Microsoft has rolled out a new optional update for Windows 11, and it’s aimed at doing two things at once: adding a few genuinely useful features and smoothing out problems that showed up after earlier January patches.
The update is KB5074105, a January 2026 Preview Update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. After installing, systems move to build 26200.7705. Because this is a preview release, it’s not a mandatory security patch and it won’t automatically install for most people unless you choose it in Windows Update (or you’ve enabled the option to get the newest updates as soon as they’re available).
New features in Windows 11 KB5074105 preview update
One of the standout additions is cross-device Resume for Android. This feature is designed to make switching from your phone to your PC feel more seamless. If you’re doing certain activities on your Android device—such as working with media or documents—you can continue on your Windows 11 PC directly from the taskbar.
Microsoft is also improving Windows MIDI services, with better support for MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices and improved sharing between apps. That’s likely to be a welcomed upgrade for musicians, producers, and anyone using digital audio workstation software who relies on stable, modern MIDI support.
Another practical change is more flexible security management. Smart App Control can now be turned on or off from within Windows Security without forcing you to reinstall Windows, which makes it far easier to adjust protection settings based on your needs.
In Settings, a new “Device” card appears on the Settings Home page, offering quick, at-a-glance information about basic hardware and usage—useful for people who want key device details without digging through menus.
Windows Hello is also getting a boost. Enhanced Sign-In Security now works with some external fingerprint readers, not only built-in fingerprint sensors, expanding secure login options for desktop setups and users who prefer external peripherals.
Bug fixes targeting black screen, Start menu, and graphics-related crashes
Beyond new features, KB5074105 focuses heavily on reliability fixes—particularly issues that some users noticed after earlier January updates.
The patch addresses a black screen problem that could appear after signing in on certain systems. It also tackles Start menu and taskbar glitches, including scenarios where File Explorer could hang on first login and stop the taskbar from appearing.
On the stability side, Microsoft is fixing a blue screen error tied to dxgmms2.sys, a file within the graphics stack. The update also includes additional fixes related to desktop icons and desktop.ini localization behavior.
Should you install KB5074105 now or wait?
Since KB5074105 is a preview update, it’s best viewed as a “try it early” release. If your PC has been affected by the black screen issue, Start menu/taskbar problems, Explorer hanging at first sign-in, or the dxgmms2.sys blue screen error, this update could be worth installing right away.
If your system is running fine and you prefer maximum stability, waiting for the next full Patch Tuesday rollout may be the safer choice, as that’s when preview fixes typically graduate into broader, fully recommended updates.
