KB5079391 Lands for Windows 11 With Smart App Control, Narrator, and File Explorer Improvements

Microsoft has been steadily rolling out its latest Windows update, and after appearing earlier as KB5074105 in the Release Preview channel, it is now officially available to the public.

The update, released as KB5079391 for both Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, brings build numbers up to 26200.8116 and 26100.8116, respectively.

In its earlier preview phase, the update introduced several notable improvements, including enhancements to Cross-Device Resume, Smart App Control, and MIDI support. It also refined how information is displayed in Storage Cleanup, while addressing multiple usability issues such as Start Menu glitches, black screen problems, and File Explorer freezes.

However, the rollout hasn’t been entirely smooth. During testing, users reported issues related to camera functionality and lock screen behavior.

KB5079391 Is Finally Out of Testing and Live for Users

With the public release now underway, users can expect the same set of changes and fixes as the preview build, alongside the updated build numbers across supported versions. Here’s what the update brings:

Features rolling out gradually

Narrator

• Offers richer image descriptions and integrates with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices.
• Use Narrator key + Ctrl + D for a focused image or Ctrl + S for the full screen.
• Copilot opens with the image so you can enter a custom prompt.
• On Copilot+ PCs, descriptions are generated instantly on-device, with an option to ask Copilot for more detail.

Smart App Control

• Can now be turned on or off without requiring a clean install.
• Available via Settings > Windows Security > App & Browser Control.
• Helps block untrusted or potentially harmful apps when enabled.

Account Settings

• Microsoft 365 Family users can upgrade plans directly from Settings > Accounts.
• Suggested upgrade prompts can be disabled.
• Dialog boxes in Other users have been redesigned with a modern look and dark mode support.
• Availability depends on whether the device is joined to a work or school account.

Input

• The Pen settings page has been refined.
• A new “Same as Copilot key” option allows the pen tail button to open the same app as the Copilot key.

Settings

• The About page now has a clearer layout with easier navigation and quick access to components like Storage.
• The device info card on the Home page is more structured and easier to scan.
• Improved reliability when opening Settings Home and downloading updates from System > Advanced.

File Explorer

• More reliable file unblocking for previews.
• Voice Typing (Win + H) is now supported when renaming files.
• Permissions in Advanced Security Settings can be sorted by Principal.

Display

• Support for monitors reporting refresh rates above 1000 Hz.
• USB4 monitors can enter a lower power state during sleep.
• Improved auto-rotation after sleep.
• Better HDR reliability for certain displays.
• More accurate monitor size reporting via WMI APIs.

System Improvements

• Updated printer support baseline (Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016).
• Improved Safe Mode taskbar reliability.
• Better Voice Access number recognition.
• More reliable Start menu layout application via Group Policy.
• Added support for DisableSeamlessLanguageBar in Remote Desktop PowerShell.
• Improved handling of short MIDI messages.
• Removed an unnecessary sfc /scannow error message.
• Improved Windows Hello fingerprint reliability.

Features available to all users after installing the update

Application Control for Business (Improved)

• More accurate and reliable Application ID tagging in policies.

Narrator

• Improved Natural Voices experience and setup reliability.

Performance & Reliability

• Better stability in Windows Recovery Environment when running x64 apps on ARM64 devices.

Windows Update Deployment (Known issue fixed)

• Fixed an issue where .msu updates could fail with ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME when run from certain network locations.

The update brings a wide array of improvements, and you can download it from the Windows Update section or from the Microsoft Update Catalog.