What's new in KB5079391 (Windows 11 build 26200.8116)
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Build 26200.8116
- Build 26100.8116
Priya Natarajan4 min readQuick answer
KB5079391 is an optional non-security preview update released on March 26, 2026, for Windows 11 version 24H2 and version 25H2. It updates systems to OS Builds 26200.8116 and 26100.8116, providing quality improvements and system refinements ahead of the next mandatory Patch Tuesday. Users can download it directly from Windows Update or install it manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Microsoft released update KB5079391 on March 26, 2026, as an optional non-security preview update for devices running Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows 11, version 25H2. Depending on your current system branch, installing this update elevates your system version to OS Build 26200.8116 or OS Build 26100.8116. Because this is a preview update, it is designed for users who want early access to incoming fixes and quality adjustments before they are rolled out to everyone during the following month's security release.
This update affects standard desktop users, workstation operators, and enterprise deployments across both supported feature updates. By deploying OS Build 26200.8116 and OS Build 26100.8116, Microsoft provides a consolidated set of platform adjustments that refine background component behaviors and maintain update pipeline stability across active Windows 11 devices.
Highlights
- OS Build 26200.8116 update package: Delivers the primary non-security preview updates and component improvements for devices running Windows 11, version 25H2.
- OS Build 26100.8116 update package: Applies matching platform refinements and system fixes tailored specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2 installations.
- Integrated servicing stack update: Enhances the underlying Windows Update component to ensure reliable installation of future cumulative releases.
- Non-security quality updates: Consolidates background system adjustments across core Windows components to improve general OS stability.
- Cumulative preview staging: Incorporates previous out-of-band hotfixes into a unified preview baseline ahead of next month's mandatory security update.
Known issues
Microsoft reports no known issues for this update.
Should you install it?
Because KB5079391 is a non-security preview update, installing it right now is entirely optional. If your system is currently running smoothly and you do not require any of the non-security improvements included in this release, you can safely skip it. The fixes inside OS Build 26200.8116 and OS Build 26100.8116 will be automatically rolled into the mandatory Patch Tuesday cumulative update scheduled for next month.
However, if you enjoy testing the latest platform refinements early or want to verify system stability on Windows 11, version 24H2 or 25H2 before mandatory patches arrive, installing KB5079391 is a great option. IT administrators and power users often utilize preview builds like this one to evaluate performance and ensure line-of-business applications remain fully compatible before company-wide enforcement.
How to get it
Illustration: the Optional updates page under Windows Update > Advanced options
To install KB5079391 through the standard graphical interface on your computer, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Open your Settings application by clicking the Start menu and choosing the gear icon, or press the Windows key + I shortcut on your keyboard.
- In the left navigation sidebar, click on Settings > Windows Update.
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Get the latest updates as soon as they're available and switch it to the On position.
- Click the Check for updates button on the top right side of the main panel.
- Look for KB5079391 listed under the Optional updates available section, then click Download & install.
- Save any open files and restart your computer when prompted by Windows Update to finalize the installation.
If you prefer to review your version details before or after updating, navigate to Settings > System > About to verify that your OS Build displays either 26200.8116 or 26100.8116. Build 26100 was first introduced with the Windows 11 24H2 feature update release.
For advanced users, system administrators, or computers that do not have active internet access via Windows Update, you can download the standalone package directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog:
- Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Enter KB5079391 into the search bar located in the upper right corner and click Search.
- Locate the download entry matching your architecture and operating system version (Windows 11, version 24H2 or version 25H2).
- Click the Download button next to the appropriate file, open the download pop-up window, and click the .msu file link to save it locally.
- Double-click the downloaded .msu file to initiate the standalone Windows Update Standalone Installer.
Alternative deployment via command line tools: If you need to install the package silently across managed machines, you can use Windows PowerShell as an administrator. Run the command Start-Process wusa.exe -ArgumentList "C:\Path\To\KB5079391.msu /quiet /norestart" -Wait.
Caution note: Modifying system updates using administrative command line scripts or Registry keys can impact system boot behavior if interrupted. Always verify that your backup resides on a separate drive before running unattended installer scripts.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is KB5079391 a mandatory update for Windows 11?
No, KB5079391 is an optional preview update. You do not have to install it now, as its contents will be included in next month's mandatory cumulative update.
What OS builds are installed by KB5079391?
Installing KB5079391 updates Windows 11 version 25H2 to build 26200.8116 and Windows 11 version 24H2 to build 26100.8116.
How can I check if KB5079391 is already installed?
Navigate to Settings > System > About and check your OS build number. If it displays 26200.8116 or 26100.8116, the update is already installed.
Can I uninstall KB5079391 if I run into problems?
Yes, you can remove it by going to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, locating KB5079391 in the list, and clicking Uninstall.
Checked against Microsoft's release notes on ; re-checked when a new build ships.
Writes Thea's how-to guides for new and changed Windows 11 features: where a setting moved, how to turn it on or off, and what it actually does. Every guide is checked against Microsoft's release notes and updated when a new build changes the steps.
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