Microsoft has issued the KB5070311 optional preview update for Windows 11, addressing 49 known issues, including significant problems with File Explorer and system stability. The update resolves a bug that caused the explorer.exe process and the taskbar to freeze after specific notifications. It also fixes search malfunctions related to some SMB network shares and stabilizes the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), which was crashing due to an access violation.
This non-security preview update is designed for testing and will be included in next month's mandatory Patch Tuesday release. Users can install it manually through Windows Update by clicking "Check for Updates" and selecting the "Download and install" link, or by downloading it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Once applied, it upgrades Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems to builds 26100.7309 and 26200.7309, respectively.
Other improvements include a refined search results menu with a scroll bar, extended support for Windows Studio Effects AI camera enhancements on additional cameras, and a more consistent dark mode in File Explorer. Microsoft also notes there will be no preview update in December 2025 due to holiday operations, but security updates will continue as scheduled, with regular servicing resuming in January 2026. The company is still working on a separate fix for the missing password sign-in icon on the lock screen.
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