check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
The March 2026 security update is now available for all supported versions of Windows. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 update history page. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see Windows monthly updates explained.
Highlights for the Windows 11, version 25H2 update:
This security update includes improvements that were a part of update KB5077181 (released February 10, 2026).
This update makes quality improvements to the servicing stack, which is the component that installs Windows updates.
This update adds high-confidence device targeting, expanding coverage for automatic Secure Boot certificate delivery.
This update improves File Explorer search reliability when searching across multiple drives or "This PC".
This update improves the reliability of choosing trusted catalog files. It adds a warning dialog that helps you confirm that the file you select comes from a trusted source.
Short on time? Watch our Windows 11 release notes video for this month's tips.
For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below:
Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5079466
Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5079473
Windows 11, version 23H2: KB5078883
Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024: Hotpatch KB5079420
Windows 10, versions 22H2 and 21H2: KB5078885
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 and Windows Server 2019: KB5078752
Windows 10 LTSB 2016 and Windows Server 2016: KB5078938
Windows Server 2025: KB5078740
Windows Server 2025 Datacenter: Azure Edition: Hotpatch KB5078736
Windows Server 2022: KB5078766
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition: Hotpatch KB5078737
Windows Server 2012 R2: KB5078774
Windows Server 2012: KB5078775
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-17
updated:
2026-04-17
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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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
System Downtime
Unprepared installation of the update may lead to unexpected system reboots or downtime, affecting user productivity.
- roles: IT Administrator, End User
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5077181, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078740
Compatibility Issues
The update may introduce compatibility issues with existing applications, leading to disruptions in user workflows.
- roles: Application Support Specialist, End User
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078752, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078766
User Experience Degradation
Changes in File Explorer search reliability may confuse users if they are not informed about the update's features and improvements.
- roles: End User, IT Support
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079473, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078883
Security Vulnerabilities
Failure to install the update promptly may leave systems exposed to known vulnerabilities, risking data security.
- roles: Security Officer, IT Administrator
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078885, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078774
Increased Support Tickets
Unprepared changes may lead to an increase in support requests from users facing issues post-update, straining IT resources.
- roles: Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078775, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5078938
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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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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