What's new in KB5079473 (Windows 11 build 26200.8037)
- Windows 11 24H2 (OS Build 26100.8037)
- Windows 11 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8037)
Priya Natarajan3 min readQuick answer
KB5079473 is a mandatory cumulative security update released on March 10, 2026, for Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 11 version 25H2. Installing this update advances your system build number to OS Build 26100.8037 or OS Build 26200.8037. Microsoft reports no known issues for this update.
KB5079473 is a cumulative security update released on March 10, 2026, for systems running Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 11 version 25H2. Depending on which operating system version your device is currently running, installing this update advances your system build number to OS Build 26100.8037 or OS Build 26200.8037. As a standard Patch Tuesday release, this update focuses on delivering critical security patches, core component reliability fixes, and essential underlying operating system maintenance.
If you rely on your Windows PC for daily personal tasks, remote work, or gaming, this update applies directly to you. Because it addresses security vulnerabilities and background system bugs, keeping your system updated ensures that your files remain protected and your hardware operates reliably. In this guide, we will break down what is included in KB5079473, whether you should install it immediately, and how to successfully download and apply it to your computer.
Highlights
- Security maintenance for Windows 11 24H2: Delivers key security enhancements and core system fixes for devices on OS Build 26100.8037.
- Cumulative update for Windows 11 25H2: Updates operating system binaries and component services to OS Build 26200.8037.
- Mandatory monthly servicing: Incorporates essential security patches released during the March 10, 2026 Patch Tuesday update cycle.
- Servicing stack improvements: Enhances the reliability of the Windows Update installation component across supported system configurations.
- Core OS stability updates: Addresses underlying system maintenance issues to improve background reliability on OS Build 26100.8037 and OS Build 26200.8037.
Known issues
Microsoft reports no known issues for this update.
Should you install it?
Because KB5079473 is a mandatory security update published on March 10, 2026, it is strongly recommended for all eligible Windows 11 users. If your PC is running Windows 11 version 24H2 or version 25H2, this package contains critical security patches designed to safeguard your system against software vulnerabilities and remote threats.
If you rely on your computer for critical daily tasks and prefer to verify system stability before rebooting, you can briefly pause updates in your settings. However, because Microsoft reports no known issues with this release, most users should proceed with installing OS Build 26100.8037 or OS Build 26200.8037 as soon as it becomes available through Windows Update.
How to get it
Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System
Getting KB5079473 installed on your computer is straightforward using the standard built-in Windows Update tool.
- Open the Start menu on your taskbar.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click the Check for updates button on the right side of the window.
- Allow Windows Update to download KB5079473 automatically.
- Click Restart now when prompted to complete the installation of OS Build 26200.8037 or OS Build 26100.8037.
If you want to check your current build version after updating, go to Settings > System > About and scroll down to Windows specifications.
If you manage multiple PCs or need to install the update offline without an active internet connection, you can download the standalone package directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for KB5079473 using the search box in the upper right corner.
- Select the correct package version matching your hardware architecture (x64 or ARM64) and Windows 11 version (24H2 or 25H2).
- Click Download next to the matching entry.
- Open the downloaded
.msufile on your computer to launch the offline installer. - Follow the on-screen installation prompts and restart your device when complete.
If you encounter any installation errors while applying the update, run the Windows Update troubleshooter or pause and resume updates to reset the installation process.
For advanced administrators who prefer managing updates through command-line tools or Group Policy, alternative installation methods are available.
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator from the Start menu.
- Use system administrative scripts or Group Policy configuration rules to manage update schedules across network devices.
Caution: Always create a restore point or back up important files before making modifications to system settings, Group Policy objects, or executing administrative scripts.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is KB5079473?
KB5079473 is a cumulative security update released on March 10, 2026, for Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 11 version 25H2.
What OS builds does KB5079473 bring?
Installing KB5079473 advances your device to OS Build 26100.8037 for version 24H2 or OS Build 26200.8037 for version 25H2.
Is KB5079473 a mandatory update?
Yes, KB5079473 is a mandatory Patch Tuesday security update that downloads and installs automatically through Windows Update.
Are there any known issues with KB5079473?
Microsoft reports no known issues for this update.
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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