my PC?

No performance regressions have been widely reported with KB5121003. On the contrary, the update specifically fixes a memory leak and slow-startup bug, meaning many users may notice modest performance improvements after installation. The known USB/xHCI regression from an earlier update is also resolved in this release.

Do I need a new Windows licence to receive these updates?

No — cumulative security updates are free for all genuine, activated Windows 11 installations. If you are running an unactivated copy, obtaining a legitimate licence ensures you receive full update protection and system integrity features going forward.

What if I’m still on Windows 10 — am I protected by these patches?

Windows 10 receives separate Patch Tuesday updates and is not covered by KB5121003 or KB5120240. Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October 2025, meaning only paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) provide continued patches. Upgrading to Windows 11 on supported hardware is the most straightforward long-term solution for staying protected.

How do I manually download KB5121003 if Windows Update isn’t working?

You can download the update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog by searching for the KB number at catalog.update.microsoft.com. Download the .msu file matching your build (24H2 or 25H2), double-click to run the Windows Update Standalone Installer, and restart when prompted. This method bypasses Windows Update delivery but installs the identical package.

Windows 11 fixes 2026 performance improvements shown on a modern desktop
August 11, 2026

Windows 11 Fixes 2026: The 5 Improvements That Actually Matter

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Windows 11 fixes in 2026 are not vague roadmap promises — Microsoft is actively rolling them out through Insider builds and confirmed public previews. After years of criticism over sluggishness, intrusive AI widgets, and a locked-down taskbar, the company is addressing the core complaints head-on. We dug into the early builds and the official announcements to tell you exactly which of these Windows 11 improvements will change your day-to-day experience, and which are mostly cosmetic.

Why Microsoft Is Prioritising Windows 11 Performance in 2026

Windows 11 performance pillars for improved reliability and memory efficiency

The pressure on Microsoft is real. Windows 10 reaches end of life in October 2025, pushing tens of millions of users to evaluate whether Windows 11 is worth the move. User sentiment data and public forum complaints made it impossible for the company to ignore the performance gap: Windows 11 historically consumes more RAM at idle than Windows 10 and has measurably higher UI interaction latency. According to reporting by Thurrott, Microsoft is explicitly targeting memory efficiency, reduced interaction latency, and improved reliability as its three pillars for 2026 — a frank acknowledgement that the OS shipped with meaningful overhead that users shouldn’t have to tolerate.

The good news: several of these Windows 11 updates are already measurable in testing. Here is what matters most.

Fix 1 — Reduced RAM Usage Under Load

Reducing idle and under-load RAM consumption is Microsoft’s headline Windows 11 performance goal for 2026. Early Insider builds have shown meaningful reductions in the memory footprint of core system processes, with Microsoft specifically targeting background services that ballooned after the 22H2 and 23H2 updates. Independent testers at Windows Latest confirmed that Microsoft has committed to making apps “perform more consistently even under load” through improved memory scheduling.

For everyday users this means fewer situations where opening a browser tab causes a noticeable stutter because system RAM was already under pressure. For professionals running memory-hungry applications — video editors, developers, designers — this is the single most impactful of all the 2026 Windows 11 updates.

  • Reduced idle RAM usage from core system processes
  • Improved memory scheduling so heavy apps get priority
  • More consistent frame pacing in GPU-bound tasks
  • Better behaviour when multiple large applications run simultaneously

Fix 2 — A Movable, Flexible Taskbar

Windows 11 fixes 2026 including movable taskbar and low-latency UI improvements

One of Windows 11’s most-complained-about regressions was the loss of taskbar positioning options that Windows 10 users relied on. The centred Start menu came at the cost of flexibility: you could not move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen, and resizing it was impossible. Microsoft is finally correcting this as part of the 2026 Windows 11 improvements.

Insider builds have demonstrated a taskbar that can be repositioned and resized, recovering a workflow staple that power users lost at launch. This is more than cosmetic — multi-monitor professionals who run a vertical taskbar on a portrait display have been forced to keep a Windows 10 machine or use third-party workarounds for years. The 2026 fix removes that dependency.

Fix 3 — Lower Interaction Latency Across the UI

Windows 11 performance improvements in 2026 extend well beyond memory. Microsoft has confirmed a dedicated Low Latency Profile for the OS — a system-level change that prioritises UI thread responsiveness. Early reports suggest the profile will enter public rollout around mid-2026, and Insider testing shows noticeably snappier window animations, faster context-menu responses, and reduced input lag when typing or clicking rapidly.

This matters most to anyone who has noticed that Windows 11 feels slightly “floaty” compared with Windows 10 — a perception rooted in the DWM (Desktop Window Manager) scheduling decisions Microsoft made at launch. The low-latency profile directly addresses that scheduling, making the desktop feel more immediate without sacrificing visual polish.

Fix 4 — File Explorer Stability and Speed

Windows 11 updates reducing AI interruptions and ads in the Start menu

File Explorer has been a recurring villain in Windows 11 stability complaints: tab crashes, slow folder opens when network drives are mapped, and the infamous delay when right-clicking large files. The 2026 Windows 11 updates include targeted File Explorer fixes covering all three pain points.

Microsoft has confirmed that File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements to how it handles shell extensions — the third-party add-ons (like 7-Zip or antivirus context-menu entries) that have historically caused the most Explorer crashes. By isolating these extensions in a separate process, a misbehaving shell extension can no longer bring down the entire Explorer window. For users with heavily customised environments, this alone will dramatically reduce the number of times they have to restart Explorer in a session.

  • Shell extensions isolated to prevent cascading crashes
  • Faster folder load times for network-mapped drives
  • Reduced right-click context-menu latency
  • Improved tab stability in multi-tab Explorer sessions

Fix 5 — Fewer Forced AI and Ad Interruptions

Among all the Windows 11 fixes 2026 brings, the reduction of unsolicited Copilot prompts, Start menu advertisements, and lock-screen recommendations may be the one that most visibly changes the experience for ordinary users. Microsoft has announced a deliberate rollback of the aggressiveness with which AI features and promotional content are surfaced, acknowledging that the volume of interruptions was eroding user trust.

Practically, this means fewer “Try Copilot” banners in the Start menu, fewer lock-screen content recommendations served as ads, and a Copilot integration that requires genuine user initiation rather than appearing unbidden. These are not small UX tweaks — they represent a policy shift about how Windows 11 communicates with its users.

Windows 11 Updates Timeline: What to Expect When

Not all of these improvements arrive simultaneously. Here is a rough deployment picture based on confirmed Insider and public-preview information as of mid-2026:

  1. Q1–Q2 2026: RAM efficiency improvements and File Explorer stability fixes — already in Insider Preview builds and rolling to Release Preview.
  2. Mid-2026: Low Latency Profile confirmed for public rollout; taskbar repositioning entering Release Preview.
  3. Late 2026 (25H2 / 26H1): Full public availability of taskbar flexibility and reduced AI interruption policies through the annual feature update cycle.

