Microsoft has released KB5074105, an optional non-security preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update focuses on reliability improvements, system stability fixes, and early bug resolutions that will roll into the next Patch Tuesday release.
The update is optional and targets users and IT admins who want to test upcoming fixes before they reach general availability.
What KB5074105 Includes
Once installed, KB5074105 updates eligible systems to:
- Windows 11 24H2 → OS Build 26100.7705
- Windows 11 25H2 → OS Build 26200.7705
This preview update does not include security patches. Instead, it delivers quality fixes designed to resolve issues reported after recent Windows upgrades.
See also: Windows 11 Insider Build 27950 Fixes Screen Flickering & Taskbar
Key Fixes and Improvements
Microsoft confirmed multiple stability fixes that address real-world Windows reliability problems:
- Boot reliability fixes resolve system freezes that occurred when Windows Boot Manager debugging was enabled.
- Sign-in stability improvements fix cases where Explorer.exe became unresponsive during first login when startup apps were present.
- Windows activation fixes address failures during license migration when systems could not register with Microsoft’s activation servers.
- Graphics crash fixes resolve
dxgmms2.syserrors that triggered KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE crashes on specific GPU configurations. - Windows Sandbox fixes prevent startup hangs and error code 0x800705b4.
- Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers, expanding secure login support beyond built-in sensors.
Microsoft reports no known issues with this update at the time of release.
Copilot+ and AI Component Updates Explained
KB5074105 also updates several AI components used on Copilot+ PCs, including Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis modules. These changes apply only to Copilot+ devices.
Standard Windows 11 PCs and Windows Server systems will not receive these AI component updates.
What This Update Does Not Include
To avoid confusion, Microsoft clarified that KB5074105:
- Does not include security fixes
- Does not remove features
- Does not change Copilot behavior on non-Copilot PCs
All security patches will arrive during the next Patch Tuesday release.
See also: Fix Windows 11 KB5064081 Update Installation Error
How to Install KB5074105 (Step-by-Step)
Because this is an optional preview update, Windows will not install it automatically. You must install it manually if you want the fixes now.
Method 1: Install via Windows Update (Recommended)
- Open Start → Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Look for Optional updates available
- Select KB5074105
- Click Download and install
Restart your PC when prompted.
Method 2: Manual Installation (Advanced Users)
If the update does not appear in Windows Update, you can install it manually:
- Download KB5074105 from the Microsoft Update Catalog
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
- Run the installation using DISM or Windows Update Standalone Installer
Microsoft notes that this update installs together with the servicing stack update (KB5074104), which cannot be removed after installation.
Who Should Install This Update Now
KB5074105 is best suited for:
- Users facing boot freezes or startup hangs
- PCs affected by GPU crashes or dxgmms2.sys errors
- Systems with Windows activation issues after upgrades
- IT admins testing fixes ahead of Patch Tuesday
If your system runs smoothly, Microsoft recommends waiting for the next mandatory security update.
Important Note for IT Administrators
Starting January 2026, Microsoft assigns separate KB identifiers and build numbers for Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11. This change improves clarity during deployment and update tracking, while installation workflows remain unchanged.
Microsoft has also simplified Windows update titles by removing unnecessary platform details, making update information easier to read and manage.
See also: How to Install Moltbot on QNAP NAS Using Ubuntu Linux Station (Step-by-Step Guide)
KB5074105 delivers meaningful reliability fixes for Windows 11 systems affected by boot, sign-in, activation, and graphics issues. While it is not required, installing it early can resolve persistent problems before they reach the next Patch Tuesday release.
Users who prefer stability over early fixes can safely wait for the upcoming security update.
