Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Update KB5074109

Microsoft has released a significant Windows 11 update, KB5074109, as part of its January 2026 Patch Tuesday rollout. This cumulative update targets versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing essential security patches and reliability fixes to enhance system performance and protection. Microsoft releases Windows 11 update KB5074109 to address battery issues on AI PCs and defenses against active exploits. Downloads exceed 4GB due to bundled AI models like Phi, even on non-NPU hardware.

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Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Update: What’s Included

Microsoft releases Windows 11 update KB5074109 as part of its regular Patch Tuesday cycle, focusing on security and system stability. The Windows 11 security update KB5074109 elevates OS builds to 26200.7623 for 25H2 and 26100.7623 for 24H2, delivering cumulative fixes that prioritize reliability, power efficiency, and networking improvements without introducing major new user-facing features.

Non-security improvements incorporate prior fixes from October’s KB5067036, addressing issues such as gaming handheld battery drain, Storage Spaces access problems, and Task Manager closure errors. Updates to WinSqlite3.dll further strengthen security, while enterprise-focused phased Secure Boot certificate deployments roll out based on device telemetry to reduce update-related risks.

Key Fixes Breakdown

Power & battery: Resolves NPU idle drain on Copilot+ laptops.
Networking: Patches WSL mirrored No route to host over VPNs; Azure RemoteApp stability.
Secure Boot: Phased new certificates to avoid bricking.

Security and Stability Improvements

The Windows 11 KB5074109 update addresses 114 vulnerabilities, including three zero-days: an information disclosure in Desktop Window Manager (CVE-2026-20805), Secure Boot certificate refreshes, and removal of vulnerable Agere modem drivers.

It patches elevation-of-privilege bugs and fixes WSL mirrored networking failures causing No route to host errors over VPNs. RemoteApp connections in Azure Virtual Desktop gain reliability, and NPUs no longer drain battery when idle. Phased Secure Boot supports enterprises, with 5 critical CVEs among 114 total patches.

Reported Issues or Early Feedback

Microsoft notes a cosmetic glitch hiding the password visibility icon on some login fields, which does not block access. Reports highlight several Windows 11 update issues, including Remote Desktop failures from the Windows App, Outlook Classic crashes, and shutdown problems on 23H2, with Microsoft rolling out fixes for Remote Desktop and shutdown by late January.

A Black Screen of Death (BSOD redesign) hit some post-install, confirmed by Microsoft with details shared. Forums show no widespread issues now NPU battery fixes praised, though AI model bloat noted on slower connections.

Upcoming Preview Features

Insiders test KB5074105 for February, expanding Cross-Device Resume for Android continuity, MIDI 2.0 support for musicians, and Smart App Control toggle without reset.Voice Access and Typing gain tweaks; Windows Hello supports external fingerprints. File Explorer responsiveness improves on network drives.

Who Should Update and When

All Windows 11 users on supported versions should install KB5074109 promptly, especially those with NPU hardware or online exposure due to zero-day risks. Prioritize if using WSL or enterprise remote tools others can update within the month via automatic checks.

Enterprise admins should monitor Secure Boot eligibility pause only for confirmed conflicts as fixes resolve most reports. Preview KB5074105 (build 26200.7705) tests February changes like Cross Device Resume expansions.

How to Check for the Update

Open Settings Windows Update, then select Check for updates. The update downloads automatically if compatible; restart when prompted to apply changes.

For manual options, download .msu files from the Microsoft Update Catalog using the KB number. Out-of-band KB5078127 addressed select post-January bugs.

Microsoft’s Official Statement or Update Policy

Microsoft follows monthly Patch Tuesday for security cumulatives, blending fixes from previews like October’s KB5067036. The official Windows 11 update history on Microsoft’s release health dashboard tracks issues, and no broad holds apply here beyond targeted fixes.

Phased rollouts use telemetry for features like Secure Boot updates to minimize risks; January issues prompted quick OOB responses.

Conclusion

Microsoft releases Windows 11 update KB5074109 to strengthen system security against 114 vulnerabilities while resolving key battery and networking issues. Follow-up fixes have helped stabilize the rollout, and early feedback remains largely positive, especially for users running Windows 11 on virtual machines using Parallels Desktop coupon code discounts.