Windows 11 KB5079473 Patch Tuesday improves File Explorer and more

Windows 11's March 2026 Patch Tuesday update is here under KB5079473 with File Explorer improvements and more.

March 2026 Patch Tuesday updates are here. Microsoft released KB5079473 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, with build numbers 26200.8037 and 26100.8037. As usual, these updates are mandatory, as they bring important security fixes and other changes.

Here is the changelog:

• [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high-confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout.
• [File Explorer] Improved: This update improves File Explorer search reliability when searching across multiple drives or "This PC".
• [Windows Defender Application Control] Improved: This update improves how Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) handles COM objects allowlisting policies. COM objects were blocked when the endpoint security policy was set higher than the allowlisting policy. With this update, COM objects are allowed as expected.
• [Windows System Image Manager] Improved: This update improves the reliability of choosing trusted catalog files. It adds a warning dialog that helps you confirm that the file you select comes from a trusted source.

In addition to the changes above, the update contains all the new features and improvements from the February 2026 non-security update. That one contains plenty of new features and changes, including a built-in (sort of) network speed test for Windows 11, new camera controls, fresh emoji, and other changes. You can find the complete changelog in our dedicated article.

Microsoft says the update does not contain any known bugs. You can download it in Settings > Windows Update or in the Microsoft Update Catalog using this link.

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Posted Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 5:30 am AEST (my time).

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