Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 preview update is aimed less at new bells and whistles and more at making the operating system feel faster.
The optional update, KB5089573, targets everyday pain points, including app launches, File Explorer reliability, sign-in behavior, and responsiveness across core Windows interface elements. It is available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 and is expected to roll out in a future mandatory Patch Tuesday update.
For users and IT admins, the choice is familiar: install early to get the fixes now, or wait until Microsoft folds them into the next cumulative release after broader testing.
What’s included in KB5089573
According to Microsoft, the update is for Windows 11 users on either version 25H2 or 24H2, and it “includes production-quality improvements.” That means that while the update adds some new features, it is a tested, stable code that enhances the already existing Windows experience.
Users who opt in to this update will have their OS Build version upgraded to 26200.8524 and 26100.8524 and, according to BleepingComputer, receive the 30 changes the update brings.
KB5089573 focuses on making everyday Windows interactions feel faster; it addresses responsiveness in core shell components such as the Start Menu, Search, and Action Center, while also targeting reliability issues in File Explorer and excessive power drain. These changes target common friction points users face during routine navigation and multitasking.
Alongside the performance boost, the update also includes a series of reliability fixes focused on user authentication. Windows Hello behavior now leans more towards biometric sign-in while reducing failures during enhanced security checks.
Other fixes address Modern Standby resume behavior, theme switching, and input handling.
The update also expands reliability across several system components. New features include Shared Audio, which enables simultaneous Bluetooth audio streaming to two devices using LE Audio, and Multi-App Camera support, which allows multiple apps to access the camera system at once.
For devices with an NPU, Task Manager now allows for deeper visibility into usage trends and AI workloads. Magnifier improvements enhance accessibility with better screen reader feedback.
It also updates to AI components such as Image Search, Content Extraction, Semantic Analysis, and the Settings Model.
How to get the optional update
One issue that has consistently affected Windows systems in recent times is the frequency of failed update installations.
Microsoft has pledged to fix that and appears to be steadily strengthening its efforts by making changes to its servicing infrastructure, including the Servicing Stack Updates (SSU). This essential component ensures the reliable installation of Windows updates.
The company says its SSU bundles with the cumulative update, improving its installation reliability. Users who wish to install the update should:
Open Settings > Windows Updates > Advanced options > Optional updates. Click on the provided link to download and install the update.
Because KB5089573 is optional, most users can wait for the next cumulative update unless they are affected by one of the issues Microsoft lists. IT teams may want to test it on a smaller group of devices first, especially if they manage systems where update reliability, peripherals, or sign-in behavior have recently caused problems.
Also read: Microsoft’s latest Surface for Business AI PCs pair Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips with enterprise security and manageability features.
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