Windows 11 KB5089549 & KB5087420 cumulative updates released

by · BleepingComputer

Microsoft has released Windows 11 KB5089549 and KB5087420 cumulative updates for versions 25H2/24H2 and 23H2 to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, and add new features.

Today's updates are mandatory as they contain the May 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches for 120 vulnerabilities discovered in previous months.

You can install today's update by going to Start > Settings > Windows Update and clicking on 'Check for Updates.'

You can also manually download and install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

This is the fifth 'Patch Tuesday' release in 2026, and it's based on 24H2, which means 25H2 gets the same update. There are no exclusive or special changes. You'll get the same fixes across the two versions of Windows 11.

What's new in the May 2026 Patch Tuesday update

After installing today's security updates, Windows 11 25H2 (KB5089549) will have its build number changed to 26200.8457 25H2 and 26100.8457 (24H2), and 23H2 (KB5087420) will be changed to 22631.7079.

After the update, Xbox mode is added to the desktop, and it allows you to experience an Xbox console-like experience on your PC. In addition, Microsoft has patched issues with the taskbar and improved the reliability of Windows Hello.

Here's the full list of improvements and fixes:

  • [File Explorer]  New!  This update expands the list of archive formats that can be used in File Explorer to include uu, cpio, xar, and NuGet Packages (nupkg). With this update, View and Sort preferences are preserved in folders such as Downloads and Documents when apps launch File Explorer directly to those locations. This update removes a white flash that could appear when opening This PC or while resizing the Details pane in dark mode. This update improves the reliability of relevant explorer.exe processes so they stop after closing File Explorer windows.
  • [Input] New!  You can feel haptic feedback effects on compatible input devices when performing certain actions, such as aligning objects in PowerPoint, snapping or resizing windows. These haptic signals can be turned on or off in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, Touchpad, or Pen > Haptic signals. This experience is supported on Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, and MSI Pen 2 with haptic feedback. Support for additional compatible devices, including select mice such as Logitech MX Master 4, might become available as hardware partners release updates. New!  Voice typing on the touch keyboard now looks simpler and more intuitive. The updated design removes the full‑screen overlay and shows voice typing animations directly on the dictation key, helping you stay focused without extra visual distractions. New!  The Arabic 101 Legacy keyboard layout is now available. You can add it when selecting a keyboard for Arabic under Time & Language > Language & Region. This option is for those who prefer the keyboard design used before recent changes with AltGr. This update improves the reliability of setting custom tools under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel. This update improves the persistence of Fluid Dictation setting in voice typing. This update improves the reliability of keyboard navigation for emoji panels (Windows logo key + Period). This update improves the reliability of typing when using the ADLaM keyboard.
  • [Sharing] New! Drag Tray is now called Drop Tray. Its settings are now under Settings > System > Multitasking (previously Nearby sharing). Drop Tray uses a smaller peek view. This improvement helps prevent the Drop Tray from opening unintentionally and makes it easier to dismiss when you work near the top of the screen.
  • [Printing] New! This update adds a new icon to show where a printer supports Windows Protected Print Mode in print settings.
  • [Enhanced security and performance for batch files] New!  Administrators and Application Control for Business policy authors now have additional control over how the system processes batch files and Command Prompt (CMD) scripts. Starting with this release, administrators can enable a more secure processing mode for batch files. This mode prevents batch files from changing during execution.

    To enable this setting, add the following value to the registry:

    Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor

    Value name: LockBatchFilesWhenInUse

    Type: DWORD

    Data to be set: 0 (disabled) or 1 (enabled)

    Policy authors can also enable this mode by using the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse application manifest control, as documented in the Application Control for Business manifest schema.
  • [Microsoft Store] This update reduces unexpected errors when downloading and installing apps from the Microsoft Store, including errors 0x80070057, 0x80240008, and 0x80073d28.
  • [Fonts] This update includes improvements to the Leelawadee UI font family for the Thai, Lao, Khmer, and Lontara scripts to enhance glyph sequencing, positioning, and rendering.
  • [Audio] This update improves third-party driver compatibility with midisrv.exe.
  • [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of loading the system tray area of the taskbar.
  • [Windows Hello] This update improves: Reliability of Windows Hello Face. Persistence of Windows Hello Fingerprint across upgrades.
  • [Storage] This update improves: Performance when viewing storage information for large volumes in Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes. The size limit for formatting FAT32 volumes from the command line from 32GB to 2TB.
  • [Delivery Optimization] This update improves memory usage, reducing likelihood it will use an unexpectedly large amount of memory.
  • [Display and graphics] This update improves persistence and availability of color profile options for supported monitors.
  • [Kiosk mode] This update simplifies configuration for allowed packaged apps in kiosks when Microsoft Edge is one of the allowed apps.
  • [General Performance] This update improves the performance of launching startup apps after starting your device (apps listed under Settings > Apps > Startup).
  • [General Reliability] This update brings underlying changes to help improve explorer.exe reliability, including at sign‑in, when interacting with taskbar menus and Task View, when unpinning items from File Explorer’s Quick Access, and more.

Microsoft is not aware of any new issues with this month's Patch Tuesday, and it's largely because it's not a massive release as compared to previous patch releases.

At the same time, it's possible that the update does not have known issues because Microsoft has committed to a stable and reliable Windows experience.

Microsoft has confirmed it's working on a big Windows 11 2026 quality update that restores the movable taskbar and will significantly improve the performance of modern interfaces, including the right-click menu.

Microsoft also has plans to limit Copilot integration in Windows 11, reduce ads, and make the out-of-the-box experience faster with skippable Windows Updates.

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