Microsoft’s version 26H1, scoped to support new 2026 hardware, already reflects silicon-level performance improvements. Users on existing machines will receive most of these improvements through cumulative updates rather than needing to wait for a new major version.

Should You Upgrade to Windows 11 Now or Wait?

The honest answer is that the Windows 11 improvements landing throughout 2026 make upgrading more compelling than it has been at any point since launch. If you are still on Windows 10 ahead of its end-of-support deadline, the risk calculus has shifted: staying on an unsupported OS is a security liability, and the OS you would be upgrading to is meaningfully better than the one that launched in October 2021.

If your machine meets the hardware requirements — and many users are surprised to find it does after checking the full system requirements — the path forward is straightforward. A genuine Windows 11 licence is the foundation: you get all cumulative updates including every Windows 11 performance improvement Microsoft ships, with no subscription required.

At Buy Now Key, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available from €17.90, giving you a lifetime retail licence that covers every future update in this wave of Windows 11 fixes. If you need the full OS and a productivity suite together, the Windows 11 Pro and Office 2024 Professional Plus bundle is available from €27.80 — a significant saving on buying both separately.

Windows 11 Performance Tips While You Wait for Updates

While the cumulative rollout of these Windows 11 updates continues, there are steps you can take right now to reduce overhead on your existing installation:

  • Disable startup apps you do not actively use (Settings → Apps → Startup).
  • Turn off background activity for non-essential apps (Settings → System → Power).
  • Review and limit widget panel content, which contributes to background memory usage.
  • Ensure your drivers — particularly GPU and chipset — are current, as driver-level optimisations accompany many of the OS-level Windows 11 performance gains.
  • Run a storage health check; SSD degradation disproportionately impacts the responsiveness improvements Microsoft is targeting at the scheduler level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Windows 11 fixes 2026 free for existing users?

Yes. All the Windows 11 improvements described here are delivered through Windows Update at no additional charge for anyone with a valid Windows 11 licence. You do not need to purchase an upgrade; simply keep Windows Update enabled and the improvements will arrive automatically as they roll out.

When will Windows 11 performance improvements reach my PC?

Several fixes — including RAM efficiency and File Explorer stability — are already in Insider Preview builds and entering the Release Preview channel. Most users on mainstream builds should see these improvements by late 2026 via cumulative updates or the 25H2 feature update. Check Settings → Windows Update to ensure you have the latest cumulative update installed.

Do the 2026 Windows 11 updates require new hardware?

No. The vast majority of the performance and stability improvements are software-level changes that apply to existing hardware. Microsoft’s 26H1 version is specifically scoped to new 2026 silicon, but the RAM, latency, File Explorer, and taskbar fixes are coming to existing devices through cumulative updates.

Is it worth upgrading from Windows 10 now given these Windows 11 improvements?

With Windows 10 reaching end of support in October 2025, upgrading is increasingly important for security. The 2026 Windows 11 updates make the upgrade even more worthwhile — the performance gap that previously made users hesitant is being closed. If your hardware qualifies, upgrading now means you benefit from all incoming improvements immediately.

Will these fixes improve gaming performance on Windows 11?

Partially. The low-latency profile and RAM efficiency improvements will benefit gaming indirectly by reducing OS overhead and improving frame-time consistency. Microsoft has also indicated gaming-specific scheduler improvements are in progress for 2026, though the primary gaming gains will depend on GPU driver updates from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel alongside the OS changes.

Windows 11 memory usage RAM meter showing high consumption before fix
August 1, 2026

Windows 11 Memory Usage: Which Apps Hog RAM and What’s Being Fixed

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Windows 11 memory usage is a bigger problem than most users realise — and now Microsoft has said so publicly. The company has acknowledged that its own built-in applications consume far more RAM than they should, directly hurting system responsiveness even on machines with 16 GB of memory or more. A fix centred on the WinUI 3 framework is in progress, but the details matter. Here is a clear breakdown of what is happening, which apps are the worst offenders, and what the incoming patch can realistically be expected to deliver.

Why Microsoft’s Admission on Windows 11 RAM Usage Is a Big Deal

WinUI 3 framework causing high Windows 11 app RAM overhead illustration

It is rare for Microsoft to publicly concede that a core aspect of its operating system is poorly optimised. Yet that is precisely what happened in mid-2026, when the company confirmed it has been working on changes to WinUI — the UI framework that powers most modern built-in Windows 11 applications — specifically to reduce its memory footprint. According to Windows Latest’s reporting, Microsoft stressed that the memory improvements must land before it proceeds with a broader UI rewrite — including a planned Start Menu overhaul. In other words, the RAM problem is now a blocking issue for future Windows 11 development, not a side project.

That context elevates this beyond a routine performance complaint. When Microsoft puts memory optimisation on the critical path for its flagship OS roadmap, it signals that the situation is serious enough to delay other work. For everyday users experiencing sluggishness on otherwise capable hardware, that validation is long overdue.

Which Built-In Apps Drive the Worst Windows 11 RAM Consumption

The culprits are the modern, WinUI-based inbox applications that ship with every copy of Windows 11. These apps were rebuilt using Microsoft’s newer UI toolkit, which — while visually polished — carries a heavyweight rendering engine that loads significant resources even when an app is merely sitting in the background.

  • Microsoft Teams (personal/chat widget): The integrated Teams experience that auto-starts with Windows 11 has been one of the most consistently cited memory offenders, routinely consuming several hundred megabytes at idle.

  • Widgets panel: The Widgets service runs persistent background processes that fetch news, weather, and finance data continuously, adding to overall Windows 11 RAM usage even when the panel is closed.

  • Microsoft Photos: Rebuilt on WinUI 3, Photos loads a heavier runtime than its Windows 10 predecessor despite offering a largely similar feature set to most users.

  • Settings app: The relaunched Settings application — a WinUI shell — keeps portions of itself resident in memory after you close it, a behaviour tied directly to the framework’s initialisation overhead.

  • Cortana / Search indexer: Although Cortana’s profile has shrunk, background search indexing and the Search highlights feature maintain a persistent RAM presence that can spike under load.

  • Xbox app and Game Bar: Game-related services auto-launch on non-gaming machines and contribute to idle memory pressure, particularly on systems with 8 GB of RAM.

The common thread across all these apps is WinUI 3 itself. The framework initialises a rendering stack — DirectComposition, XAML islands, and associated services — regardless of how lightweight the app’s actual workload is. That overhead is the root problem Microsoft has now committed to addressing.

What the WinUI 3 Performance Fix Actually Promises

Four steps to reduce Windows 11 RAM usage and improve system performance

Microsoft’s stated approach is to reduce the per-process memory cost of the WinUI 3 runtime. The key changes being worked on include deferred initialisation (loading rendering components only when an app is actually brought into view rather than at process start), better resource sharing between WinUI processes, and tighter controls over background service lifetimes for inbox apps.

According to PCWorld’s coverage of the story, Microsoft plans a WinUI 3 overhaul specifically before it begins rebuilding major UI surfaces such as the Start Menu. That sequencing is deliberate: a Start Menu written in the current WinUI 3 framework would be catastrophically expensive in RAM terms, so the framework must be leaner first.

