Windows 11 Update Blog Post

Windows 11 KB5067036 Preview Update Brings New Start Menu and Administrator Protection

Microsoft has released the KB5067036 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing a redesigned Start Menu, enhanced security through the new Administrator Protection feature, and numerous bug fixes and performance improvements.

What Is the Windows 11 KB5067036 Update?

The KB5067036 release is part of Microsoft’s optional non-security preview update schedule. These monthly previews arrive at the end of each month, giving users a sneak peek at the fixes and features coming in the next Patch Tuesday release. Unlike standard Patch Tuesday updates, preview updates are optional and do not include security patches. How to install KB5067036:
  • Open Settings > Windows Update
  • Click Check for updates
  • Select Download and install if prompted
If you’ve enabled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available,” it will install automatically. You can also download the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Key Highlights of the KB5067036 Update

Once installed:
  • Windows 11 24H2 is updated to build 26100.5074
  • Windows 11 25H2 is updated to build 26100.7019
The October 2025 preview update introduces exciting new features and important fixes, including updates to the Start Menu, File Explorer, and system authentication tools.

🔒 Administrator Protection (Preview)

The new Administrator Protection feature aims to enhance system security by reducing the risk of unauthorized system changes. It requires users to authenticate with Windows Hello before performing any administrative actions, such as:
  • Installing software
  • Changing system settings (e.g., time, registry)
  • Accessing sensitive data
This prevents malware from silently making system-level changes and adds an extra layer of identity verification for privileged actions. Administrators can enable this feature via Microsoft Intune (OMA-URI) or Group Policy.

🪟 Redesigned Start Menu

Windows 11’s Start Menu has been redesigned for better navigation and usability:
  • Scrollable “All” section – Quickly browse through all installed apps
  • Category and Grid Views – Choose between grouped or alphabetical app listings
  • Responsive layout – Automatically adapts to screen size
  • Phone Link integration – View and manage mobile content directly from your PC
These Start Menu updates are rolling out gradually to all Windows 11 users.

📁 File Explorer Improvements

  • Recommended Files now available for local and personal Microsoft accounts
  • New StorageProvider APIs for deeper cloud integration
  • Resolved issues with context menus, sorting, and responsiveness
  • Fixed extraction errors for large archive files (0x8000FFFF)
You can turn off the Recommended section in File Explorer > Folder Options.

🔋 Battery and Lock Screen Enhancements

The KB5067036 update adds a fresh look to the system’s battery indicators:
  • 🟢 Green: Charging and healthy
  • 🟡 Yellow: Battery saver mode (20% or lower)
  • 🔴 Red: Critically low battery
Battery icons now appear in the Lock Screen, System Tray, and Quick Settings. You can show the battery percentage under Settings > System > Power & battery.

💡 Microsoft 365 Copilot Integration

For enterprise users, Microsoft has added a new Microsoft 365 Copilot onboarding page in the Get Started app. This feature helps users learn how to make the most of Copilot’s AI-powered productivity tools.

⚙️ Additional Fixes and Improvements

  • Networking: Fixed HTTP/2 issues affecting localhost web services
  • Authentication: Resolved remote password and Kerberos ticket problems
  • Display & Graphics: Fixed screen refresh lag and red-tint issues
  • Accessibility: Screen readers now correctly read window contents
  • Task Manager: Fixed process grouping issues
  • Windows Update: Improved reliability and shutdown behavior
  • Installer: Fixed Media Creation Tool crashes on Arm64 devices

✅ Known Issues Resolved

Microsoft has also addressed issues affecting:
  • Protected media playback
  • Remote Credential Guard connections
  • App responsiveness in Open/Save dialogs
  • Handwriting input via microsoft.ink.dll
  • Slow taskbar load after waking from sleep

💬 Final Thoughts

The Windows 11 KB5067036 Preview Update delivers a meaningful set of improvements ahead of the upcoming 25H2 release. Between the smarter Start Menu, enhanced File Explorer, and new security measures like Administrator Protection, Microsoft continues refining the Windows 11 experience. If you’d like early access to these features, install the optional update today via Windows Update. Otherwise, expect these improvements in next month’s Patch Tuesday rollout.
Tags: Windows 11, Microsoft Update, KB5067036, Windows 11 24H2, Windows 11 25H2, Administrator Protection, Start Menu, Tech News