Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5077231 for Windows 11, version 25H2 for insiders on the Beta channel – Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update (26220.7872). Beta channel users will now receive Windows 11, version 25H2 updates, which are available via the enablement package KB5066383 (build 26220.xxx).
- Context menu. When right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files, the "Open" item in the context menu now displays an icon corresponding to the default application for that file type. This makes the interface more logical and visually consistent.
- Settings – Device Information Card. The card on the main page of the Settings app, first introduced in June 2025, has been refined based on user feedback. The update simplifies the display of key device characteristics and improves the consistency of navigation from the main page to Settings > System > About. Information is now clearer and easier to perceive. This feature is currently rolling out to program participants in the US. For corporate devices managed by IT administrators, a separate version of the card continues to be used.
- Settings – About System section. In Settings > System > About, key hardware specifications are once again placed at the top of the page. Additional information, including graphics and storage data, is combined into a single block with convenient copy support. The FAQ section is temporarily hidden – Microsoft continues to work on the optimal format for contextual help.
- Taskbar and system tray. Animations when hovering over application groups on the taskbar have been improved. Interaction is now smoother and visually cleaner.
Installation is done through Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation.
The Windows Insider Program Beta channel is intended for testing features and improvements that are closer to the final release and are based on Windows 11 version 25H2. Many features in the Beta channel are rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology: they first become available to a limited number of insiders, after which their distribution gradually expands as feedback and stability are analyzed.
Features and capabilities included in Beta channel builds may change during testing, be removed, or never make it to the final release. Microsoft uses this channel to test near-final concepts and gather feedback. Some of these features may appear in future versions of Windows when fully completed.
Also, some features under active development may be temporarily unavailable or not fully localized in all languages. Localization will be refined as development progresses. If you notice translation issues, report them through the Feedback Hub.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase or Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Context menu icon for .exe, .bat, .cmd | ⚪ No measurable impact | 🟢 Minor UI consistency optimization | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Settings – Device Information Card | ⚪ No measurable impact | 🟡 Minor navigation optimization | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Settings – About System section | ⚪ No measurable impact | 🟡 Minor information accessibility optimization | ⚪ No impact | ⚪ No impact |
| Taskbar and system tray hover animations | 🟢 Negligible to slight positive (smoother rendering) | 🟢 Minor animation optimization | 🟢 Slightly smoother UI interaction | ⚪ No direct impact |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Context menu icon for .exe, .bat, .cmd files | Right-click on an .exe, .bat, or .cmd file | No manual change is required. The "Open" item now automatically displays an icon corresponding to the default application for that file type. To change the icon, change the default app for that file type in Settings > Apps > Default apps. |
| Device Information Card on Settings main page | Settings > main page (top card) | This card is currently rolling out to US program participants. It displays key device characteristics in a simplified way. For corporate devices managed by IT administrators, a separate version of the card is used. No manual toggle is available; it appears automatically based on region and device management status. |
| About System section layout | Settings > System > About | Key hardware specifications are shown at the top automatically. Additional information (graphics, storage) is combined into a single block with copy support. The FAQ section is temporarily hidden and cannot be manually re-enabled. |
| Taskbar hover animations for app groups | Taskbar > hover over an application group | Animations are improved automatically with this update. No user setting is available to adjust or disable them. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5120996 | 28000.2796 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120998 | 26200.9267 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120240 | 22631.7517 | 23H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-08-11 |