What this means practically for users:

  • Idle RAM consumption from built-in apps should fall noticeably once the updated WinUI runtime rolls out through Windows Update.

  • App launch times may improve because less of the rendering stack will be pre-loaded at startup.

  • Systems with 8 GB of RAM — the official minimum for Windows 11 — should see the biggest gains, since they are most constrained by the current overhead.

  • The fix is framework-level, meaning it will benefit all WinUI apps simultaneously rather than requiring individual updates to each application.

However, it is worth tempering expectations. A framework-level memory improvement rarely produces overnight miracles. The optimisations will roll out incrementally, and some apps may require their own updates to take full advantage of the leaner runtime.

How to Reduce Windows 11 RAM Usage Right Now

You do not have to wait for Microsoft’s patch to reclaim memory. Several practical steps can meaningfully reduce Windows 11 memory usage today.

Disable Auto-Starting Apps

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), navigate to the Startup apps tab, and disable anything you do not need at boot. Teams personal, Xbox app, and the Widgets service are safe to disable for most users and deliver immediate relief.

Turn Off the Widgets Panel

Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and toggle Widgets off. This kills the background data-fetching service and typically frees 150–300 MB of RAM, depending on your system.

Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

If you are on 8 GB of RAM, ensure Windows 11 is managing your page file automatically. Go to System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Advanced > Virtual memory and select “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” This gives the OS more headroom when physical RAM is tight.

Uninstall Unused Inbox Apps

Windows 11 allows you to uninstall most built-in apps via Settings > Apps. Removing applications you genuinely never use — such as the Maps app, Solitaire Collection, or the Xbox app on non-gaming machines — eliminates their background processes entirely, which is more effective than simply closing them.

Keep Windows 11 Fully Updated

Microsoft is already shipping incremental memory improvements ahead of the full WinUI overhaul. Staying current via Windows Update ensures you receive these as they land. The May 2026 cumulative update (KB5089549) included memory management refinements as part of its broader patch package — staying up to date is the easiest optimisation of all.

Does Windows 11 Memory Usage Affect Whether You Should Upgrade?

Windows 11 memory fix comparison showing RAM usage before and after patch

If you are still on Windows 10 and weighing an upgrade, this issue deserves honest consideration. Windows 11 does carry a meaningfully higher idle RAM baseline than Windows 10, largely because of the WinUI-based app ecosystem. On machines with 16 GB or more, the difference is rarely felt in practice. On 8 GB systems, particularly those used for productivity tasks that also have a browser open, the overhead can translate into real sluggishness.

That said, Windows 10 reaches end of life in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security patches — a far more significant risk than slightly elevated RAM usage. The correct response is not to avoid Windows 11 but to ensure your hardware is genuinely ready for it, and to apply the practical optimisations above while Microsoft’s framework fix matures.

If you need a clean, fully activated copy of Windows 11 at a fair price, Buy Now Key offers Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – Retail with lifetime activation from €17.90, or the more affordable Microsoft Windows 11 Home – OEM from €9.65 — both delivering instant digital delivery and full activation support.

What to Watch For in Upcoming Windows 11 Memory Fix Updates

Microsoft has not published a single release date for the WinUI 3 memory improvements — the changes are being rolled out progressively through Windows Update and preview builds in the Windows Insider Programme. Users who want to track progress should watch for Insider builds that mention “WinUI performance,” “memory management,” or “reduced app resource usage” in their changelogs. The full Start Menu rebuild — which follows the memory work — will itself serve as a signal that the framework optimisation phase is substantially complete.

In the meantime, the Windows 11 KB5089549 update breakdown on this blog covers what Microsoft has already shipped in recent cumulative updates, giving you a clear picture of how performance work is progressing right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows 11 use so much RAM compared to Windows 10?

Windows 11 rebuilt many of its core inbox applications using the WinUI 3 framework, which carries a heavier rendering stack than the older Win32 apps it replaced. This framework loads DirectComposition and XAML services even for relatively lightweight applications, driving up baseline Windows 11 RAM usage. Microsoft has acknowledged this overhead and is actively working to reduce the WinUI 3 per-process memory cost.

Which Windows 11 apps use the most memory?

The biggest consumers of Windows 11 RAM at idle are typically Teams (personal integration), the Widgets panel, Microsoft Photos, and the Settings application — all of which are built on WinUI 3. Background services tied to the Xbox app and Cortana also contribute. Disabling auto-start for these apps is the fastest way to cut idle RAM consumption.

Will Microsoft’s WinUI 3 fix automatically apply to my PC?

Yes. Because the fix targets the WinUI 3 runtime itself rather than individual applications, it will be delivered as part of cumulative Windows Updates. You do not need to reinstall Windows or sideload anything — keeping Windows Update enabled is sufficient. Some benefits may also arrive through Microsoft Store updates to individual inbox apps.

Is 8 GB of RAM still enough for Windows 11?

8 GB meets the official Windows 11 system requirements and works adequately for light use. However, with current WinUI overhead, multitasking on an 8 GB system — especially alongside a browser with multiple tabs open — can feel constrained. Microsoft’s memory fix should meaningfully improve the experience, but 16 GB remains the practical sweet spot for comfortable day-to-day use in 2026.

Can I disable built-in Windows 11 apps to save RAM?

Yes, most inbox apps that you do not use can be uninstalled via Settings > Apps, or disabled from auto-starting via Task Manager’s Startup apps tab. Removing unused WinUI apps eliminates their background processes entirely, which is more effective than simply closing them. Apps like Maps, Solitaire, and the Xbox app are safe to remove on non-gaming machines.

Windows 11 storage bug causing critical low disk space warning on laptop
July 10, 2026

Windows 11 Storage Bug: Is It Eating Your Disk Space?

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The Windows 11 storage bug is one of the most disruptive silent failures Microsoft has acknowledged in recent memory — a permissions-related system folder quietly ballooning to 500GB or more, with many users completely unaware until their drive is nearly full. Microsoft confirmed the issue in July 2026 and has pledged a fix via the Patch Tuesday update on 14 July 2026. Here’s everything you need to know: what’s causing it, which versions are affected, and the precise steps to check and remedy the problem on your PC right now.

What Is the Windows 11 Storage Bug?

Windows 11 storage bug explained via growing CAM permissions log folder diagram

At the heart of this Windows 11 disk space problem is a folder tied to the Capability Access Manager (CAM) — the Windows subsystem responsible for tracking app permission requests for the camera, microphone, and location services. Under normal circumstances this folder stays small, holding only lightweight log entries. Due to a bug introduced in a recent cumulative update, however, the folder fails to trim its logs and can grow without limit, with some users reporting it has swollen to 500GB or beyond on affected systems.

What makes this especially frustrating is that Windows hides the folder from standard Explorer views. Users typically notice the symptom first — a hard drive that keeps getting fuller despite deleting files — rather than the cause. A Microsoft customer support representative reportedly even suggested purchasing a new hard drive before the root cause was identified, illustrating just how stealthy this Windows storage issue truly is.

