KB5068861: November 2025 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 25H2 & 24H2

Microsoft has officially released the November 2025 cumulative security update (KB5068861) for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update not only includes the latest monthly security fixes but also introduces several user experience (UX) improvements — most notably a redesigned Start menu and new battery status indicators. With this release, systems advance to build 26200.7171 (25H2) or 26100.7171 (24H2).

Let’s break down everything new in KB5068861, what issues it fixes, and how you can install it.

Who Gets KB5068861 and Which Builds Are Affected

• Windows 11 version 25H2 → Build 26200.7171
• Windows 11 version 24H2 → Build 26100.7171

This cumulative update includes all improvements from the October 2025 preview update, meaning you’ll get both the new features and the rolled-up bug fixes.
As usual, Windows Update delivers it automatically, but you can also download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog for offline or enterprise deployments.

What KB5068861 Fixes: Security and Quality Improvements

Microsoft packed several important fixes and refinements into this update:

Gaming and Handheld Device Fixes

• Improved power states: Fixes an issue where gaming handhelds would fail to stay in low-power mode, causing unnecessary battery drain.
• Gamepad sign-in delay: Resolves a delay that caused game controllers to be unresponsive immediately after login. The on-screen keyboard now dismisses properly once credentials are entered.

Storage and Performance Enhancements

• Storage Spaces & S2D reliability: Addresses rare conditions that could make certain Storage Spaces inaccessible or cause Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) to fail during cluster setup.
• Task Manager “X” bug: Closing Task Manager now properly ends the process instead of leaving it running in the background — a long-standing issue that degraded system performance over time.

Accessibility and Interface Fixes

• Voice Access setup: Corrects setup errors on systems without a connected microphone or missing voice model.
• Desktop selection glitch: Prevents the Task View interface from launching unexpectedly when clicking “Desktop.”

Networking and HTTP.sys Improvements

• The HTTP.sys parser now aligns with RFC 9112 standards for proper HTTP/1.1 chunk extension parsing.
• Network admins can temporarily relax this stricter behavior by adding a registry key (see below).

Registry path (for lenient parsing):
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Http\Parameters]
"HttpAllowLenientChunkExtParsing"=dword:00000001
(Set to 0 to restore strict parsing.)

Microsoft reports no new known issues for KB5068861.

New Features: Start Menu and Battery Icon Overhaul

Two major UX improvements are part of a phased rollout, meaning you may not see them immediately:

Redesigned Start Menu

The new Start menu prioritizes your full apps list on the main page and introduces new view modes:

• Categories View
• List View
• Grid View

You can now hide “Recommended” items, which also disables recent files in File Explorer and jump lists — ideal for users who value privacy and simplicity.

Refreshed Battery Indicators

The Taskbar now shows clearer battery states (charging, energy saver, critically low).
You can also toggle an optional percentage readout:

Settings → System → Power & battery → Battery percentage

AI Component Updates (For Copilot+ PCs Only)

This update also refreshes AI-related components, but only for Copilot+ devices. Non-Copilot+ PCs and Windows Server installations are unaffected.

How to Install KB5068861

Automatic Installation (Recommended)

1. Open Settings → Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Windows will automatically download and install the update when available.

Manual Installation (Offline)

You can manually download the .msu package for your version and architecture from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Command Prompt (Admin):

DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\Packages\Windows11.0-KB5068861-x64.msu

PowerShell (Admin):

Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "C:\Packages\Windows11.0-KB5068861-x64.msu"

If you are servicing an offline image, replace /Online with /Image:C:\MountDir.

Important: If your target device requires a prerequisite (KB5043080), install it first.

Builds and Download Sizes

Sizes vary slightly by SKU and language. Windows Update typically downloads a smaller differential payload.

Servicing Stack, Removal, and Other Notes

• Servicing stack: Includes the latest SSU (for 24H2, version 26100.7010).
• Removal: Use DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<LCU name> if you need to uninstall the LCU. The SSU portion cannot be removed.
• Update title format: Microsoft now uses shorter titles containing only the date, KB number, and build/version for clarity.
• December 2025 schedule: No optional preview update will be released in December; regular Patch Tuesday security updates will continue.
• Store apps: Microsoft Store apps update separately via the Store or enterprise app management tools.

Security and Secure Boot Planning

KB5068861 includes all security fixes for November 2025.
Microsoft also reminds IT admins that Secure Boot certificates will start expiring in June 2026, so organizations should plan renewals ahead to avoid boot issues — particularly for custom-imaged or locked-down systems.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 KB5068861 update is one of the most substantial releases of late 2025, improving stability, security, and everyday usability. From the new Start menu layout to enhanced battery indicators and fixes for critical system bugs, it’s a must-have for all users running versions 24H2 or 25H2. Even if the new features don’t appear immediately, they’ll arrive soon as the rollout expands.

Keep your system updated — it’s the easiest way to enjoy a smoother and more secure Windows experience.