Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 11 KB5074105 Preview: Here’s What’s New

Microsoft has officially begun pushing out update KB5074105 to Windows 11 users, marking the arrival of an optional preview release that teases what’s coming in next month’s mandatory Patch Tuesday bundle. This isn’t just another incremental patch—it’s a feature-packed update that brings meaningful changes to security controls, app continuity, and system stability.

Smart App Control Gets Smarter

One of the headline additions in KB5074105 is a significant upgrade to Smart App Control (SAC), Microsoft’s built-in security feature designed to block potentially harmful applications before they can cause damage. SAC has been a part of Windows 11 since its initial rollout, but this update makes it far more user-friendly.

Previously, if you disabled SAC for any reason—say, to install a trusted but unverified app—re-enabling it later required a full Windows reinstallation. That was a major pain point for users who wanted flexibility without the hassle of rebuilding their system. With KB5074105, Microsoft has addressed this by allowing users to toggle SAC on or off directly from Windows Settings. This change gives users more control over their security posture without forcing them into disruptive workarounds.

Cross-Device Resume: Picking Up Where You Left Off

Another standout feature arriving with this update is Cross-Device Resume, a long-awaited capability that enhances the integration between Windows PCs and Android devices. This feature allows users to seamlessly continue using Android apps on their Windows 11 machine right where they left off on their phone.

Imagine starting a task on your Android phone—maybe drafting an email, editing a document, or even playing a mobile game—and then effortlessly switching to your Windows PC to finish it with a full keyboard and larger screen. This is the kind of continuity that Microsoft has been working toward, and it’s a clear step in making Windows 11 more versatile in a multi-device world.

The feature is particularly useful for users who rely on Android apps for productivity or entertainment and want a smoother transition between mobile and desktop environments. While it’s not yet clear how many Android apps will fully support this functionality, the groundwork is now in place for a more connected ecosystem.

Fixes and Stability Improvements

Beyond new features, KB5074105 is also packed with a series of fixes aimed at improving the overall Windows 11 experience. Some of the most notable include:

• Start Menu Behavior: Microsoft has addressed lingering issues with the Start Menu, which some users reported as unresponsive or slow to load. These fixes should result in a smoother, more reliable navigation experience.

• Password Icon Fix: A frustrating bug that prevented the password icon from appearing at the login screen has been resolved. This issue, which affected users who rely on visual cues for password entry, is now fixed, making logins more accessible.

• System Stability: The update also tackles several system-crashing bugs that have been reported over the past few months. These fixes are crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable operating environment, especially for users who rely on their PCs for work or gaming.

How to Get the Update

Since KB5074105 is an optional preview, it won’t be installed automatically. If you’re eager to try out these new features and improvements, you’ll need to manually download and install the update. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 PC.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Look for the section labeled “Optional updates available”.
5. Find KB5074105 in the list and select it.
6. Click Download and install to begin the process.

It’s worth noting that since this is a preview update, it may not be available to all users immediately. Microsoft typically rolls out optional updates in phases, so if you don’t see it right away, check back in a few days.

What’s Next?

KB5074105 serves as a preview of what’s to come in the next mandatory Patch Tuesday update, which is expected to arrive in early February 2026. If you’re the type of user who likes to stay ahead of the curve and test new features before they become widely available, this update is a great opportunity to do so.

However, as with any preview release, it’s a good idea to back up your important data before installing. While Microsoft has likely ironed out the major bugs, optional updates can sometimes introduce unexpected issues, especially on systems with unique configurations or third-party software.

Tags: Windows 11, KB5074105, Microsoft, Smart App Control, SAC, Cross-Device Resume, Android apps, Patch Tuesday, Windows update, system stability, Start Menu, password icon fix, optional update, preview release, Windows Settings, security feature, app continuity, multi-device integration, PCWorld, Windows Latest

Viral Sentences:

• “Microsoft finally makes Smart App Control toggleable without reinstalling Windows!”
• “Cross-Device Resume is here—Android apps on Windows just got a whole lot better.”
• “Tired of the Start Menu acting up? This update fixes that and more.”
• “The password icon bug is squashed—logins just got smoother.”
• “KB5074105 is your sneak peek into next month’s Patch Tuesday magic.”
• “Why wait? Grab the optional update and test the latest Windows 11 features now.”
• “Microsoft’s latest update is all about giving you more control and fewer crashes.”
• “Seamless Android-to-Windows transitions are finally a reality.”
• “Don’t miss out—KB5074105 is rolling out now, but it’s optional, so act fast!”
• “Windows 11 just got smarter, smoother, and more secure with this update.”

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