Which Windows 11 Versions Are Affected?

According to reporting by Windows Latest and corroborated by The Verge and PCWorld, the bug affects systems running Windows 11 with recent cumulative updates applied — primarily those on version 24H2 and 23H2. Both Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro builds are impacted. The problem appears to have been introduced through an update rolled out in mid-2026, meaning the more up to date your Windows installation was before the fix arrived, the more likely you are to be affected.

  • Windows 11 24H2 — confirmed affected; highest reported cases
  • Windows 11 23H2 — confirmed affected on many devices
  • Windows 11 22H2 — some users report similar symptoms; monitor your storage
  • Windows 10 — not currently confirmed as affected by this specific bug

If you are running Windows 11 on any of these builds and have noticed unexplained disk usage growth over the past few weeks, your system is worth investigating.

How to Check If the Windows 11 Storage Bug Is on Your PC

Windows 11 disk space settings showing abnormal storage usage from the bug

Identifying the Windows 11 storage bug takes a few deliberate steps because the offending folder is not visible through normal browsing. Follow these instructions carefully:

  1. Open Windows Settings — press Windows + I and navigate to System > Storage. Check whether your drive usage is significantly higher than expected given the files you know you have stored.
  2. Run Disk Cleanup — search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, select your system drive (usually C:), and click “Clean up system files.” Review the categories listed; if the total recoverable space seems unusually large, continue investigating.
  3. Use Storage Sense analysis — still within System > Storage, select “Other” or “System & reserved” to review unexplained usage. Large figures here that don’t correspond to obvious files are a red flag.
  4. Check via Command Prompt (advanced) — open an elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) and run dir /a C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\ to look for unusually large subdirectories. On affected systems, certain CAM-related logs within this broader area are the culprit.
  5. Use WinDirStat or TreeSize Free — third-party disk analysis tools can surface hidden and system-protected folders that Explorer conceals. If you see any folder approaching tens or hundreds of gigabytes that you cannot explain, it is likely related to this Windows storage issue.

The Official Windows 11 Storage Fix from Microsoft

Microsoft’s official Windows 11 storage fix was quietly included in the optional June 2026 cumulative update and will be pushed as a mandatory patch via Patch Tuesday on 14 July 2026. This is the safest and most complete remediation path — it addresses the root cause in the Capability Access Manager rather than just clearing the accumulated data.

Option 1: Install the Official Update (Recommended)

Head to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If the optional June 2026 update is available, install it now rather than waiting for the 14 July mandatory rollout. After the update installs and your PC restarts, Windows will properly manage the CAM log folder going forward, preventing further runaway growth.

Option 2: Manual Deletion (Intermediate)

If you cannot install the update immediately and need to reclaim space urgently, you can manually delete the bloated log folder — but proceed with caution. Incorrect deletion can disrupt app permission behaviour. Create a system restore point first, then navigate to the hidden folder path using an elevated Command Prompt. Several tech publications, including PCWorld, have outlined the exact folder path; cross-reference with the latest official guidance before proceeding, as the specific location may vary slightly by build.

Option 3: Use Storage Sense

Enabling Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense) won’t fix the underlying Windows 11 disk space leak directly, but it can help reclaim some categorised temporary files automatically. Think of it as a sticking plaster — useful alongside the main fix, not as a replacement.

Why This Windows Storage Issue Matters

Windows 11 storage fix habits to keep disk space healthy after bug

A 500GB storage bleed is not a minor annoyance — for many users, that represents their entire drive. Entry-level laptops and budget desktops often ship with 256GB or 512GB SSDs. Losing all or most of that capacity to an invisible system bug can render a machine barely functional: apps crash, updates fail to install, and performance degrades sharply as the drive approaches capacity. SSDs in particular slow down and wear faster when consistently near full.

Beyond performance, the bug also highlights the risk of deferring Windows updates. Ironically, the fix for this Windows 11 storage bug is itself delivered via Windows Update — the very channel that introduced the problem. Microsoft’s advice remains to stay current with updates, and the July 14 patch is a case in point: it cleans up a mess the previous update made.

How to Protect Your PC Going Forward

Once you have applied the fix, a few habits will keep your disk in good shape and make future bugs like this easier to spot early:

  • Enable Storage Sense to automate temporary file cleanup on a weekly or monthly schedule.
  • Audit disk usage monthly — a quick glance at Settings > Storage takes 30 seconds and can flag anomalies before they become catastrophic.
  • Keep a disk analysis tool installed — WinDirStat, TreeSize Free, or the built-in Storage usage breakdown in Settings are all helpful for spotting runaway folders.
  • Stay on top of optional updates — the June 2026 optional update contained this fix weeks before it became mandatory. Opting into optional updates earlier would have prevented the worst of the storage drain for many users.
  • Maintain at least 15% free space on your system drive at all times — Windows reserves this headroom for update staging, virtual memory, and system restore points.

Do You Need a Fresh Windows 11 Licence?

If this Windows storage issue pushed your machine over the edge — or if you’ve been running an unactivated or second-hand copy of Windows 11 that’s never been properly maintained — it may be worth starting fresh with a fully legitimate licence. Buy Now Key offers genuine Windows 11 Pro licences from €17.90, giving you a clean, activated installation with full access to Windows Update and all security patches from day one. For users who want both an operating system and productivity suite in one bundle, the Windows 11 Pro and Office 2024 Professional Plus bundle is available from €27.80 — a significant saving over buying each licence separately at retail prices.

A properly licensed and freshly installed Windows 11 also means you avoid the accumulated update baggage that can sometimes contribute to bugs like the Windows storage issue discussed here. It’s a clean slate, and Buy Now Key’s 24/7 customer support and money-back guarantee on activation mean there’s no risk in making the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is causing the Windows 11 storage bug?

The bug is linked to the Capability Access Manager (CAM), a Windows 11 subsystem that logs app permission requests for camera, microphone, and location. A recent cumulative update caused its log files to grow without limit, consuming up to 500GB or more on affected machines. Microsoft confirmed the issue in July 2026.

How do I know if I’m affected by this Windows 11 disk space problem?

The clearest sign is unexplained disk space loss — your drive steadily fills up even after you delete files. Use the built-in Storage tool in Windows Settings or a third-party tool like WinDirStat to identify unusually large system folders. If a hidden system folder is consuming tens or hundreds of gigabytes you cannot account for, you are likely affected.

Is there a safe Windows 11 storage fix I can apply right now?

Yes. Install the optional June 2026 cumulative update via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. This contains Microsoft’s official fix. If your update channel has not yet offered it, the mandatory Patch Tuesday release on 14 July 2026 will deliver it automatically. Avoid manually deleting system folders unless you have a restore point and have followed verified guidance.

Will this bug come back after the fix?

