Windows 11 25H2/24H2: Understanding the January 2026 Preview Updates
What are the January 2026 preview updates about?
In late January 2026, Microsoft released a non‑security preview update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is labeled KB5074105 and bumps the OS builds to 26200.7705 (25H2) and 26100.7705 (24H2).
"Preview" means this update is optional. It does not introduce new security fixes. Instead, it delivers bug fixes and refinements that Microsoft plans to roll into the mandatory February 2026 Patch Tuesday release.
What does KB5074105 actually improve?
According to Microsoft and early community reports, the update focuses on three areas:
- More reliable boot on some devices that were stuck at startup or entered automatic repair loops after previous updates.
- More reliable sign‑in to Microsoft accounts and Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), for example when the sign‑in screen stays blank or takes a very long time.
- Tweaks to power management and background services so laptops can last a bit longer on battery in day‑to‑day use.
- Minor optimizations for File Explorer and the taskbar to make opening windows and context menus feel smoother.
- Fixes for certain activation and licensing glitches after upgrading to 24H2 or 25H2.
- Improved stability for Remote Desktop sessions and VPN connections.
The official release notes list many small, technical changes. For non‑experts the gist is: this is mostly a bug‑fix and polish update.
Who gets the update and how?
The January preview update is not a forced install.
To find it:
In managed environments, tools like Intune, WSUS or other update management platforms control whether this update is offered. Many organisations restrict preview updates to test devices only.
Who should install it?
It is worth installing if:
- Your PC has boot, sign‑in or activation issues since recent Windows updates.
- You are an IT admin and want to check whether the upcoming February changes cause trouble in your environment.
- You are an early adopter and like to test improvements as soon as they are available.
It is reasonable to wait if:
- Your system is stable and you do not see any of the issues mentioned.
- The device is used for critical work (point‑of‑sale, medical practice, small office without dedicated IT).
- You generally prefer to install only the monthly mandatory updates.
Rule of thumb:
- Home users without issues can safely skip the preview.
- Power users and admins benefit from early testing and validation.
How does it relate to other January 2026 updates?
January 2026 was quite busy for Windows 11:
- 13 January 2026 – KB5074109: regular Patch Tuesday security update for 25H2/24H2.
- Several out‑of‑band updates (for example KB5078127, KB5077744) to fix urgent problems.
- 29 January 2026 – KB5074105: this optional preview update.
In other words, KB5074105 builds on top of the earlier January updates. If you already installed Patch Tuesday and any out‑of‑band fixes, KB5074105 mainly adds another round of refinements.
How to check if KB5074105 is installed
To quickly confirm what your PC is running:
- If you see Version 24H2 with build 26100.7705 or Version 25H2 with build 26200.7705, KB5074105 is installed.
What if something breaks after installing the update?
Even with testing, problems can slip through. If your PC behaves worse after installing KB5074105, you have several options:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select KB5074105, and remove it.
- Restart the PC afterwards.
- Open the Start menu, type "cmd", right‑click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Run:
`sfc /scannow`
- Windows will scan and repair critical system files.
- Visit the official "Windows 11 24H2 update history" or "Windows 11 25H2 update history" page.
- Microsoft documents known problems and workarounds there and updates the pages when new fixes become available.
If the update will not install at all or the PC is stuck in a boot loop, organisations should involve Microsoft Support or revert to a recent system image.
Copilot+ PCs and 25H2
Official notes mention that some enhancements target Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11 25H2. These are devices with modern NPUs (AI accelerators) that can run certain AI features locally.
If you do not have a Copilot+ PC, you will not receive those specific capabilities, but you still benefit from the general stability and performance improvements.
Bottom line: install now or wait?
To sum up:
- KB5074105 is an optional polish update, not a critical security patch.
- Its focus is on stability, performance and reliability, especially around boot, sign‑in and activation.
- Less technical users can simply wait for the next Patch Tuesday and get the same fixes automatically.
- Admins and enthusiasts can use this preview to test early and fix existing annoyances.
If you are unsure, the conservative approach is usually best:
wait until the changes ship in the next mandatory security rollup, when they have seen broader real‑world testing.