Microsoft released mandatory March 2026 cumulative updates KB5079473 and KB5078883 for Windows 11 (25H2/24H2 and 23H2) to deliver security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Key changes include broader Secure Boot certificate rollout, built-in Sysmon for native event logging, WDAC improvements, and fixes to File Explorer search reliability. #KB5079473 #KB5078883
Keypoints
- Microsoft released mandatory cumulative updates KB5079473 and KB5078883 for Windows 11 25H2/24H2 and 23H2 as the March 2026 Patch Tuesday release.
- Installing the updates changes build numbers to 26200.8037 (25H2/24H2) and 22631.6783 (23H2) and includes multiple bug fixes and improvements.
- Microsoft expanded device coverage to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates for eligible systems.
- Windows now includes built-in Sysmon (off by default) to capture system events natively for threat detection.
- The update improves Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) handling of COM objects and fixes File Explorer search reliability across multiple drives.