Once the July 2026 patch is applied, the root cause in the CAM logging mechanism is corrected and the folder will no longer grow unbounded. Enabling Storage Sense and performing periodic disk audits adds an extra safety net for catching any future anomalies early.

Does this Windows storage issue affect Windows 10 as well?

As of the reports available in early July 2026, the confirmed cases are concentrated on Windows 11 builds (24H2 and 23H2). Windows 10 has not been identified as carrying the same CAM logging fault. However, Windows 10 reaches end of life in October 2025, so upgrading to a supported version of Windows 11 remains the best long-term strategy for security and stability.

Windows 11 Recycle Bin bug showing corrupted internal filename in delete dialog
June 30, 2026

Windows 11 Recycle Bin Bug: What Happened and How to Protect Your Files

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The Recycle Bin bug introduced by Microsoft’s June 2026 Patch Tuesday update KB5094126 has blindsided Windows 11 users worldwide, corrupting the delete-confirmation workflow and breaking OneDrive integration in File Explorer. If you’ve noticed strange cryptic filenames like $RXXXXX appearing when you try to permanently delete a file, or found that your OneDrive folder has simply vanished from the Explorer sidebar, you’re not alone — and Microsoft has officially confirmed both issues.

This article explains exactly what went wrong, which systems are affected, what workarounds are available right now, and what Microsoft’s fix timeline looks like.

What Is the Windows 11 Recycle Bin Bug?

Windows 11 Recycle Bin bug dialog showing internal filename instead of original

The Windows 11 Recycle Bin bug is a UI regression shipped inside KB5094126, the mandatory June 2026 cumulative update that also patched 208 security vulnerabilities — making it extremely hard to simply skip. When a user selects a single item inside the Recycle Bin and chooses to permanently delete it, the confirmation dialog no longer shows the file’s original, human-readable name. Instead, it displays the internal system identifier that Windows assigns when a file is moved to the Recycle Bin, typically a string like $R4F2K9P.

The good news is that the bug is purely cosmetic at the display level: the Recycle Bin window itself still shows the correct original filename, and files are not being silently destroyed. The bad news is that users who rely on that confirmation dialog to verify which file they are about to erase permanently — a standard safety check — can no longer trust what they see, making accidental permanent deletion a very real risk.

How OneDrive Was Also Broken

Alongside the Windows file recovery display issue, KB5094126 introduced a separate but related problem for OneDrive users. Shortly after installing the update, a significant number of Windows 11 machines lost OneDrive integration within File Explorer entirely. The cloud storage folder disappeared from the navigation pane, sync stopped working silently, and some users reported that folders created within 30 days were no longer visible in the Recycle Bin — meaning they couldn’t be restored through the usual route even if they hadn’t been permanently deleted.

For home users, this is inconvenient. For small businesses and professionals relying on OneDrive as a backup and collaboration layer, it represents a genuine data-access crisis. Microsoft acknowledged the OneDrive breakage separately from the Recycle Bin display issue, and it flagged both on its Windows Release Health dashboard.

Who Is Affected by the KB5094126 Bug?

KB5094126 update breaking Windows 11 Recycle Bin and OneDrive integration

Microsoft confirmed the KB5094126 bug affects all supported versions of Windows — not just Windows 11. That includes Windows 10 machines that received the equivalent June 2026 cumulative update. However, the impact is most widespread on Windows 11 because that OS received KB5094126 as a standard, non-optional security update pushed to all eligible devices via Windows Update.

The key conditions that trigger the Recycle Bin display fault are:

  • KB5094126 installed (Windows 11 22H2, 23H2, or 24H2)
  • Attempting to permanently delete a single item from within the Recycle Bin window
  • The confirmation dialog is enabled (the default setting for most users)

Bulk selections and the standard “move to Recycle Bin” action from a regular folder are reportedly unaffected — the fault only surfaces at the final permanent-delete step inside the Recycle Bin itself.

Windows File Recovery: Three Workarounds Available Now

While Microsoft works toward a full patch, three practical workarounds exist for users who need to maintain a safe Windows file recovery workflow today.

Option 1: Use “Empty Recycle Bin” Instead of Per-Item Delete

Right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and selecting Empty Recycle Bin does not trigger the bugged single-item confirmation dialog. If you want to discard everything currently in the bin, this route works correctly and safely. It’s an all-or-nothing approach, but it avoids the misleading prompt entirely.

Option 2: Reinstall or Reset OneDrive

For the OneDrive integration break, Microsoft’s recommended fix is to sign out of OneDrive, unlink the account, and then sign back in. On many affected machines, running the following command in an elevated PowerShell window and then relaunching OneDrive restores the Explorer integration:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDrive.exe /reset

If that fails, a full uninstall and reinstall of the OneDrive client from the Microsoft Store has resolved the issue for a majority of affected users according to community reports.

Option 3: Uninstall KB5094126 (Enterprise/Advanced Users)

Removing the update via Settings → Windows Update → Update History → Uninstall Updates eliminates both the Recycle Bin bug and the OneDrive breakage. However, because KB5094126 also addressed 208 security vulnerabilities — including several rated Critical — uninstalling it leaves your machine exposed. Microsoft’s own guidance for enterprise customers is to apply the workaround through Microsoft Support for Business rather than rolling back the update. Home users who remove it should re-enable it as soon as the fixed cumulative update is available.

Microsoft’s Fix Timeline for the Recycle Bin Bug

Three workarounds for the Windows 11 Recycle Bin bug and KB5094126 fix

Microsoft released a partial fix inside KB5095093, a follow-up out-of-band update pushed in late June 2026. According to reports on Microsoft Learn, KB5095093 resolved the issue on the majority of devices, but some machines running Windows 11 24H2 continued to display internal filenames in the Recycle Bin delete prompt even after applying it. Microsoft has confirmed it is still investigating residual cases and that a comprehensive fix will be delivered through a future cumulative update via Windows Update — likely the July 2026 Patch Tuesday cycle.

The broader lesson here is a familiar one in Windows administration: large cumulative updates that bundle dozens of security fixes with feature changes carry a higher regression risk than smaller targeted patches. The urgency of the 208 CVEs patched in KB5094126 left Microsoft (and users) with no clean choice.

How to Protect Your Data While the Bug Is Active

Even with a fix on the way, taking active steps to safeguard your files right now is prudent. Here is a practical checklist:

  • Back up immediately. Copy critical files to an external drive or a secondary cloud service. Do not rely solely on the Recycle Bin or a broken OneDrive sync as your safety net.
  • Avoid single-item permanent deletes from the Recycle Bin until your machine shows KB5095093 or later installed in Update History.
  • Check your OneDrive sync status. Open the OneDrive system-tray icon and confirm it shows “Up to date.” If it shows errors, run the reset command above.
  • Enable File History or a backup tool. Windows File History (Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options) provides versioned backups independently of the Recycle Bin.
  • Confirm KB5095093 is installed. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History and look for KB5095093. If it is absent, check for updates manually.

