Microsoft has issued a new optional preview update for Windows 11, giving users an early look at improvements expected to arrive in next month’s mandatory Patch Tuesday release.
The update, KB5077241, is available for versions 24H2 and 25H2, raising system builds to 26100.7922 and 26200.7922 respectively. As a preview release, it must be installed manually through Windows Update and focuses primarily on usability refinements, stability fixes, and tools for advanced users.
Interface Updates and New Everyday Features
Among the visible changes, Microsoft has added support for Emoji 16.0, expanding the system emoji library accessible through the Win + . shortcut.
The update also introduces a built-in network speed test shortcut. Users can now initiate a connection test directly from the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon on the taskbar, which opens a browser to measure latency as well as upload and download performance.
Another practical addition is native support for WebP wallpapers. Images in the WebP format can now be set as desktop backgrounds directly from File Explorer without conversion.
Native Sysmon Integration for Advanced Monitoring
The most significant technical addition is the inclusion of Sysmon (System Monitor), a widely used tool from the Microsoft Sysinternals suite.
Sysmon provides detailed event logging for process activity, network connections, and system behavior—capabilities commonly used by IT professionals and security teams for threat detection and forensic analysis.
The feature is included as an optional Windows component and is disabled by default. Administrators can enable it through PowerShell or system settings.
Reliability and Security Improvements
KB5077241 also delivers a range of quality-of-life fixes:
- File Explorer: Improved stability when opening new windows and expanded “Extract All” support for archive formats beyond standard ZIP.
- BitLocker: Enhanced system stability after entering a recovery key during startup.
- Widgets: Smoother navigation when using the full-screen view.
Optional Update Recommended Only When Needed
As with most preview releases, Microsoft advises users to install the update only if they need specific features or fixes. Systems running normally can wait for the upcoming cumulative update, when these changes will be delivered automatically.
For users who want early access to improvements—such as WebP wallpaper support, the integrated speed test, or native Sysmon—the update is considered stable enough for both home and professional environments.
The release reflects Microsoft’s ongoing approach of delivering incremental usability and security enhancements between major update cycles, giving users the option to adopt changes ahead of wider deployment.
