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Microsoft Ships November Windows 11 Updates With New Start Menu, Battery Icons, and Task Manager Fix

The Patch Tuesday releases deliver required security fixes, marking the final update for version 23H2.

Overview

  • KB5068861 for 25H2/24H2 and KB5068865 for 23H2 are mandatory updates that install automatically via Windows Update or can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • The rollout introduces a redesigned Start menu that elevates All Apps to the main page with new Category and Grid views and expanded pinning and layout controls.
  • Microsoft fixed a long-standing issue that kept Task Manager running after closure, preventing build-up of background instances that could degrade performance.
  • Updated battery indicators use color to signal charging, saver, and critical states, with an optional on-taskbar percentage toggle for at-a-glance status.
  • Performance and reliability improvements include faster taskbar loading after sleep and resolved sign-in screen rendering glitches, with feature availability staged and no new widespread issues reported.