Windows 11 Recycle Bin Bug and the Case for a Genuine Licence

Incidents like this Windows 11 Recycle Bin issue are a reminder that receiving timely, official Windows Update patches depends entirely on running a fully activated, genuine copy of Windows 11. Pirated or grey-market activations often block or delay cumulative updates — meaning users on those installs may not receive KB5095093’s partial fix at all, leaving them exposed both to the bug and to the 208 unpatched CVEs underneath it.

If your Windows 11 licence is in doubt, you can pick up a genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail key from Buy Now Key from just €17.90, with lifetime activation and instant digital delivery. For those who also need Office, the Windows 11 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus bundle is available at €36.80 — both licences in a single purchase, both keeping you on the official update track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Windows 11 Recycle Bin bug cause permanent data loss?

No — Microsoft has confirmed the bug is a display issue in the delete-confirmation dialog, not a data-destruction fault. Your files inside the Recycle Bin remain intact and can be restored normally via the Recycle Bin window. The risk is human error: because the confirmation prompt shows a cryptic internal name rather than the real filename, you may accidentally confirm deletion of the wrong item without realising it.

Which Windows 11 versions are affected by KB5094126?

The Recycle Bin bug affects Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 after KB5094126 is installed. Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 10 received an equivalent regression via its June 2026 cumulative update, though the Windows 10 fix via KB5095093 was delayed slightly compared to the Windows 11 rollout.

Is it safe to uninstall KB5094126 to fix the Recycle Bin bug?

It resolves the cosmetic bug, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution. KB5094126 patches 208 security vulnerabilities, several of which are rated Critical. Removing it reintroduces those security risks. The safer approach is to apply KB5095093 (the partial fix), use the “Empty Recycle Bin” workaround in the meantime, and wait for the comprehensive July 2026 patch.

Why did OneDrive stop working after KB5094126?

The update appears to have broken the shell-integration layer that connects the OneDrive client to File Explorer’s navigation pane on some device configurations. Resetting or reinstalling OneDrive re-registers that integration without requiring a full OS rollback. Microsoft has documented the issue and the reset steps on its support pages.

How do I know if KB5095093 is already installed on my PC?

Open the Start menu, go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History, and scroll through the list of quality updates. If KB5095093 appears, the partial fix is in place. If it does not appear, select “Check for updates” — it should be offered as an available update on all affected Windows 11 devices.

IT admin testing Windows 11 26H2 preview in a corporate lab environment
June 27, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Preview Testing: What IT Pros Must Do Now

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Windows 11 26H2 is now officially open for preview testing through the Windows Insider Programme — and if you manage devices in any organisation, the clock is already ticking. Microsoft confirmed on 19 June 2026 that the 26H2 preview build is available in the experimental channel, with a broad general-availability rollout expected in the second half of 2026. That window is shorter than it sounds. IT teams that begin 26H2 testing today will be far better placed to deploy smoothly than those who wait for the release notes to drop.

This article walks you through the confirmed timeline, the most important things to validate in your lab environment, and practical steps to get your fleet ready — without the guesswork.

What Is Windows 11 26H2 and Why Does It Matter?

Windows 11 26H2 update rollout timeline showing preview to general availability milestones

The Windows 26H2 update is Microsoft’s annual second-half feature update for Windows 11, following the same servicing cadence established with 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2. Like its predecessors, 26H2 arrives as an enablement package — a lightweight mechanism that activates pre-staged features already sitting dormant in the OS. This means the actual file download during deployment is relatively small, which is good news for bandwidth-constrained environments.

Critically, moving to 26H2 resets a device’s support clock. Devices on 24H2 will have their support window refreshed once they upgrade, giving IT teams 24 months of security updates from the 26H2 release date. Staying on an older version is not a long-term plan.

The Enablement Package Model

Because 26H2 uses an enablement package, IT teams can pre-deploy the staged payload at any point before the official release date. This separates the large update download from the actual feature activation, making staged rollouts considerably easier to manage than traditional feature updates were in the Windows 10 era.

The Official 26H2 Preview Timeline

Windows 11 26H2 preview testing checklist for IT administrators covering key validation areas

Microsoft’s IT Pro Blog has published a clear schedule for the Windows 11 26H2 rollout. Based on that official guidance and current Insider builds, here is the sequence admins should plan around:

  • 19 June 2026: Windows 11 26H2 becomes available in the Experimental channel of the Windows Insider Programme. Dev Channel devices jump to the 26300 build series.
  • Summer 2026: Beta and Release Preview channels are expected to receive 26H2 builds, giving IT teams a near-final build to validate against production workloads.
  • Second half of 2026: General availability rollout begins. Microsoft typically stages this broadly over several months via Windows Update, WSUS, and Intune.
  • End of support for 23H2: Devices that have not upgraded will eventually lose security patching. Plan your migrations now.

For the full official schedule, see Microsoft’s Get Ready for Windows 11 Version 26H2 guidance on the Windows IT Pro Blog — it is the definitive reference for deployment planning.

Top Priorities for 26H2 Testing in Your Lab

The preview period exists precisely so admins can validate before the general rollout hits managed devices. Here are the areas that deserve the most attention during 26H2 preview testing.

1. Application Compatibility

App compatibility is historically the biggest source of surprises in any Windows feature update. Your first lab task should be to install 26H2 preview on a representative sample of device configurations and run your full application catalogue — line-of-business apps, productivity tools, security agents, and any legacy software that cannot be quickly replaced.

Pay particular attention to apps that use kernel-level drivers (AV engines, VPN clients, printing software) because enablement packages can surface previously hidden API changes. Document any issues immediately so you have remediation time before GA.

2. Group Policy and Intune Profile Validation

Each Windows 11 feature update can introduce new Group Policy settings and deprecate or rename existing ones. Microsoft has confirmed that 26H2 adds MSIX/APPX removal policies allowing admins to block specific app package family names (PFNs) via a dynamic list in Group Policy — a notable addition for organisations that want tighter app control.

Export your current GPO baseline and run a full Group Policy Results report (gpresult /h) on a 26H2 preview machine to surface any mismatches. For Intune-managed estates, compare your Configuration Profiles against any new settings catalogue entries that arrive with the 26H2 ADMX templates.

3. Security Baseline and Endpoint Protection

Microsoft releases an updated Windows 11 Security Baseline alongside each feature update. The 26H2 baseline will likely tighten settings around Credential Guard, Smart App Control, and Windows Hello for Business. Test your endpoint protection stack — EDR sensors, BitLocker configuration, and identity flows — against the new baseline before it reaches production.

Organisations that experienced issues with the BitLocker recovery changes in earlier updates should make BitLocker key escrow and recovery validation a mandatory lab checkpoint for every new feature update, including this 26H2 testing cycle.

4. VPN and Network Infrastructure

VPN clients are a persistent pain point across Windows feature updates. Test your Always-On VPN or third-party VPN client against the 26H2 preview build — verify that split tunnelling rules survive the update, that SMB shares remain accessible after the enablement package activates, and that certificate-based authentication flows work end to end.

