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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Windows 11 KB5072033 was the December 9, 2025 security cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. It updated 25H2 to build 26200.7462 and 24H2 to 26100.7462, while incorporating the non-security changes from preview update KB5070311.
Microsoft documented several gaming-related fixes, a broader dark-mode treatment for File Explorer operation dialogs, and the Full Screen Experience for supported Windows handhelds. However, it did not promise a general FPS increase or officially confirm an AMD Radeon crash fix. As of August 10, 2026, KB5072033 is also a historical update: Windows 11 25H2 has since moved to newer cumulative releases, including KB5101684 and build 26200.8973.
Current-status warning: If Windows Update offers a newer cumulative update, install that instead of deliberately stopping at KB5072033. Use KB5072033 today mainly for testing, deployment, offline servicing, or reproducing a December 2025 software environment.
What KB5072033 is
KB5072033 is a monthly security cumulative update released by Microsoft on December 9, 2025. It applies to all supported editions of:
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
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- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
- Windows 11 version 25H2, producing OS build 26200.7462.
- Windows 11 version 24H2, producing OS build 26100.7462.
The update combines security fixes with the non-security improvements first released in the optional December preview, KB5070311. That relationship matters: many of the gaming, interface and usability features associated with KB5072033 were already present in the preview and were then rolled into the required monthly security release. Microsoft’s release notes are available on the KB5072033 support page and the KB5070311 preview documentation.
Microsoft’s package documentation also identifies servicing stack update KB5071142, version 26100.7295, as part of the servicing package. Like other cumulative updates, KB5072033 is cumulative: a machine that already contains earlier components generally receives only what it still needs.
Is KB5072033 for Windows 11 25H2 or 24H2?
It is for both. The Update Catalog lists separate product-version and architecture entries:
| Windows version | Build after installation | Architecture | Catalog size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 26100.7462 | x64 | 4,279.1 MB |
| Windows 11 24H2 | 26100.7462 | ARM64 | 3,933.6 MB |
| Windows 11 25H2 | 26200.7462 | x64 | 4,279.1 MB |
| Windows 11 25H2 | 26200.7462 | ARM64 | 3,933.6 MB |
Use the Microsoft Update Catalog search for KB5072033 to select the exact entry. Windows 11 is 64-bit only, but “64-bit” can mean either Intel/AMD x64 or Qualcomm-compatible ARM64.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow to check your Windows version and architecture
- Press Win + R, type
winver, and press Enter. Record whether the system is 24H2 or 25H2. - Open Settings > System > About.
- Under Device specifications, check System type.
Do not install an x64 package on ARM64 Windows, or an ARM64 package on an x64 PC. Also do not confuse the 25H2 enablement package with the KB5072033 cumulative update itself. Microsoft’s architecture guidance is covered in its 32-bit and 64-bit Windows FAQ.
KB5072033 offline download links
The safest offline download method is the Microsoft Update Catalog. Search for KB5072033, then choose the entry matching your Windows version and architecture. The Catalog is preferable to third-party repacks and is more reliable than treating a CDN address as a permanent link.
Microsoft Q&A documented the following direct Microsoft CDN link for the x64 package:
Download the documented Windows 11 KB5072033 x64 .msu
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThat direct link is useful for a known x64 package, but CDN URLs can change. For 24H2 versus 25H2 selection and for ARM64 downloads, use the Catalog rather than guessing from the filename. The direct-link reference appears in this Microsoft Q&A discussion.
The package is large—roughly 4.28 GB for x64 and 3.93 GB for ARM64 in the Catalog. Microsoft states that AI component updates are included in the package but apply only to Copilot+ PCs and will not install on ordinary Windows PCs or Windows Server. That does not by itself prove that all of the download size consists of AI models.
Does KB5072033 boost gaming performance?
Not in the sense of a guaranteed or measured FPS increase. Microsoft documented several gaming-related changes, but its release notes do not claim that KB5072033 raises frame rates across Windows games. The accurate description is that the update improves compatibility, handheld usability and some sources of stutter or false GPU detection.
Officially documented gaming-related changes
- Full Screen Experience: Microsoft expanded the console-style Full Screen Experience to more supported Windows 11 handhelds after its initial availability on devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. It is intended to reduce distractions and minimize background activity on handheld systems.
- High-resolution monitor stutter: The update reduces or prevents momentary stutter when an application queries all supported display modes on a very high-resolution monitor.
- False unsupported-GPU messages: Games that incorrectly reported
Unsupported graphics card detected
when a supported GPU was installed can now avoid that detection problem. - Lock-screen slideshow memory leak: Microsoft fixed a memory leak associated with lock-screen slideshows. That is not a game-performance patch, but it can improve reliability during long-running sessions.
