Microsoft Rolls Out KB5074105: A Major Windows 11 Update Packed with Fixes and New Features

In a significant move for Windows 11 users, Microsoft has officially released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update, bringing a host of improvements, bug fixes, and new features to the table. This update, which is optional and designed for testing, is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine the Windows 11 experience and address user-reported issues. With 32 changes packed into this release, it’s clear that Microsoft is doubling down on delivering a smoother, more reliable operating system.

What’s New in KB5074105?

The KB5074105 update is a non-security preview release, meaning it focuses on quality improvements rather than security patches. This makes it an ideal opportunity for administrators and power users to test upcoming features and fixes before they become widely available in the next Patch Tuesday release.

Key Fixes and Improvements

1. Cross-Device Resume Expansion: One of the standout features in this update is the expansion of Cross-Device Resume functionality. Users can now seamlessly continue activities from their Android phones to their PCs, including resuming Spotify playback, working in Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or continuing a browsing session. This enhancement underscores Microsoft’s commitment to creating a more integrated ecosystem across devices.

2. Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS): The update extends ESS support to peripheral fingerprint sensors, making it accessible to a broader range of devices, including desktops and Copilot+ PCs. This move enhances security while maintaining user convenience.

3. User Account Control (UAC) Fix: A bug that caused PCs to stop responding when running Windows Terminal elevated from a non-admin account has been resolved. This fix is particularly important for users who frequently work with administrative tools.

4. Graphics Improvements: The update addresses a system error related to dxgmms2.sys, which could cause the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error in certain GPU configurations. This fix is a relief for gamers and professionals who rely on high-performance graphics.

5. Windows Sandbox Stability: Windows Sandbox, a popular tool for testing software in an isolated environment, has been stabilized. The update resolves an issue that could cause Sandbox to stop responding during startup with error 0x800705b4.

6. iSCSI Boot Failures: A bug that triggered iSCSI boot failures with an “Inaccessible Boot Device” error has been fixed, ensuring smoother boot processes for enterprise users.

7. Windows Activation Issues: The update resolves a problem where Windows license migrations could fail during upgrades due to the PC’s inability to register with the Windows Activation server for its digital license.

8. Explorer.exe Hang Issue: A known issue that caused Explorer.exe to hang during the first login when certain apps were configured as startup apps has been addressed.

9. Windows Boot Manager Debugging: The update fixes a bug that caused the system to stop responding during startup when Windows Boot Manager debugging was enabled.

Build Numbers and Installation

After installing KB5074105, Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices will be updated to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Users can install this optional update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates and clicking the ‘Download and install’ link. Alternatively, the update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft’s Broader Update Strategy

In a related development, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates will now have separate identifiers to avoid confusion. This change, which takes effect with the January 2026 security update, aims to improve clarity for administrators while keeping installation and management processes unchanged.

Additionally, Microsoft has adopted simplified titles for Windows updates, making them easier to understand by removing unnecessary technical elements like platform architecture.

Why This Update Matters

The KB5074105 update is more than just a collection of bug fixes—it’s a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience. By addressing critical issues like activation failures, boot errors, and graphics glitches, Microsoft is ensuring that users can rely on their systems for both productivity and entertainment. The addition of new features like expanded Cross-Device Resume and ESS support for peripheral fingerprint sensors further enhances the operating system’s versatility and security.

For administrators and IT professionals, this update provides an opportunity to test and validate changes before they are rolled out more broadly. This proactive approach helps minimize disruptions and ensures a smoother transition when the fixes and features become generally available.

Final Thoughts

The KB5074105 preview cumulative update is a significant step forward for Windows 11. With its focus on quality improvements, bug fixes, and new features, it demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to delivering a robust and user-friendly operating system. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or an IT professional, this update has something to offer.

As always, users are encouraged to back up their data before installing any updates and to test them in a controlled environment if possible. With Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine Windows 11, the future looks bright for this operating system.

Tags: Windows 11, KB5074105, Microsoft, update, bug fixes, Cross-Device Resume, Windows Hello, ESS, UAC, graphics, Windows Sandbox, iSCSI, activation, Explorer.exe, Boot Manager, Windows Server 2025, simplified titles, Patch Tuesday, optional update, preview release.

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