5. Driver and Hardware Compatibility

Confirm that peripheral drivers — especially those for specialist hardware like docking stations, MFP printers, and CAD input devices — remain functional. Request updated driver packages from vendors now, before the GA date, so you are not scrambling for a fix on rollout day.

How to Enrol Devices in the Windows 11 26H2 Preview

Enrolling a test device is straightforward. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Programme and sign in with a Microsoft account. Select the Dev Channel for the earliest 26H2 builds (26300 series), or wait for the Beta Channel for a closer-to-final experience. For most IT labs, the Beta Channel builds strike the right balance between recency and stability.

  • Use a non-production VM or physical machine for initial testing.
  • Snapshot or image the device before enrolling — rollback capability is essential.
  • Run Windows Update fully to ensure you are on the latest 24H2 monthly cumulative before enrolling, as Microsoft recommends starting from a recent baseline.
  • Log all observed behaviours in a structured test matrix — issues found now are infinitely cheaper to fix than post-GA incidents.

Staging Your Broader 26H2 Rollout

Four-wave staged rollout plan for deploying Windows 11 26H2 across an organisation

Once lab testing passes your acceptance criteria, plan a phased deployment strategy. A sensible approach for most organisations looks like this:

  1. Wave 0 — IT volunteers (weeks 1-2): A handful of IT-savvy early adopters on varied hardware profiles. Catch any issues before they hit real users.
  2. Wave 1 — Pilot users (weeks 3-6): 5-10% of the fleet, chosen to represent the full range of job roles and hardware specs.
  3. Wave 2 — Broad deployment (weeks 7-16): Remaining devices, excluding critical systems that need an extended validation cycle.
  4. Wave 3 — Exceptions: Legacy hardware, specialist workstations, and compliance-sensitive systems on their own schedule.

For organisations still running Windows 11 Home on user machines, the same staged approach applies. If you are evaluating whether your current licences cover the management capabilities needed for a smooth 26H2 rollout, it is worth looking at Windows 11 Pro — the Pro edition adds Intune enrolment, BitLocker management, and the full Group Policy toolset that makes phased deployments considerably easier to control.

Devices That Won’t Receive the Windows 26H2 Update

Microsoft has confirmed that some devices will not be eligible for 26H2. Any device that does not meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 — including TPM 2.0, a supported CPU, and at least 4 GB of RAM — will be blocked. Additionally, devices running 26H1 (available only on select new silicon shipping in early 2026) follow a separate update path.

Before planning your 26H2 testing schedule, audit your estate for any machines that may be approaching end-of-life. This is also a good moment to check whether any of your fleet is still running Windows 10, which reaches end of extended support on 14 October 2025. Devices needing a fresh licence to get onto Windows 11 can be sorted quickly — see our post on checking Windows 11 system requirements before you upgrade for a practical guide.

What’s New in 26H2: Feature Highlights So Far

Because the 26H2 preview is still in active development as of mid-2026, the full feature list is not yet final. However, builds already in the Dev Channel include several confirmed additions worth noting during your 26H2 preview evaluation:

  • Enhanced Click-to-Do: A refined top-bar experience for context-aware AI actions, currently under iterative testing. Behaviour may vary by device configuration.
  • MSIX/APPX policy removal: Admins can now blocklist specific app package family names via Group Policy — useful for tightening application control without third-party tools.
  • Performance optimisations: Continued under-the-hood work on app launch times and UI responsiveness, building on the gains introduced in 24H2.
  • Security baseline updates: Expect tighter defaults around Windows Hello, Credential Guard, and Smart App Control when the final baseline drops alongside GA.

Keep an eye on the changes to the Windows 11 update process that Microsoft is also developing in parallel — reduced-disruption restarts and unified update scheduling will complement the 26H2 rollout experience.

FAQ

When will Windows 11 26H2 be released to everyone?

Microsoft has confirmed general availability in the second half of 2026, following the standard annual feature update cadence. The exact date has not been announced, but the preview opened on 19 June 2026. Historically, broad GA rollouts begin in September or October and continue to be staged over several months.

Do I need a new licence to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2?

No. Windows 11 26H2 is a free update for any device already running a licensed copy of Windows 11. Organisations with volume licences or retail keys already in place simply need to approve the update through their management tool of choice. If you need to licence additional devices ahead of the update, Windows 11 Pro keys are available from as little as €12.90 at Buy Now Key.

Can I test Windows 11 26H2 in a virtual machine?

Yes, and Microsoft recommends it for initial compatibility testing. Enrol the VM via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Programme and select the Dev or Beta Channel. Make sure the VM has TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled, as Windows 11 enforces these at the hypervisor level. Hyper-V, VMware Workstation, and VirtualBox all support nested virtualisation for this purpose.

What management tools can I use to deploy 26H2 across my fleet?

Microsoft supports deployment via Windows Update for Business, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Microsoft Intune, and Configuration Manager. For organisations on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Windows Update for Business offers the most granular deferral and ring-based controls. The enablement package model means the 26H2 payload can be pre-staged on devices well before the activation date.

What should I do if an app breaks on the 26H2 preview?

Document the failure with screenshots and logs, then submit a report via the Windows Feedback Hub (Win + F). Also contact the application vendor directly — most major ISVs actively monitor Insider builds and release compatibility updates before GA. Do not promote the update to production until the issue is resolved or a workaround is confirmed. Keeping a rollback snapshot of your test machine makes this process much less stressful.

Windows 11 extract archive files right-click menu in File Explorer
June 24, 2026

Windows 11 Extract Archive Files: The Built-In Guide You Need

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Windows 11 can now extract archive files — including .7z, .rar, and every major .tar variant — directly from File Explorer’s right-click menu, with no third-party software required. For the first time in over two decades, the operating system handles more than just ZIP files natively, and most users haven’t even noticed the change yet.

If you’re still keeping WinRAR or another unpacker installed purely out of habit, this guide will show you exactly what Windows 11 can do, how it works under the hood, and the few situations where a dedicated tool still makes sense.

Why Windows Finally Supports More Archive Formats

Timeline of Windows extract archive files format support history

For more than 20 years, Windows could only open ZIP archives natively. Every other compressed format — .7z, .rar, .tar.gz, you name it — required hunting down third-party software, which introduced licensing headaches, potential security vulnerabilities, and unnecessary system bloat. Microsoft has now changed that decisively by integrating libarchive, a well-established open-source library, directly into the operating system.

Rather than extending the old zipfldr.dll handler (which was too limited to expand), Microsoft’s engineers built a new C++ class called ArchiveFolder backed by a supporting library, archiveint.dll — essentially their own compiled build of libarchive. The result is a modern, stream-based extraction engine baked right into File Explorer. Microsoft first announced this addition for Insider Preview Build 23493 in June 2023, and it has since rolled out to all supported Windows 11 versions from 22H2 onwards.

