Windows 11: February 2025 Updates for Versions 24H2 and 23H2 (KB5051987, KB5051989)

Microsoft is delivering Windows 11 build 26100.3194 (KB5051987) to version 24H2 and Windows 11 build 22631.4890 (KB5051989) to versions 23H2 (and 22621.4890 for version 22H2) via the Stable Channel. This Patch Tuesday update for February 2025 introduces visual improvements and resolves several existing feature issues.

According to official notes from Microsoft, Windows 11 build 22631.4890 (version 23H2) introduces improvements to the Taskbar, including a new icon for Windows Studio Effects. A new “Resume” feature allows you to continue working on files from your mobile device. File Explorer displays files shared with you and updates the context menu for left navigation pane items.

In addition, the release modifies Windows Share, Magnifier, and Snipping Tool and fixes issues with various OS components.

Windows 11 build 26100.3194 for version 24H2 includes similar changes to build 22631.4890 for version 23H2. Microsoft is adding 6GHz support for Mobile Hotspot. Standard User accounts can now also change the time zone setting.

Update KB5051987 includes fixes for Active Directory, Mouse, IME, Snipping Tool, Task Manager, and Windows update installation. It also addresses oversaturation color for games when using Auto HDR.

Installation Via Windows Update

For most users, the most streamlined approach is to use Windows Update directly.

Step 1: Open the Windows Update settings.

Step 2: Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option.

Step 3: Click the “Check for Updates” button.

Keep in mind that the rollout of new features and changes may be gradual.

Manual Installation

If you prefer manual installation, follow these steps.

Step 1: Download the update for version 24H2 from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Step 2: Download the update for version 23H2 from this Microsoft support page.

Step 3: Run the downloaded .msu file to start the installation.

Uninstalling the Update

If you experience issues after installing the update, you can uninstall it to revert to the previous version.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Windows Update.

Step 2: Click Update history.

Step 3: Click Uninstall updates.

Step 4: Select the update you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.

Windows 11 build 26100.3194 (24H2)

These are the non-security fixes and improvements in the Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 24H2.

Taskbar preview changes

Update KB5051987 improves previews and animation when hovering over items in the Taskbar. A new icon appears in the System Tray to highlight the Windows Studio Effects feature (Copilot+ PCs only).

Resume new feature

This update introduces a new “Resume” feature, also referred to as “work across devices.”

You can enable the feature by going to Settings > Apps > Resume and turning on the “Resume” toggle switch.

File Explorer with shared files

This release includes an updated version of File Explorer that shows you items shared with you, including files, emails, Teams chats, and more.

The items appear on the “Home” page in the “Shared” tab. You must use a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID account.

Right-clicking items in the left navigation pane will display a “New” menu with an option to create folders.

Mobile Hotspot with 6GHz

Update KB5051987 supports 6GHz connections for the Mobile Hotspot feature. You need a network adapter that supports 6GHz Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots.

Time zone changes for standard users

Users in the “Standard Users” group can now change time zone settings on the “Date & Time” settings page (previously limited to “Administrators”).

Windows Backup

This rollout improves the restoration process when using the Windows Backup feature during the OS’s initial setup by deploying a standard Taskbar without your previous apps. Your old apps are still accessible in the Start menu.

Windows 11 build 22631.4890 (23H2)

These are the security fixes and improvements in the Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11. The changes apply to versions 23H2 and 22H2.

Taskbar preview changes

Update KB5051989 improves previews and animation when hovering over items in the Taskbar. A new icon appears in the System Tray to surface the Windows Studio Effects feature (Copilot+ PCs only).

Resume new feature

Windows 11 introduces the “Resume” feature with this update, also referred to as “work across devices.” If you start working on a document from your OneDrive account on your phone and unlock your computer within five minutes, a notification appears on the desktop to pick up where you left off.

You must use the same Microsoft account across devices. It does not work for work and school accounts and is only supported for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and PDF files.

You can turn on the feature in Settings > Apps > Resume.

File Explorer with shared files

Build 22631.4890 includes an updated version of File Explorer that shows you items shared with you, including files, emails, Teams chats, and more.

The items appear on the “Home” page in the “Shared” tab. You must use a Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID account.

Right-clicking items in the left navigation pane will display a “New” menu with an option to create folders.

Windows Share improvements

The Windows Share experience allows you to share directly to supported apps by right-clicking a file and choosing the share option.

Magnifier new zoom options

This preview adds the reset zoom to fit the screen and reset the zoom to the last modification buttons to the Magnifier interface.

Fixes in this release

This non-security update gradually pushes fixes for the Snipping Tool and Chinese Pinyin IME.

Windows 11 build 22631.4890 immediately rolls out fixes for Task Manager, Remote Desktop, virtual memory, IME, NFC, USB Print and IPP Over USB, WARP. It also updates the list of drivers at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.


These updates ensure your system is current with the newest features and security improvements. Be sure to choose the installation method that best meets your requirements.