Microsoft has released KB5074105 preview update for Windows 11 on January 29, 2026, Advanced OS Builds 26200.7705 (Windows 11 version 25H2) and 26100.7705 (Windows 11 version 24H2). This is a non-security preview update that focuses on feature improvements, system enhancements, and bug fixes rather than security patches. According to the Microsoft release document, Windows 11 KB5074105 brings new language support for the Agent on Copilot+ PCs, improved MIDI services, the ability to toggle Smart App Control without reinstalling Windows, and new Windows Hello features. It also fixes glitches in the Start menu, File Explorer crashes, and addresses various system stability issues.
- Update name: KB5074105
- Release date: January 29, 2026
- OS Builds: 26200.7705 (25H2), 26100.7705 (24H2)
- Update type: Non-security preview update
Some features and changes roll out gradually, so they may not appear for all users at the same time, depending on region, device compatibility, and Microsoft’s staged deployment process.
How to Download Windows 11 KB5074105
This is an optional preview update and won’t install automatically. Here’s how to manually download and install Windows 11 KB5074105.
- Open Windows Settings using keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates.
Ensure you’ve enabled the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option.
- You will see something like Preview Update (KB5074105) (26200.7705)
- Click Download and install to start the process. It may take some time, depending on your internet speed.
- Restart your PC when prompted to complete the installation.
Windows 11 KB5074105 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64 | Microsoft Update Catalog.
Double-click the .msu file to run the installer, then follow the prompts to complete the installation. Restart your PC to apply the update.
What’s New in Windows 11 KB5074105
This release focuses on improving user experience with new capabilities for Copilot+ PCs while addressing critical system issues that have affected everyday operations.
Agent in Settings – Expanded Language Support
With today’s release, Microsoft has expanded language support for the AI-powered Settings Agent, enable it more users worldwide to use this feature in their native language. Newly supported languages include:
- German
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Korean
- Japanese
- Hindi
- Italian
- Chinese (Simplified)
With KB5074105, users in these regions can search for and manage Windows settings using natural language, making system configuration easier and more accessible.
Cross-Device Resume
KB5074105 expands the Cross-Device Resume feature that Microsoft first introduced in May 2025.
With this update, users can continue activities from their Android phone directly on their Windows PC, including:
- Resuming Spotify playback
- Continuing work in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Restoring browser sessions
- Opening files previously accessed in the Microsoft Copilot mobile app
Device and app support includes:
- Vivo phones can continue browsing from Vivo Browser on PC
- HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, vivo, and Xiaomi devices can resume online files opened in the Microsoft Copilot app
Files open in the relevant Microsoft 365 desktop application if installed, or in the default web browser if the app is not available. Offline-only files stored on the phone are not supported.
Windows MIDI Services
This update delivers major improvements to MIDI support on Windows, making the platform more capable for music production and audio workflows. New additions include:
- Enhanced support for MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0
- Full WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support with built-in translation
- Shared MIDI ports across apps
- Custom port names
- Loopback MIDI
- App-to-app MIDI communication
- Performance improvements and bug fixes
The separate App SDK and Tools package enables inbox MIDI 2.0 features and includes tools such as MIDI Console and the MIDI Settings app. These downloads are currently unsigned, which may trigger security warnings during installation.
Narrator Improvements
Narrator now provides more flexible control over how on-screen elements are announced. Users can:
- Choose which details are spoken
- Change the order of spoken information
These settings apply across the system and are designed to make screen reading clearer and less overwhelming.
Settings Device Card
A new Device card is now available on the Settings home page for users signed in with a Microsoft account. It shows key device specifications and usage details, with quick access to Settings > System > About for full system information.
Settings Device Card
A new Device card is now available on the Settings home page for users signed in with a Microsoft account. It shows key device specifications and usage details, with quick access to Settings > System > About for full system information. The rollout of this feature has resumed after being paused in August 2025.
Smart App Control
With KB5074105, users can now turn Smart App Control (SAC) on or off without performing a clean Windows installation. The option is available at: Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control.
When enabled, Smart App Control helps block untrusted and potentially harmful applications.
Voice Access
The Voice Access feature now includes a redesigned setup experience, making it easier to get started. The update introduces:
- Simplified speech model downloads
- Clear microphone selection during setup
- Guided onboarding to help users understand available voice commands
Voice Access
The Voice Access feature now includes a redesigned setup experience, making it easier to get started. The update introduces:
- Simplified speech model downloads
- Clear microphone selection during setup
- Guided onboarding to help users understand available voice commands
Voice Typing
A new “Wait time before acting” option allows users to adjust how quickly voice commands are executed, improving recognition accuracy for different speaking speeds.
Windows Hello
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports external fingerprint readers, allowing secure biometric sign-in on desktops and devices without built-in fingerprint sensors.
General stability and reliability fixes
- File Explorer responsiveness improvements and folder handling fixes
- Windows Update and Insider enrollment issues resolved
- Login, taskbar, and Explorer startup hangs fixed
- Desktop icon movement and input labeling bugs resolved
- Windows Sandbox startup errors fixed
Security, boot, and platform updates
- Secure Boot certificate and Boot Manager updates (Windows 11 24H2)
- DPAPI cryptographic key management improvements
- GPU crash fixes and black screen issues resolved
- Boot, iSCSI, and system startup reliability fixes
These changes focus on improving overall system stability, reliability, boot security, graphics performance, and core Windows platform behavior.
More details are available on the official Microsoft update page.
