Microsoft has rolled out KB5066835, the October 14, 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11. This update applies to versions 24H2 (build 26100.6899) and 25H2 (build 26200.6899), focusing on security improvements, bug fixes, and quality enhancements.
While it’s primarily a maintenance release, KB5066835 also resolves long-standing issues with browser printing, gamepad input, PowerShell Remoting, and Windows Hello. If your device already runs a recent build, it will only download the updated components from this package.
What’s Fixed in KB5066835
Browser Fixes
- Resolves a hang in the print preview window for Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Chrome.
Gaming and Input
- Fixes a bug where signing in using only a gamepad at the lock screen caused apps and games to become unresponsive until another input method was used.
PowerShell and WinRM
- Addresses PowerShell Remoting and WinRM commands timing out after approximately 10 minutes.
- Restores a missing audit event that was previously not being logged.
Windows Hello
- Fixes facial recognition setup failures with USB infrared camera modules, which often triggered “Make sure your face is centered in the frame” messages.
Compatibility Update
- Removes the legacy ltmdm64.sys fax modem driver. Devices relying on this outdated component will no longer function under Windows 11.
AI Component Packages (Copilot+ PCs)
The update also ships refreshed AI component packages (for Copilot+ PCs only). They will not install on non-AI systems.
| Component | Version |
|---|---|
| Image Search | 1.2509.1022.0 |
| Content Extraction | 1.2509.1022.0 |
| Semantic Analysis | 1.2509.1022.0 |
| Settings Model | 1.2509.1022.0 |
Servicing Stack Update Details
The release includes SSU (KB5067360), version 26100.6893, which enhances the reliability of the Windows Update process.
| Package | Version | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SSU (KB5067360) | 26100.6893 | Improves update installation reliability |
Known Issue: Protected Video Playback
Microsoft warns that certain Digital TV, Blu-ray, and DVD applications may fail to play protected content after installing the August 29, 2025 preview or later updates (including this one). If you rely on these apps, test KB5066835 on a pilot system before a wide deployment.
Secure Boot Certificates Expire in June 2026
Devices using Secure Boot must update their certificates before June 2026, as existing ones will expire. Organizations should begin updating certificates now to prevent boot failures. Microsoft provides official guidance on the Secure Boot certificate expiration page.
How to Install KB5066835
Most PCs will receive this update automatically via Windows Update. To check manually:
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
If you prefer to install it offline:
- Download the MSU package from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Save the files in one folder.
- Use one of the following methods:
Command Prompt (Admin):
DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\Packages\Windows11.0-KB5066835-x64.msu
PowerShell (Admin):
Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "C:\Packages\Windows11.0-KB5066835-x64.msu"
To apply the update to an offline image, mount the image and use DISM /Image:<mountdir> /Add-Package.
How to Roll Back the Update
Since the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) and Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) are combined, you cannot uninstall them with wusa.exe /uninstall.
Instead, use DISM:
DISM /Online /Get-Packages
DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<LCU-package-name>
Note: SSUs cannot be removed once installed.
What’s New or Gradually Rolling Out
In addition to bug fixes, KB5066835 enables or prepares several new Windows 11 features, which may appear progressively on your system:
- A command-line “Edit” text editor (pre-installed)
- Notification Center support on secondary monitors
- Adjustable on-screen indicator positions for volume and brightness
- An “AI Actions” shortcut in File Explorer’s context menu
- A consolidated “Advanced Settings” page under Settings > System
If these features aren’t visible immediately, they’ll likely appear in a later activation phase.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 14, 2025 |
| Windows 11 24H2 build | 26100.6899 |
| Windows 11 25H2 build | 26200.6899 |
| Update type | Cumulative security and quality update |
| Key fixes | Browser print preview hang, gamepad sign-in input, PowerShell Remoting timeout, Windows Hello IR setup, audit event logging |
| Removed component | ltmdm64.sys fax modem driver |
| Known issue | Protected content playback in Blu-ray/DVD/DTV apps |
Final Thoughts
The KB5066835 update may not introduce flashy new features, but it delivers essential reliability and security fixes for all Windows 11 users. It’s especially important for those who depend on PowerShell remoting, Windows Hello, or Chromium-based browsers.
Before rolling it out widely, check your protected video playback apps, and start preparing for the Secure Boot certificate updates due in 2026. Staying up to date ensures smoother performance and uninterrupted system security.
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