Windows 11 KB5067036 Preview: Start Menu Redesign, Battery Improvements, and New Features

Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users an early look at the November 2025 cumulative update through the KB5067036 preview build, now available in the Release Preview Channel.
This optional update targets both Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.7015) and version 25H2 (build 26200.7015) — two editions that share the same system foundation.

With KB5067036, Microsoft introduces a major Start menu redesign, clearer battery indicators, and multiple fixes across File Explorer, Taskbar, and Windows Update reliability. Some improvements are being rolled out gradually and may vary depending on your region or account type.

How to Install the KB5067036 Preview Update

If your device is enrolled in the Release Preview Channel, getting the update is simple:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates to download and install KB5067036.
3. If you don’t see it yet, the rollout is gradual — it may take a few days to reach your system.
4. To receive it sooner, enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update settings.

Alternatively, open Windows Update directly using this shortcut:

ms-settings:windowsupdate

💡 Note: KB5067036 is the preview build for November’s cumulative update, expected to arrive officially on Patch Tuesday when it’s released to the Stable Channel.

Release Scope Overview

What’s New in KB5067036

1. A Smarter, More Dynamic Start Menu (Gradual Rollout)

The Start menu receives one of its most significant updates yet. Microsoft merges the Pinned, Recommended, and All Apps sections into a unified, scrollable surface that adapts to your screen size.

• Category View: Groups apps by type and highlights frequently used ones. New categories appear automatically when at least three apps fit a grouping.
• Grid View: Displays apps alphabetically in a wide layout for faster scanning.
• Responsive Layout: Adjusts automatically — large screens can show up to eight app columns and six recommendations, while smaller screens show fewer.
• Smart Memory: The Start menu now remembers your last selected view for a smoother experience.

2. Battery Indicators and Percentage on the Taskbar (Gradual Rollout)

Battery information in the system tray becomes clearer and more useful:

• Color-coded icons: Green when charging and healthy; yellow when battery drops to 20% or lower.
• Simplified visuals: Cleaner overlays that keep percentage bars visible.
• Optional percentage toggle: Enable Battery Percentage via Settings → Power & battery.

3. File Explorer Home: Smarter, Faster, and Integrated with Copilot (Gradual Rollout)

File Explorer’s Home section now includes quick hover actions such as Open file location and Ask Copilot for users signed in with a Microsoft account.
Enterprise (Entra ID) support will follow later, though this feature isn’t yet available in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Fixes and improvements include:

• Folder views now persist even when launched from other apps.
• Fixed unresponsive windows caused by context menu bugs.
• Large archive extraction no longer fails with Catastrophic Error (0x8000FFFF).
• Home screen no longer hangs during launch.

4. Administrator Protection (Preview Feature)

This new feature introduces just-in-time admin rights, reducing unnecessary exposure to permanent administrative privileges.
Administrators can still perform required actions, but elevation is temporary — minimizing security risks.

It’s off by default and can be enabled through Group Policy or Intune (OMA-URI).

5. Accessibility, Input, and Language Updates

• Voice Access: Adds Japanese language support and fixes random disconnections (error code 9001).
• Pen & Ink Input: Enhanced reliability with fewer crashes in microsoft.ink.dll.
• AI Agent: Adds French support in the Settings app.
• Settings > Accounts: “Email & accounts” is now renamed to “Your accounts.”

6. Display, Graphics, and Media Fixes

• Fixed partial screen refresh issues with background full-screen apps.
• Resolved a color bug causing videos and games to appear with a red tint.
• The Settings app no longer crashes when opening System → Display if the Connected Devices Platform Service is disabled.
• Fixed protected content playback errors introduced by previous updates (KB5064081).

7. Windows Shell, Login, and Taskbar Improvements

• Clicking a Taskbar preview reliably brings apps to the foreground.
• Faster Taskbar load times after waking from sleep.
• Improved login screen rendering.
• Fixed an issue with “Click to Do” triggered by pressing Windows + P.

8. Windows Update and Servicing Reliability

• Fixed cases where “Update and shutdown” failed to execute properly.
• Resolved Windows Update error 0x800f0983.
• Improved compatibility with older Windows Server versions after Credential Guard removal.

9. Authentication and Remote Password Fixes

• Fixed ACCESS_DENIED errors blocking remote password changes on member servers or workgroup devices, even with correct permissions.

10. Get Started and Microsoft 365 Copilot Integration

Commercial devices now include a new Microsoft 365 Copilot section inside the Get Started app — designed to help users explore and adopt AI-assisted productivity features.
Availability depends on organizational policy and rollout stage.

What About Windows 11 Version 23H2?

Microsoft is also pushing KB5067112 (build 22631.6132) to the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11 version 23H2, focused exclusively on fixes for touch keyboard, networking, shell, and storage components.
However, this version is nearing end-of-support and won’t receive new features.

Availability and Regional Limitations

Not all users will see the new features immediately. Microsoft is using a phased rollout approach, meaning:

• Gradual rollout: Features appear in waves and may take days or weeks.
• Region-specific: Some updates, such as File Explorer Home hover actions, aren’t available in the EEA.
• Account restrictions: Certain features require a Microsoft account, with Entra ID support coming later.

If you don’t see a feature yet, wait for future cumulative updates or server-side rollouts.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 KB5067036 update sets the stage for the November 2025 cumulative release, introducing a streamlined Start menu, improved battery monitoring, and a wide range of performance and reliability enhancements.

If you’re part of the Release Preview Channel, install the update, try the new Start menu layouts, and enable battery percentage to experience Microsoft’s latest usability refinements before they hit the Stable Channel.

Windows 11 continues evolving — and KB5067036 shows that the next chapter is focused on clarity, consistency, and better control for both users and IT admins.