- Explorer and taskbar reliability: Fixes for File Explorer and taskbar unresponsiveness can reduce unrelated desktop instability while a game is running.
These changes are described in Microsoft’s KB5070311 feature notes, which were carried into KB5072033.
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What about AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT crashes?
Users and independent testing reported fewer GPU hung
, driver removed
and GPU-timeout errors after installing the December update. Reports included games such as Battlefield 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and ARC Raiders, with particular attention from some AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT owners.
That is an observation, not an official AMD-specific fix. Microsoft and AMD did not formally attribute those Radeon stability improvements to KB5072033. Tom’s Hardware, Windows Latest and PCWorld reported the user experiences, but the claim should not be presented as a guaranteed universal Radeon repair.
KB5072033 does not replace a current graphics driver, guarantee that every GPU crash will disappear, or provide a measurable performance gain without reproducible benchmarks.
What does the dark UI change?
The dark-mode change is real but narrower than the phrase full dark mode
suggests. On systems already using Windows dark mode, Microsoft documented a more consistent dark treatment for many File Explorer file-operation surfaces, including:
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- Copy, move and delete dialogs.
- Default and expanded operation views.
- Progress bars and chart views.
- Confirmation dialogs for skipping, overriding and selecting files.
- Several related error dialogs.
KB5072033 also fixed a known KB5070311 problem in which File Explorer could briefly show a blank white screen in dark mode. The problem could occur when opening File Explorer, navigating to or from Home or Gallery, launching directly to Home, creating a new tab, toggling the Details pane, or choosing More details during a copy operation.
This does not mean that every Windows dialog, legacy Control Panel window, system component or third-party application becomes dark. Third-party software must implement Windows theme support itself, and some interface changes can remain subject to gradual rollout or later servicing. Microsoft’s documentation for the preview and final update covers the affected surfaces in detail.
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Other user-facing changes included in the update
Virtualization controls under Advanced Settings
Microsoft added a Virtual Workspaces section under Settings > System > Advanced. Depending on the installation and enabled components, it can expose controls related to virtualized environments such as Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform. The exact label and availability can vary by build or localization.
Search and the newer Start menu
On systems that have received the newer Start menu experience, the Windows Search panel was adjusted so its size more closely matches the Start menu. This is not a universal redesign of Search on every Windows 11 PC; it depends on the newer Start experience being available.
Drag tray, Windows Share and OneDrive
The update included Microsoft’s Drag tray sharing work, including:
- Multi-file sharing through the Drag tray.
- More relevant suggested applications.
- The ability to move files to a selected folder.
- A control under Settings > System > Nearby sharing to turn Drag tray on or off.
For OneDrive files, Microsoft also documented a Share using option after selecting Copy link, allowing the link to be shared through other applications. This requires signing in with a Microsoft account and was not available in the European Economic Area. Drag tray itself was subject to gradual rollout and could vary by device or market.
Additional fixes and adjustments
- Improved keyboard-backlight performance on supported HID-compliant keyboards.
- Mobile device management controls under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices.
- Updated OneDrive icon placement in Settings.
- New Quick Machine Recovery behavior.
- Updated locations for keyboard repeat-delay and cursor-blink settings.
- Improved layout on the About page.
- A PowerShell 5.1
Invoke-WebRequestconfirmation warning about the risk of script execution. - AppX Deployment Service moved to the Automatic startup type.
- A fix for external virtual-switch network-interface binding.
- File Explorer fixes involving video thumbnails, unexpected toolbars and generic icons.
- A fix for
explorer.exebecoming unresponsive on the taskbar after certain notifications. - An SMB search-indexing fix.
- An LSASS stability fix.
- A fix for Settings crashing on the Microphone, Camera and Location pages.
How to install KB5072033 through Windows Update
For an ordinary supported PC, Windows Update is the recommended method:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install the December 2025 security update if it is offered.
- Restart when prompted.
- Press Win + R, type
winver, and confirm the resulting build.
Expected builds immediately after installation were 26200.7462 for 25H2 and 26100.7462 for 24H2. KB5072033 was also distributed through Windows Update for Business, WSUS and the Microsoft Update Catalog, so business-managed devices may receive it according to organizational policy rather than immediately after public release.
How to install the offline .msu package
Basic installation
- Download the matching .msu from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Double-click the downloaded file.
- Allow Windows Update Standalone Installer to check and install the package.
- Restart Windows.
- Verify the build with
winver.
