Microsoft has pushed out new cumulative updates for Windows 11, and if your PC is set to update automatically, you may already see them downloading. The latest releases are KB5074109 and KB5073455, delivered as part of the January 2026 Patch Tuesday cycle.
As usual, these updates aren’t about flashy new features. They’re focused on keeping systems secure, stable, and working as expected, which is exactly what Patch Tuesday updates are meant to do.
Which update applies to you?
It depends on which version of Windows 11 you’re running.
KB5074109 is for:
- Windows 11 24H2, which moves to Build 26100.7623
- Windows 11 25H2, which moves to Build 26200.7623
KB5073455 is for:
- Windows 11 23H2, updated to Build 22631.6491
All supported Windows 11 versions are covered, so no matter which release you’re on, there’s an update waiting.
What’s actually included?
Like most cumulative updates, these bundles include everything Microsoft has already released, plus new fixes and security patches. You don’t need to install older updates first — this one covers it all.
The biggest focus this month is security. Microsoft patched multiple vulnerabilities across the operating system, helping protect systems from potential exploits. While most of these issues aren’t things everyday users would notice, they matter a lot behind the scenes.
There are also general reliability improvements, including fixes related to networking, system services, and low-level components. In short: fewer crashes, fewer weird errors, and better overall stability.
Any changes worth noting?
One thing to be aware of is that Microsoft has removed several very old, legacy modem drivers. These drivers were already outdated and unused on most modern PCs, but if you’re running specialized or extremely old hardware, it’s something to keep in mind.
Microsoft is also continuing its Secure Boot certificate updates, which are being rolled out gradually. This phased approach helps avoid compatibility problems, so not every device gets the changes at the same time.
For most people, none of this will be noticeable — and that’s a good thing.
Should you install it right away?
For the vast majority of users, yes. These are mandatory security updates, and skipping them long-term isn’t recommended. If your PC is working normally, the update should install quietly and just ask for a reboot.
If you rely on mission-critical software or manage multiple systems, waiting a few days to see if any issues pop up is reasonable — but so far, there are no widespread problems being reported.
How to install
You can grab the update by going to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
If you’re running Windows 11 from Microsoft, the update will download and install automatically.
Bottom line
KB5074109 and KB5073455 are routine but important Windows 11 updates. No big new features, no major interface changes — just security fixes and stability improvements doing their quiet job in the background.
