On December 09, 2025, Microsoft released the cumulative update KB5072033 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. This is part of Microsoft’s December 2025 Patch Tuesday rollout addresses 57 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited (CVE-2025-62221) and two publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-64671, CVE-2025-54100). Alongside these critical security patches, KB5072033 introduces enhanced dark mode in File Explorer, improved accessibility settings, and new functionality for Copilot and gaming. It also fixes File Explorer crashes, graphics compatibility issues, search and settings bugs, and taskbar problems, among other issues.
- After installing KB5072033, Windows 11 25H2 will be updated to build 26200.7462, while 24H2 will advance to build 26100.7462.
- Includes security fixes (including those released in the November optional preview) and non-security refinements.
- Introduces feature roll-outs: Expanded dark mode in File Explorer, redesigned About page in Settings, and addresses several bugs related to networking, Copilot, and PowerShell.
Well, if you want to skip this particular cumulative update, you’ll need to pause it by hitting the ‘pause updates’ button for up to 7 days.
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What’s new on Windows 11 KB5072033?
Microsoft has packed this update with several exciting new features and enhancements that aim to make Windows 11 more intuitive and versatile. It also includes various AI enhancements, particularly for devices certified with Copilot+ hardware.
One of the biggest highlights is the upgraded AI-driven experience in Settings. The About page now presents system details, storage links, and related options in a single view. Keyboard and cursor settings have been moved from the old Control Panel to the Accessibility section.
The new “Click to Do” menu has also been redesigned to provide faster access to actions such as Copy, Save, and Share. It even opens automatically when you select large images or tables, making workflows more efficient.
The update expands Windows Studio Effects to more cameras, including USB webcams, allowing more users to take advantage of AI features such as background blur and eye-contact correction.
File Explorer has received a major dark mode overhaul. All dialog boxes, confirmation prompts, and progress bars now match the dark theme. The context menu is more compact, grouping similar actions for easier access and a less cluttered appearance. Visual bugs, such as thumbnail display issues for specific video files and toolbar inconsistencies, have also been addressed.
Windows Search also gets smarter. Thanks to semantic search, users can now locate their AI-categorized photos directly from the search bar, making photo discovery quicker and more natural.
In Settings, Microsoft has introduced Virtual Workspaces, a cleaner About page layout, improved accessibility controls, and a new Mobile Devices section for managing connected phones directly from Windows. OneDrive also gets a refreshed placement within the Accounts page for easier access.
The taskbar, widgets, and sharing features also receive several usability upgrades, including smoother animations, the ability to share app windows directly with Copilot, and more intuitive widget dashboards.
KB5070311 also fixes multiple issues affecting File Explorer, Settings crashes, lock screen memory leaks, display stuttering, and LSASS stability. Windows on Arm devices also benefit from expanded AVX and AVX2 app emulation support.
The Windows 11 KB5072033 update also addresses a bug that causes a white flash when opening File Explorer. Addresses an issue where Ask Copilot didn’t activate the Click to Do window as expected.
Microsoft also noted a known issue in which the option to sign in with a Password may become invisible on the lock screen when using the “Sign-in with other options” button (e.g., when the default sign-in is a Windows Hello PIN).
You can read the complete changelog at Microsoft’s official site here.
Download the latest Windows 11 updates
This is an important update, and Microsoft recommends installing the Windows 11 updates immediately on your device. The new build can be downloaded directly from Windows Update. You can also download the KB5072033 offline installer if you prefer.
- Open Windows 11 settings using the Windows key + I
- Locate Windows Update, then hit the check for updates button, and you’ll see the following patch:
2025-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5072033)
- This will start downloading Windows 11 KB5072033 update files from the Microsoft server.
- Once done, click on Install now, and when prompted, restart your PC to apply the updates.
After installing KB5072033, Windows 11 25H2 updates to build 26200.7462.
- Windows 11 KB5072033 (OS Build 26100.7462) offline installer Direct Download Link.
- Windows 11 KB5071417 (OS Build 22631.6345) offline installer Direct Download Link.
The above link redirects to the Windows Update Catalog, a library of updates published by Microsoft over the past several months. You can search the above KB package in the catalogue and click on the ‘download’ button to get the offline installer.
The offline installer is offered in .msu file format. To get started, double-click on the file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once done, run the winver command to check whether your device has been upgraded to Windows 11 Build 26200.7462.
If you are looking to download Windows 11 ISO, click here.
If you encounter any issues installing Windows updates or are stuck checking for hours. If the Windows 11 KB5072033 update failed to install due to different errors, check out this post.
FAQ Windows 11 KB5072033 Update
1. Which Windows 11 versions receive KB5072033?
Windows 11 version 25H2 and version 24H2 (all editions) are covered. After installation, the build numbers will be 26200.7462 (25H2) or 26100.7462 (24H2).
2. What are the most significant improvements in KB5070311?
The most notable upgrades include a smarter Settings search, enhanced File Explorer dark mode, expanded support for Windows Studio Effects, AI-powered photo search, and improved handheld gaming performance.
3. If I don’t install it, what happens?
Skipping cumulative updates leaves your system vulnerable to known security flaws and potential bugs. Over time, missing updates can hinder software compatibility and stability.
4. Does this update fix any system issues?
Yes. KB5070311 resolves several problems, including Settings crashes, File Explorer thumbnail issues, inconsistent taskbar behavior, display stutters, and LSASS stability errors.
