Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5124040 (Build 26220.9223) for Windows 11 version 25H2, intended for insiders on the Beta channel. This build includes improvements in accessibility and Microsoft Store, aimed at enhancing the convenience of working with the system and expanding functionality for developers.
- Automatic maximization of application windows. Added the accessibility option Open apps maximized, which automatically maximizes application windows when they are opened. This eliminates the need to maximize them manually each time. The change is small, but it removes a daily inconvenience and will be useful for those who use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer to work in maximized windows. The option is enabled in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
- Support for in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 applications. Microsoft Store has added support for in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 applications that require elevation. Developers will now be able to offer purchases through Microsoft's built-in commerce platform.
To install update KB5124040 (Build 26220.9223), you need to go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A computer restart is required to complete the installation. The update is available only to Windows Insider program participants on the Beta channel.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase / Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed Impact | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic maximization of application windows (Open apps maximized) | ⚪ No measurable change (UI automation only) | 🟡 Minor workflow optimization — removes manual step | ⚪ Negligible (no background load) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| In-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps requiring elevation | ⚪ No direct impact on local performance | 🟢 High for developers — built-in commerce platform integration | ⚪ Negligible (network/backend only) | ⚪ Not applicable |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Open apps maximized | Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects | Open Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects. Turn on "Open apps maximized" to automatically maximize application windows when they are opened. Turn it off to keep the default window size behavior. |
| In-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 applications (elevated) | Microsoft Store (developer/consumer purchase flow) | No user-facing setting is required. When a packaged WinUI 3 application that requires elevation offers an in-app purchase, the Microsoft Store commerce platform handles the transaction automatically. Users complete the purchase through the Store purchase dialog. Developers enable this through the Store commerce platform; end users do not change a setting. |
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 |