Windows update preview now available as out-of-band update

The update previews for Windows from March caused error messages, which is why Microsoft stopped distribution last weekend. Microsoft has now released an out-of-band update that replaces the faulty update package.

Microsoft explains in the Message Center of the Windows Release Health notes that the update from Tuesday night resolves the problem of the previous update preview version, which essentially resulted in the error message: “Some update files are missing or have problems. We'll try to download the update again later. Error code: (0x80073712)”. The cumulative update with KB number KB5086672 replaces the previous updates for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2. According to Microsoft, it also includes the security patches and improvements from the March Patchday update.

The new version of the update will now automatically be installed on Windows 11 computers with builds 25H2 and 24H2 that have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available” option in Windows Update settings, Microsoft further states. However, it is also available as an optional update if interested parties start a manual update search and do not have the option enabled.

The update preview provides improvements such as support for screens with more than 1000 Hertz refresh rate, improved automatic image rotation and HDR reliability, and enhanced power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors in sleep mode. According to the developers, the file explorer releases downloaded files more reliably and supports voice input when renaming files.

In addition, they have adapted the dialog boxes in the settings under “Accounts” - "Other users" to the modern Windows look. They now also support dark mode. Whether these dialog boxes are available depends on whether the device is in a domain or a school account is used on it. The voice output now provides richer image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs and works on all Windows 11 devices, allowing users to receive immediate descriptions on the device or ask Copilot for more details.

Unscheduled update resolves the problem

Microsoft has provided a support entry for update KB5086672. It updates the Windows versions to build 26200.8117 (Windows 11 25H2) and 26100.8117 (Windows 11 24H2). It replaces the defective update preview with the KB entry KB5079391, which is no longer available for download; that had pushed the last digit of the build numbers to version 8116.

The developers have now added the note there: “This update will no longer be offered to new devices due to an installation issue after release. The issue has been resolved in the out-of-band update dated March 31, 2026 – KB5086672 (OS builds 26200.8117 and 26100.8117). This newer update includes all improvements and features that were part of this update, as well as a fix for the installation issue.”

(dmk)