Microsoft released a new KB5053656 update for Windows 11 version 24H2. This is an optional update, advanced Windows 11 OS build 26100.3624 and introduces new features and improvements, including New AI features for Copilot+ PCs, improves Live Captions, updates Settings pages, introduces the Gamepad keyboard layout, and refines Task Manager CPU usage. It also adds customizable Lock Screen widgets and brings Voice Access support for Chinese users, along with various other fixes. You can navigate settings Windows update to download this update. Microsoft has also published direct download links for Windows 11 KB5053656 offline installers. Well, You can always skip optional updates and wait until the next Patch Tuesday, i.e. “April 2025 Patch Tuesday”, which will include today’s changes.
Download Windows 11 KB5053656
As discussed, Windows 11 KB5053656 is an optional update that needs to be downloaded and installed manually.
- Press the Windows key + I to open the settings app
- Go to Windows Update, then hit the check for Updates button. If you see the following patch, click on Download and Install.
2025-03 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5053656)
- Once the download and installation are complete, restart your computer to apply the change.
Windows 11 KB5053656 Direct Download Links: 64-bit.
Note: This link opens the Microsoft update catalogue, where you can find all cumulative updates published for offline download.
After installing the update and reboot the device, you can run winver command to check the latest build number its Windows 11 OS build 26100.3624.
Windows 11 KB5053656 What’s new?
The latest Windows 11 update (KB5053656, OS Build 26100.3624) introduces new features, improvements, and fixes across various areas of the system. Some of the highlights include:
AI-powered semantic search for Copilot+ PCs makes it easier to find files, settings, and apps using natural language. Whether searching in File Explorer, Taskbar, Start menu, or Settings, you can type naturally to locate what you need. Cloud-stored photos are now included in search results, making it easier to find images using descriptive keywords like “summer picnics.”
A new Gamepad keyboard layout is now available for the touch keyboard, enhancing navigation with controller-friendly button accelerators like X for backspace and Y for spacebar. Additionally, keys have been vertically aligned for better usability.
The Live Captions feature has been upgraded, it now supports real-time translation for over 44 languages into English. This helps users in video calls, streaming, or recorded content. Snapdragon-powered devices also get real-time translation for Chinese (Simplified), expanding accessibility further.
Voice Access gets a major update, allow users to speak naturally using filler words and synonyms instead of rigid commands. Additionally, Chinese language support is introduced, allowing users to navigate, dictate, and interact with Windows using voice commands in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
A new system tray icon has been added to improve the discoverability of emoji panels and other quick-access tools. Initially, this will roll out to a small group of devices before a wider release.
Windows 11 now allows customization of Lock Screen widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA), previously known as “Weather and more.” Users can now add, remove, and rearrange widgets like Weather, Sports, Watchlist, and Traffic.
For Windows Studio Effects, a new system tray icon will appear when an app uses Neural Processing Unit (NPU)-powered effects. Clicking the icon opens Studio Effects settings, while hovering over it shows which app is using the camera.
Task Manager has been updated to calculate CPU usage differently, aligning with industry standards. The Cortana Location History feature has also been removed, meaning location data will no longer be stored locally.
The update also brings numerous fixes across the system, improving authentication, app installations, File Explorer behavior, graphics performance, and display settings. Notable fixes include improved reliability of ctfmon.exe, resolution of Kerberos authentication failures, and fixes for issues causing unexpected screen orientation changes and incorrect virtual NIC descriptions.
For Remote Desktop users, the update ensures that UDP is no longer used, making connections rely only on TCP. PowerShell fixes now ensure critical modules function correctly under Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies.
Additionally, inconsistencies in HDR playback on Dolby Vision displays have been resolved, ensuring users see Dolby Vision-specific content indicators instead of regular HDR. Credential Roaming issues preventing certificates and keys from syncing properly to Active Directory have also been fixed.
This update also brings improvements to Windows LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution), ensuring that settings remain intact after an in-place upgrade. Fixes for OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience) now ensure ESP runs properly when a new user logs in.
Known Issues in KB5053656
Despite these improvements, Microsoft has noted two known issues in this update.
First, players on ARM devices are currently unable to download or play Roblox from the Microsoft Store. Second, devices with certain Citrix components, specifically Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411, may be unable to complete the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update.
Note: Some of these features and fixes are rolling out gradually, so not all users may see them immediately. You can read the complete changelog at the Microsoft support site here
If you encounter a problem after installing the Windows update, you can safely uninstall the update to bypass this issue.
Also read:
- Bluetooth not working after the Windows 11 update? 6 solutions to apply
- Fix Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) error on Windows 11/10
- 8 Dos and Don’ts of While Using Public Wi-Fi (Updated 2025)
- How Long Does It Take to Install Windows 11 from Windows 10
- Complete Laptop Buying Guide – Specifications of a Good Laptop