Archive Formats Windows 11 Now Supports

The new extract archive files engine handles a wide range of formats out of the box:

  • .zip — supported since Windows XP; now handled by the same libarchive engine
  • .7z — LZMA/LZMA2 compressed archives, natively supported since late 2023
  • .rar — can be extracted (but not created, due to RARLAB licensing restrictions)
  • .tar — plain tarballs in both GNU tar and POSIX ustar format
  • .tar.gz — tar with Gzip compression
  • .tar.bz2 — tar with BZIP2 compression
  • .tar.xz — tar with xz compression
  • .tar.zst — tar with Zstandard compression (excellent for modern multi-core CPUs)
  • .gz — standalone Gzip files

That covers the overwhelming majority of archives the average user will ever encounter, from downloaded project files and Linux tarballs to old RAR backups.

How to Use Right-Click Extract in File Explorer

Windows 11 right-click compress and extract archive files options in File Explorer

Using Windows file extraction couldn’t be simpler. Right-click any supported archive in File Explorer and you’ll see an Extract All option — the same prompt that always appeared for ZIP files. Click it, choose your destination folder, and Windows handles the rest using sensible defaults.

Need more control? Right-click any file or folder and hover over Compress to to create a new archive. You’ll see one-click options for ZIP, 7z, and TAR. Select one and Windows creates the archive immediately. For advanced settings, choose Additional options at the bottom of that sub-menu to open the full compression wizard, where you can:

  • Choose TAR variants (GNU tar or POSIX ustar) with compression filters including BZIP2, Gzip, xz, and Zstandard
  • Select the .7z compression method — LZMA1, LZMA2, or PPMd
  • Adjust compression depth with a speed-vs-size slider
  • Toggle preservation of symbolic links and hard links for complex directory structures

The whole workflow takes seconds and requires nothing extra installed. That’s a significant step forward for archive formats Windows can handle natively.

How libarchive Makes Windows File Extraction Fast

The key architectural difference in the new engine is that libarchive treats archives as a stream rather than loading the entire file into memory first. It reads the archive header, identifies the compression type, and extracts data to disk as it processes — meaning performance is determined primarily by your storage speed, not your available RAM.

On a fast NVMe SSD (which reads and writes at several gigabytes per second), the built-in Windows file extraction tool keeps pace with dedicated third-party applications for most archive types. The streaming model never becomes the bottleneck on that kind of hardware.

On older spinning hard drives or slow USB drives, the picture is different. Physical read heads must move constantly to service the sequential small reads and writes that streaming requires, and seek times add up. Applications like 7-Zip work around this by aggressively caching data in RAM, reducing how often they need to return to the physical disk. For users still on traditional HDDs with large archives, a third-party tool may still extract faster.

The compression format also matters for performance:

  • Zstandard (.tar.zst) is designed for modern multi-core processors, distributing compression work across multiple threads simultaneously. It compresses and decompresses quickly.
  • LZMA2 (.7z) prioritises compression ratio over speed and relies heavily on sequential processing. The same files will compress noticeably slower in .7z than in .tar.zst, even at identical sizes.
  • File count matters more than total size. Thousands of small files (source code, game assets, documents) create far more read-and-write operations than a single large file of the same aggregate size. Folder-heavy archives will hit the streaming engine’s limits harder than a single large video or disk image.

Extract Archive Files: What Windows 11 Still Cannot Do

Chart comparing Windows 11 native archive extraction versus third-party tools

The native implementation is excellent for most people, but it has two notable gaps you should know about before ditching a third-party tool entirely.

No RAR Creation

Windows 11 can open and extract RAR files without any extra software, but it cannot create them. This is a permanent licensing restriction imposed by RARLAB, the company behind the RAR format. That restriction is not going to disappear, so if you need to package files into RAR for someone else, you’ll need WinRAR or a compatible tool.

No Password Protection or Encryption

The most significant current gap is the lack of support for password-protected and encrypted archives. If you receive a .7z file secured with AES-256 encryption, or need to send sensitive files protected with a password, the built-in Windows file extraction wizard cannot help. For those use cases, 7-Zip remains the go-to free option. You’ll also need a dedicated application if you work with multi-volume split archives.

When You Still Need Third-Party Archive Software

For the vast majority of everyday users, the native Windows 11 extract archive capability is now sufficient. But here’s a clear breakdown of when a dedicated tool is still worth keeping:

  • Creating RAR archives — only WinRAR can do this legitimately
  • Password-protected archives — 7-Zip handles AES-256 encrypted ZIP and .7z files
  • Multi-volume split archives — splitting a large backup across several files requires dedicated software
  • Maximum compression ratios — power users squeezing every byte may prefer 7-Zip’s fine-grained control
  • Older spinning hard drives with very large archives — 7-Zip’s RAM caching can be meaningfully faster here

If none of those apply to you, uninstalling your third-party unpacker is a perfectly reasonable move. Your system will run a little cleaner without background processes from software you no longer need.

Windows 11 Archive Support and the KB5089549 Update

Archive format support has been iteratively expanded across Windows 11 updates. The Windows 11 KB5089549 update released in May 2026 continued this trend, introducing further archive format improvements alongside 120 security patches and other feature additions. Staying current with Windows Update ensures you have the most complete and secure version of the native extraction engine.

If you haven’t already upgraded to Windows 11, or if you want to make the most of features like native archive extraction, the right Windows licence matters. Buy Now Key offers Microsoft Windows 11 Pro from €17.90 — a genuine retail key with lifetime activation, so you get every feature update Microsoft ships, including all the File Explorer improvements covered in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 11 extract archive files like .7z and .rar without extra software?

Yes. Since Windows 11 version 22H2 (build 22621.2361, released late 2023), the operating system natively extracts .7z, .rar, .tar, .tar.gz, .tar.bz2, .tar.xz, .tar.zst, and .gz files using the integrated libarchive library. Simply right-click the archive in File Explorer and choose Extract All.

Can Windows 11 create .7z and .tar archives without third-party apps?

Yes. Right-click any file or folder, hover over Compress to, and choose ZIP, 7z, or TAR. An Additional options menu opens a full compression wizard with format-specific settings including compression level, TAR filter type, and link preservation. No additional software is needed.

Why can’t Windows 11 create RAR files if it can open them?

RAR is a proprietary format owned by RARLAB, which licenses creation capability exclusively. Microsoft can implement RAR extraction without restriction, but creating RAR archives requires a RARLAB licence that is not available for third parties to embed. This is a permanent limitation, not a missing feature on Microsoft’s roadmap.

Does native Windows file extraction support encrypted or password-protected archives?

Not currently. The built-in extraction wizard cannot open password-protected ZIP, .7z, or .rar files, and it cannot create encrypted archives. For those needs, 7-Zip (free, open-source) remains the best option, supporting AES-256 encryption for both ZIP and .7z formats.

Is the built-in Windows 11 archive extraction as fast as 7-Zip?

On NVMe SSDs it is broadly comparable for most archive types. The libarchive engine uses a streaming model that suits fast storage well. On older spinning hard drives or slow USB drives, 7-Zip may be faster for large archives because it caches more data in RAM. The compression format also affects speed — Zstandard is faster than LZMA2 at comparable sizes.