check before: 2026-01-29
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Android, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
The January 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 update history page. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see Windows monthly updates explained.
Looking to explore upcoming features and improvements in Windows 11? Check out the Windows roadmap. It includes what's coming to the Windows Insider Program, what's gradually rolling out, and what's generally available.
Highlights for the Windows 11, version 25H2 update:
The Settings Agent now supports more languages, with expanded support for German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Chinese (Simplified).*
This update expands the functionality of Cross‑Device Resume. You can continue activities from your Android phone on your PC based on the apps and services you use, including resuming Spotify playback, working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or continuing a browsing session.
This update improves MIDI on Windows with enhanced support for MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, including full WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support with built-in translation, shared MIDI ports across apps, custom port names, loopback and app-to-app MIDI, plus performance improvements and bug fixes-delivering a better experience for musicians.
Narrator now gives you more control over how it announces on‑screen controls. You can choose which details are spoken and adjust their order to match how you navigate apps. These settings apply throughout the app to help reduce extra speech and make Narrator easier to follow.
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. This update extends this more secure sign-in option beyond devices with built-in fingerprint sensors to include desktops and other Windows 11 PCs, including Copilot+ PCs.
* Experiences for Copilot+ PCs only
For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below:
Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5074105
Note: Starting with the January 2026 security update, Windows Server 2025 has its own KB identifiers and build numbers, separate from Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2. This change improves clarity for administrators. Installation and management processes remain the same.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-30
updated:
2026-01-30
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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summary for non-techies**
The January 2026 Windows update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes expanded language support for the Settings Agent, Cross-Device Resume for seamless media continuation, enhanced MIDI support for musicians, customizable Narrator features, and Windows Hello's support for external fingerprint sensors, along with unique identifiers for Windows Server 2025.
Direct effects for Operations**
Language Support Expansion
The update introduces expanded language support for the Settings Agent, which may lead to confusion among users who are not familiar with the new language options, potentially impacting user experience and productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5074105, https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap
Cross-Device Resume Functionality
The new Cross-Device Resume feature may cause disruptions if users are not prepared for the changes in how they interact with their devices, leading to potential workflow interruptions and user frustration.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5074105, https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap
Configutation Options**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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