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Highlights

• Windows 11 KB5060826 is a June 2025 optional preview update that addresses major performance and usability issues.
• The update also resolves bugs affecting many existing features, although some aspects continue to pose a challenge.
• With practical improvements and easy installation options, KB5060826 is a valuable update for most users ahead of its inclusion in the upcoming July patch.

Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5060826 as of June 2025 as an optional preview update for both the 22H2 and 23H2 branches. While not mandatory, this update delivers significant fixes and enhancements that boost productivity, improve search performance, and enrich user experience. From fixing a notoriously sluggish Start menu search to introducing seamless PC-to-PC backup functionality, the update is packed with features that cater to both casual users and IT administrators alike.

Whether users are troubleshooting performance issues or preparing to migrate to a new device, the new update offers practical solutions and valuable enhancements that can significantly improve the Windows 11 experience.

Why This Update Matters

One of the most anticipated improvements brought by KB5060826 is a fix for the slow search time. Users had been experiencing delays of over 10 seconds when using the Start menu’s search feature, leading to frustration and inefficiency. With this update, Microsoft has resolved the issue, restoring the quick and responsive search performance that users expect from Windows 11.

Another noteworthy addition is the reintroduction of PC-to-PC backup. Many may remember this feature from the Windows 7 era as “Easy Transfer,” but it is now part of the Windows Backup tool. It allows users to wirelessly transfer files, settings, and user profiles from one PC to another, which proves invaluable during upgrades or when setting up a new machine.

Link sharing has also received a useful enhancement. With this update, when users share a URL using the Windows Share interface, a preview of the link is now displayed. This feature provides better clarity on what is being shared and adds a layer of verification before finalizing the share.

Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will notice specific regional improvements. The update gives users more control over file associations with browsers. For instance, PDFs and other web-friendly file types now respect the user’s chosen browser settings and appear in prominent locations, such as the Taskbar and Start menu. A new one-click option simplifies the process of changing these defaults.

The update includes an enhancement to the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) for IT administrators. A new setting allows administrators to manage how updates are handled during the initial setup process, which is particularly useful for large-scale deployments.

Fixes and Improvements

KB5060826 implements several vital fixes for system stability and performance. Most notable is the improvement in the Start menu search speed. Users previously faced delays that disrupted workflow, but with this fix, the feature now performs efficiently.

Another issue addressed involves the system’s Event Log. In some cases, audit logs to security would grow excessively and consume critical disk space, even causing sign-in failures. This update prevents those logs from bloating, thereby maintaining smoother system operation.

Resolving display kernel errors that caused session failures has enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) reliability. These errors impacted remote workers and IT support teams that rely on stable RDP connections.

Network users benefit from a fix for Server Message Block (SMB) connection freezes. Users previously encountered unresponsiveness when accessing SMB shares. With this path, access to network drives is now stable and reliable.

The update also addresses issues with Windows Hello for Business, specifically ensuring certificates are properly renewed after expiry. This reduces the risk of login interruption for enterprise users.

Finally, a kiosk mode bug has been resolved. Previously, when administrators locked and then unlocked kiosk devices, the system could become unresponsive. This fix ensures that kiosks remain stable and manageable.

Known Issues

Despite its benefits, the update does come with a known issue to font rendering. Users of CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) fonts may experience misalignment or blurry text in Chromium-based browsers, especially when display scaling is set to 100%. Microsoft recommends increasing scaling to 125% or 150% as a temporary workaround until a future patch resolves the issue.

How to Get the Update

Users can obtain KB5060826 through the Windows Update settings. To install the update, navigate to Settings, then to Windows Update, and click “Check for updates.” Once KB5060826 appears as the “2025-06 Preview Quality Update,” select it and initiate the download. A restart will complete the installation.

Alternatively, those who prefer manual installation or encounter issues with automatic updates can download the offline installer from the Microsoft Update Catalog. By searching for “KB5060826,” users can access the appropriate .msu package for their system architecture (x64 or ARM64). After downloading, executing the file and restarting the system will apply the update. The download is under 1GB, making it manageable even for limited bandwidth connections.

Direct download options are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog. Users can visit, search for KB5060826, and choose the correct version for their hardware. Separate packages exist for Windows 11 23H2 x64 and ARM64 systems. The update is efficient in terms of size and typically installs without issues.

Build Details and Rollout Schedule

This update upgrades Windows 11 23H2 to Build 22631.5549. It was initially released to the Release Preview Channel in June 2025 and became available as an optional update in the Stable Channel by late June 2025. Microsoft is expected to include this build in the upcoming patch, which will likely be released in July 2025, and it will likely be deployed as a mandatory cumulative update.

Should You Install KB5060826?

The decision to install KB5060826 depends on the user’s current Windows experience and needs. If you have been affected by the sluggish Start menu search, this update is a must. Likewise, users upgrading to new devices will appreciate the PC-to-PC transfer functionality. Those in the EEA who want more intuitive browser defaults will benefit, as will IT professionals seeking more granular control over OOBE configurations.

However, users who rely heavily on CJK fonts in Chromium browsers may want to wait or apply the recommended display scaling workaround. Overall, the update is safe and stable and adds several meaningful improvements, even if it is technically optional.

FAQ

KB5060826 is not a security update. It focuses on enhancing performance and user experience. It does not auto-install, so users must manually opt in through Windows Update or download it from the Update Catalog.

The update size is under 1 GB, which is typical for such releases. If the installation fails, using the offline installer is a reliable alternative. In some cases, removing previously installed optional updates and rebooting can help.

Conclusion

Windows 11 WB5060 (Build 22631.5549) is a feature-rich update offering practical enhancements. It resolves long-standing issues, such as Start menu lag, and brings back popular tools like PC-to-PC transfers. Regional improvements for EEA users and backend optimizations for IT administrators make it a worthwhile install.

Whether you’re a home user looking to resolve nagging issues or an enterprise administrator needing more robust tools, this update delivers value. With its combination of speed fixes, feature rollout, and minimal installation hassle, KB5060826 is a strong candidate for early adoption, especially before its formal rollout in July.