Microsoft now uses an annual feature update for Windows 11, typically in the second half of the year.
The current big version is 24H2 (also called Windows 11 2024 Update).
A new version 25H2 (Windows 11 2025 Update) has been released / is rolling out.
This release is delivered as an enablement package (i.e. activates new features on top of 24H2) rather than a totally new base OS. 🛡 Latest Cumulative / Security Updates & What They Do Below are some of the recent patches and what they changed. Patch / KB OS Build Affected Versions What’s New / Fixed Notes / Known Issues KB5065426 (Sept 9, 2025) Build 26100.6584 24H2 (and similar) Security fixes + new features: taskbar improvements, calendar full clock in flyout, enhancements to File Explorer, better system prompts, etc. Big update (~4 GB); staged feature rollouts so not everyone sees all features immediately. KB5068221 (Sept 22, 2025) Servicing Stack Update (SSU) build 26100.5074 All / supporting builds Improves the servicing stack (the component that handles updates) for reliability. Always good to have SSU updates before cumulative ones. KB5063878 / KB5063875 (Aug 2025) 24H2 / 22H2 / 23H2 24H2 (KB5063878), others for earlier versions Performance improvements, new “Quick Machine Recovery,” UI tweaks, etc. Some issues with NDI / streaming performance after this patch. KB5066189 (Aug 19, 2025) OS Builds 22621.5771 / 22631.5771 Earlier versions / 22H2 / 23H2 Out-of-band fix, combining SSU + LCU improvements. This one is optional / in “Optional updates” section. Earlier June / July patches (e.g. KB5060842, KB5060829, KB5062553, KB5062552) Varies: 26100.x builds for 24H2 etc. 24H2 / previews Bug fixes, preview improvements (window behavior, script execution, etc.) Some patches are preview / optional and not all users will get them automatically.
⚠Known Issues & Compatibility While Microsoft tries to ensure updates are smooth, there are known compatibility issues and rollbacks: Camera / face detection issues: On devices with version 24H2, using the integrated camera with object / face detection (e.g. Windows Hello) may fail. A compatibility hold was in place. Intel SST (Smart Sound Technology) Driver Conflict: Some versions (10.29.0.5152, 10.30.0.5152) are incompatible with 24H2, causing blue screens. Users should upgrade to later versions (10.29.00.5714, 10.30.00.5714 or newer) first. NDI / streaming performance regressions: After the August 2025 update, users reported stuttering/choppy performance in streaming & capture software using NDI (especially when using RUDP). Microsoft has acknowledged this. “Update & Shut Down” bug: The “Update and shut down” option sometimes doesn’t shut down — instead it reboots. A fix is being tested in preview channels. Staged / delayed feature rollout: Even after a patch installs, certain new features may take time (days/weeks) to appear, as Microsoft enables them gradually.✅ What You Should Do Now (Based on Latest Patches)
Check your Windows version / build: Go to Settings → System → About to find your OS version and build (e.g. 24H2, build 26100.xxx).
Make sure servicing stack (SSU) updates are installed before cumulative ones (these ensure update engine is healthy).
Apply KB5065426 if you don’t already have it — it’s the latest large cumulative update for 24H2 and brings both security fixes and new UI improvements.
Check & update critical drivers (especially audio / Intel SST) to newer versions to avoid BSOD or incompatibility.
Be cautious with streaming / capture apps: If you use NDI or OBS etc, test after updating. Consider switching protocols or delaying the update if issues appear.