Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5072033 and KB5071417 cumulative updates during December 2025 Patch Tuesday, bringing important feature improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements for 25H2/24H2 and 23H2 version users. This update elevates system build numbers to 26200.7462 or 26100.7462.
File Explorer Dark Mode Comprehensive Optimization
The update’s biggest highlight is comprehensive File Explorer dark mode perfection, with Microsoft finally resolving long-standing user interface consistency issues.
Dialog Dark Theming
Previously when using dark mode, dialogs for file copy, move, and delete operations would still display with white backgrounds, creating visual inconsistency and eye strain.
After KB5072033 update, the following interfaces fully support dark themes:
- File Copy UI: Copy progress windows and details panels
- File Delete Confirmation: Delete file warning dialogs
- File Move Operations: Progress displays during file moves
- Default and Expanded Views: Both view modes receive dark theme support
Progress Bar and Chart Visual Improvements
Progress bars and chart views now perfectly align with dark themes, improving readability and visual comfort. Users operating large quantities of files for extended periods no longer need to endure sudden white flashes.
This improvement is a long-awaited experience enhancement for users accustomed to nighttime work or preferring dark interfaces.
Windows Search Interface Redesign
Microsoft updated Windows Search design, making the search panel height match the Start menu panel, creating a more consistent visual experience.
While this change seems minor, it significantly improves overall user interface coordination, reducing visual jumpiness.
Virtual Workspaces Feature Launch
KB5072033 introduces Virtual Workspaces functionality, allowing users to enable or disable virtual environments in Advanced Settings.
Supported Virtual Environments
- Hyper-V: Microsoft’s enterprise-grade virtualization platform
- Windows Sandbox: Secure disposable desktop environment for testing suspicious applications
How to Access
Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced to find Virtual Workspaces options.
This feature allows advanced users and developers more flexible virtual environment management without diving into system settings or using command-line tools.
Desktop Spotlight Enhancements
When Windows Spotlight is set as desktop background (Settings > Personalization > Background), the context menu now includes two new options:
- Learn more about this background: View detailed information and stories about current desktop images
- Next desktop background: Manually switch to next Spotlight image
This lets users more actively explore and control Spotlight functionality rather than passively waiting for automatic rotation.
Major Gaming Performance Improvements
For gamers, KB5072033 brings critical stability fixes.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Crash Issues Resolved
Players using AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics cards report that after updating, persistent GPU crash issues are resolved.
Previously, the following popular games frequently experienced “GPU hung” and “driver removed” errors:
- Battlefield 6
- Call of Duty Black Ops 7
- ARC Raiders
After updating with AMD Adrenalin 25.11.1 drivers, these errors significantly decrease, with gaming experiences vastly improved.
Full-Screen Experience Expands to All Handhelds
Windows 11’s Full-Screen Experience (FSE) initially launched only on ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handhelds, now expanding to all handheld devices.
This feature provides:
- Console-style interface: Xbox or PlayStation-like user experiences
- Performance gains: Resource allocation optimized for handhelds
- Touch optimization: UI better suited for small screens and touch operations
For Steam Deck and other Windows handheld users, this is a significant usability improvement.
Multi-File Sharing Functionality
KB5072033 unlocks multi-file sharing functionality for the Drag tray, allowing users to select and share multiple files at once, improving work efficiency.
Security Fixes: 57 Vulnerabilities Including Zero-Day
This Patch Tuesday update patches 57 security vulnerabilities across the Windows ecosystem, including one critical zero-day exploit actively being exploited.
Zero-Day Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A privilege escalation flaw discovered in Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver is confirmed to be exploited in the wild. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to elevate system privileges, gaining higher access rights.
Microsoft strongly recommends all users install this update promptly to defend against potential security threats.
Other Security Fixes
Coverage includes:
- Remote code execution vulnerabilities
- Privilege escalation flaws
- Information disclosure vulnerabilities
- Denial of service attack vulnerabilities
Bug Fixes
Hyper-V Network Connectivity Issue
Microsoft resolved an issue where external virtual switches in Hyper-V environments lost network adapter bindings after reboot.
When this problem occurred:
- Virtual machines lost network connectivity
- Switches degraded to internal mode
- Manual network reconfiguration required
This fix is crucial for enterprise and developer environments, ensuring virtualized workload stability.
File Explorer White Flicker
The update fixes File Explorer briefly flashing white when navigating between pages, an issue that could occur after installing KB5070311.
Gradual Feature Rollout Mechanism
Microsoft employs a gradual rollout strategy, meaning not all new features will immediately display on all devices.
Some features may take days or weeks to appear on your system, depending on Microsoft’s rollout schedule and device compatibility assessment.
Update File Size Controversy
KB5072033’s download size is approximately 4.2GB, far exceeding typical cumulative updates.
Reasons for Size Explosion
Microsoft bundles AI models in monthly updates, even for regular PCs that don’t support Copilot+ features.
Although these AI models don’t apply to regular PCs, they’re still downloaded, causing abnormally large update files.
This sparks dissatisfaction among users and IT administrators:
- Wastes bandwidth and storage space
- Extends update installation time
- Burdens environments with limited network bandwidth
Microsoft has yet to provide solutions or explanations for this.
How to Install the Update
Automatic Update
Most users will receive this update automatically via Windows Update:
- Navigate to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- System will automatically download and install KB5072033
Manual Download
Advanced users can download standalone installers (.msu files) from Microsoft Update Catalog:
- Suitable for environments requiring offline installation
- Can be used to create custom deployment packages
- Appropriate for IT administrators batch deployment
Applicable Versions
KB5072033 applies to the following Windows 11 versions:
- Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200)
- Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100)
KB5071417 applies to:
- Windows 11 23H2 (older version)
User Response
Community reaction to this update is mixed:
Positive feedback:
- Dark mode finally fully implemented
- AMD GPU gaming stability vastly improved
- Critical security vulnerabilities patched
Negative reactions:
- Update files excessively large
- Some features roll out slowly
- Forced AI model downloads waste resources
Recommendations
For general users, installing this update promptly is recommended, especially considering the zero-day vulnerability’s existence. While the update file is large, security improvements and feature enhancements are worthwhile.
For enterprise environments, IT administrators should assess network bandwidth and deployment schedules, considering phased rollouts to avoid network congestion.
Windows 11’s December update marks Microsoft’s continued investment in user experience and security. While there’s room for improvement (particularly update file size issues), overall it’s an important and necessary update.
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