New Update Microsoft Releases KB5077241 February Optional Update for Windows 11

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Microsoft has just released the optional February updates for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The main changes include the addition of a network speed tool to the taskbar, new camera controls in the Settings app, and a built-in version of the System Monitor (Sysmon) tool.

You can find the full list of changes for today’s KB5077241 patch here, but here are the main updates you should know about:

Network speed test tool in Taskbar: This new tool can be accessed from the Wi‑Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. It opens in the default browser and measures Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and cellular connections.

Camera Settings: The Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras page now offers new pan and tilt settings for supported cameras.

Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon): The popular tool for monitoring and logging system activity is now available as an optional feature. You can enable it by Settings > System > Optional features, but Microsoft recommends users who have already installed the tool from the Sysinternals to uninstall it before enabling the new built-in version.

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) improvements: This update adds support for Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 11 Arm64 devices.

Quick Machine Recovery: The new tool for recovering Windows 11 PCs when they encounter critical errors is now enabled automatically for Windows Professional devices that are not domain‑joined and not enrolled in enterprise endpoint management.

Desktop Background: You can now set .webp images as your desktop background.

New Emoji: The Emoji 16.0 release introduces a couple of new emoji, including face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, and splatter.

BitLocker improvements: Your device no longer stops responding after you enter your recovery key.

Microsoft Releases February Optional Updates for Windows 11

The February optional patch for Windows 11 brings a network speed tool to the taskbar, new camera controls in the Settings app, and a built-in Sysmon tool.

www.thurrott.com

https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-24h2-and-25h2-get-big-update-with-new-emojis-improved-taskbar-and-more/

 

[Bot]

Microsoft Releases February Optional Updates for Windows 11

The February optional patch for Windows 11 brings a network speed tool to the taskbar, new camera controls in the Settings app, and a built-in Sysmon tool.

www.thurrott.com

https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-24h2-and-25h2-get-big-update-with-new-emojis-improved-taskbar-and-more/

KB5077241 (released February 24, 2026) is an optional non-security “preview” cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, taking systems to OS Builds 26100.7922 and 26200.7922. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))

Security / admin-relevant takeaways

• Built-in Sysmon (optional feature): Microsoft is now shipping Sysmon functionality in-box, but it’s off by default. It logs to Windows Event Log and is intended for threat detection/monitoring with custom config files. Microsoft also explicitly notes to uninstall any previously-installed Sysinternals Sysmon before enabling the built-in one. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• Quick Machine Recovery (QMR): QMR will now automatically turn on for Windows 11 Pro devices that are not domain-joined and not enrolled in enterprise endpoint management; for domain-joined/managed devices it remains off unless enabled by the organization. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• Secure Boot certificate expiration notice: Microsoft is warning that Secure Boot certificates used by most Windows devices are set to expire starting in June 2026, and recommends reviewing guidance and updating in advance to avoid boot disruption. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• BitLocker reliability fix: Addresses a hang where the device could stop responding after entering the BitLocker recovery key. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• RSAT on Arm64: RSAT support is being added for Windows 11 Arm64 devices (installed via Optional Features / Windows features). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))

Practical advice (MalwareTips-style)

• Because this is a preview (optional) update, it’s generally best to install it only if you specifically need one of the fixes/features (for example the BitLocker fix), or you’re testing ahead of the next mandatory cumulative update. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• If you enable Sysmon, treat it like an admin/security tool: use a vetted configuration, watch event volume/storage, and make sure whatever is consuming those logs (local review or SIEM/EDR tooling) is prepared. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))
• For QMR on Pro, be aware it’s now enabled by default on unmanaged Pro PCs; if you don’t want it, review the QMR toggle in Settings and your organization’s recovery policy. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2026-kb5077241-os-builds-26200-7922-and-26100-7922-preview-b8cc7bc8-d640-4f18-9437-3ee59298b970))

Sources

• February 24, 2026—KB5077241 (OS Builds 26200.7922 and 26100.7922) Preview - Microsoft Support
• Quick Machine Recovery in Windows - Microsoft Support

 

[ErzCrz]

I think this new start menu layout will take some getting used to. I miss the standard old one. I pin items to start menu for a reason, I don't really need to see all the other apps. I know you can use a third party or change it using GPO or altering LayoutModification.json but yeah, not sure.

Spoiler: Start Menu

 

[Parkinsond]

I think this new start menu layout will take some getting used to. I miss the standard old one. I pin items to start menu for a reason, I don't really need to see all the other apps. I know you can use a third party or change it using GPO or altering LayoutModification.json but yeah, not sure.

Spoiler: Start Menu

View attachment 295957

I have the old one, with only 6 pinned apps.

 

[ErzCrz]

I have the old one, with only 6 pinned apps.

That's odd. There isn't even an option in the start settings to use a different layout now. Will get use to it or maybe I could play around with @danb 's taskbarplus or something different like open shell. Not a big deal really but it would have been nice to have an option to pick a layout again rather than just showing all below in a list or grid or by category.

 

[Parkinsond]

That's odd. There isn't even an option in the start settings to use a different layout now

LTSC is 24h2 and stays 24h2 forever; I have got only dark mode for delete and copy mini-windows of explorer.

 

[lokamoka820]

I think this new start menu layout will take some getting used to. I miss the standard old one. I pin items to start menu for a reason, I don't really need to see all the other apps. I know you can use a third party or change it using GPO or altering LayoutModification.json but yeah, not sure.

Spoiler: Start Menu

View attachment 295957

Have you tried enabling the “Show all pins by default” option?

 

[ErzCrz]

Have you tried enabling the “Show all pins by default” option?

View attachment 295961

I don't have that option but I'm getting used to it.

 

[Jonny Quest]

I don't have that option but I'm getting used to it.

I don't have that option either, but with the top set on "Show less", helps move the app section down the screen a bit. Otherwise, as you had mentioned, Open Shell would be another option. But, I'll get used to it too. I don't use Start very often, mostly Taskbar and Desktop icons.

 

[lokamoka820]

I don't have that option but I'm getting used to it.

I just noticed that this option is no longer available, but you can re-enable it using the registry.

Turn On or Off Show All Pins on Start Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all pins on the Start menu for your account in Windows 11. The Start menu is comprised of three sections: Pinned, All apps, and Recommended. Sections within Start are also responsive so you can see more or less of your Pinned and...

www.elevenforum.com

 

[oldschool]

Have you tried enabling the “Show all pins by default” option?

View attachment 295961

I don't have that option but I'm getting used to it.

I finally got the new Start but don't have that switch wither.

I don't have that option either, but with the top set on "Show less", helps move the app section down the screen a bit.

I use the "Show all" and the "View: List" options. Keeps it close to the last Start and is good enough for me.

 

[lokamoka820]

I finally got the new Start but don't have that switch wither.

Yes, it's gone now; I don't have it here either. I believe the insider preview build included it. According to this article, it is no longer available:

Turn On or Off Show All Pins on Start Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all pins on the Start menu for your account in Windows 11. The Start menu is comprised of three sections: Pinned, All apps, and Recommended. Sections within Start are also responsive so you can see more or less of your Pinned and...

www.elevenforum.com