check before: 2026-03-31
Product:
Copilot, Windows
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
(Updated 3-31-2026: The March 2026 Windows non-security preview update has been replaced with out-of-band update KB5086672 for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The Windows 11 links in this message have been updated to reflect this change.)
The March 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 26H1, 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:
Narrator now provides rich image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs and works with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices, allowing users to get instant on‑device descriptions or ask Copilot for more detail.
This update improves the design of the dialog boxes in Settings > Accounts > Other users to match the modern Windows look and support dark mode. The visibility of the dialog box option depends on whether the device has a domain joined work or school account.
This update improves the File Explorer experience, including more reliable unblocking of downloaded files and support for Voice Typing when renaming files.
This update delivers several display improvements, including support for refresh rates above 1000 Hz, improved auto‑rotation and HDR reliability, and better power efficiency for USB4‑connected monitors during sleep.
For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below:
Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5079489
Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5086672
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-27
updated:
2026-04-01
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**
User Experience Degradation
If the update is applied without proper preparation, users may experience degraded performance or unexpected behavior in applications due to compatibility issues with the new features, such as the improved File Explorer and Narrator functionalities.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079489
Increased Support Tickets
The introduction of new features like Voice Typing and improved dialog boxes may lead to confusion among users, resulting in an increase in support tickets and user complaints if they are not adequately informed about the changes.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/45cc1666-b34f-4ea6-bc93-f67defff8c38
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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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2026-04-01 | MC prepare | https://aka.ms/Windows/MonthlyUpdates
https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079391 https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079489 https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap | https://aka.ms/Windows/MonthlyUpdates
https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079489 https://support.microsoft.com/topic/45cc1666-b34f-4ea6-bc93-f67defff8c38 https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/roadmap |
| 2026-04-01 | MC Last Updated | 03/26/2026 22:06:29 | 2026-03-31T23:02:40Z |
| 2026-04-01 | MC Messages | The March 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 26H1, 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: Narrator now provides rich image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs and works with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices, allowing users to get instant on‑device descriptions or ask Copilot for more detail. This update improves the design of the dialog boxes in Settings > Accounts > Other users to match the modern Windows look and support dark mode. The visibility of the dialog box option depends on whether the device has a domain joined work or school account. This update improves the File Explorer experience, including more reliable unblocking of downloaded files and support for Voice Typing when renaming files. This update delivers several display improvements, including support for refresh rates above 1000 Hz, improved auto‑rotation and HDR reliability, and better power efficiency for USB4‑connected monitors during sleep. For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below: Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5079489 Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5079391 | (Updated 3-31-2026: The March 2026 Windows non-security preview update has been replaced with out-of-band update KB5086672 for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The Windows 11 links in this message have been updated to reflect this change.)
The March 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 26H1, 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: Narrator now provides rich image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs and works with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices, allowing users to get instant on‑device descriptions or ask Copilot for more detail. This update improves the design of the dialog boxes in Settings > Accounts > Other users to match the modern Windows look and support dark mode. The visibility of the dialog box option depends on whether the device has a domain joined work or school account. This update improves the File Explorer experience, including more reliable unblocking of downloaded files and support for Voice Typing when renaming files. This update delivers several display improvements, including support for refresh rates above 1000 Hz, improved auto‑rotation and HDR reliability, and better power efficiency for USB4‑connected monitors during sleep. For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below: Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5079489 Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5086672 |
| 2026-04-01 | MC Start Time | 03/26/2026 22:06:28 | 2026-03-31T23:02:37Z |
| 2026-04-01 | MC Title | The March 2026 Windows non-security preview update is now available | (Updated) The March 2026 Windows non-security preview update is now available |
| 2026-04-01 | MC End Time | 03/26/2027 22:06:28 | 2027-03-31T23:02:37Z |
Last updated 2 weeks ago ago