In 2026, manually installing this old cumulative update may be unnecessary or may fail because a newer cumulative update has already superseded it. Do not force KB5072033 onto a current system merely to reproduce an old build.
Install on a running PC with DISM
Open Command Prompt as administrator and adjust the path and filename for the package you downloaded:
DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:Packageswindows11.0-kb5072033-x64_a62291f0bad9123842bf15dcdd75d807d2a2c76a.msuThe PowerShell equivalent is:
Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath 'C:Packageswindows11.0-kb5072033-x64_a62291f0bad9123842bf15dcdd75d807d2a2c76a.msu'Microsoft’s DISM package-servicing documentation confirms that .msu packages can be added to online or offline Windows images.
When the update has prerequisite MSUs
Some Microsoft update packages contain multiple MSUs that must be applied in a particular order. Microsoft recommends downloading all MSUs listed for the update, placing them in one folder such as C:Packages, and allowing DISM to discover applicable prerequisites:
DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:PackagesFor the documented x64 installation, Microsoft lists this order:
1. windows11.0-kb5043080-x64_953449672073f8fb99badb4cc6d5d7849b9c83e8.msu
2. windows11.0-kb5072033-x64_a62291f0bad9123842bf15dcdd75d807d2a2c76a.msuDo not assume that every PC needs KB5043080 installed manually. A current installation may already contain the prerequisite, and DISM can identify applicable packages when the required files are present in the same directory. ARM64 filenames and package requirements differ.
Service an offline Windows image
For a mounted Windows image, use the matching architecture and edition:
DISM /Image:C:MountWindows /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:Packageswindows11.0-kb5072033-x64_a62291f0bad9123842bf15dcdd75d807d2a2c76a.msuThe PowerShell form is:
Add-WindowsPackage `
-Path 'C:MountWindows' `
-PackagePath 'C:Packageswindows11.0-kb5072033-x64_a62291f0bad9123842bf15dcdd75d807d2a2c76a.msu' `
-PreventPendingVerify the mounted image with:
DISM /Image:C:MountWindows /Get-PackagesWhen integrating the update into installation media, service the matching architecture and edition. In deployment environments, Windows Recovery Environment may require separate servicing. Microsoft’s Windows image servicing guidance covers that workflow.
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How to verify KB5072033
The simplest check is:
winverFor a direct package check in PowerShell:
Get-HotFix -Id KB5072033Or use DISM:
DISM /Online /Get-Packages | findstr 5072033The expected build numbers are:
- Windows 11 25H2: 26200.7462.
- Windows 11 24H2: 26100.7462.
If the system has a higher build, that normally means a later cumulative update has superseded KB5072033. Microsoft’s Windows 11 release information page should be used to identify the current release. As of August 10, 2026, Microsoft listed KB5101684, released July 28, 2026, as the latest 25H2 cumulative update, taking 25H2 to build 26200.8973.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if installation fails
The update does not appear in Windows Update
That is not necessarily an error. Common explanations include:
- The PC is already running a later cumulative update.
- The device is running Windows 11 26H1 rather than 24H2 or 25H2.
- Windows Update is paused.
- WSUS, Intune or Windows Update for Business policy controls the device.
- The installation is unsupported, modified or on the wrong servicing channel.
Check winver before forcing an old .msu package. A later supported cumulative update is normally the correct solution.
There is a package applicability error
Check the following in order:
- Confirm 24H2 or 25H2 with
winver. - Confirm x64 or ARM64 under Settings > System > About.
- Make sure the downloaded package matches both values.
- Place all required prerequisite MSUs in the same folder.
- Restart if Windows has a pending reboot.
- Check available disk space, particularly because the Catalog package is several gigabytes.
- Check whether a newer cumulative update has already superseded KB5072033.
For manual-installation failures, inspect the DISM log at:
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C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.logMicrosoft’s general Windows Update troubleshooting guidance covers servicing-stack requirements, component-store repair and other update errors.
Repair the component store before retrying
If corruption is suspected, run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:
For broader Windows repair troubleshooting, Outbyte PC Repair is an optional tool to assess common system issues, but it cannot make an incompatible update package apply.
sfc /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthRestart after the repairs, then retry Windows Update or the correct .msu. These commands can address system-file and component-store corruption, but they cannot make an incompatible package apply, override company policy, repair a failing disk or turn a 24H2 package into a 25H2 package.
File Explorer still flashes white in dark mode
First confirm the installed build rather than assuming that the update completed. Then restart Explorer or reboot. If the issue remains, install the latest available cumulative update instead of stopping at KB5072033. Later Windows updates may contain further Explorer fixes or introduce different behavior.
AMD gaming crashes continue
Do not treat KB5072033 as a guaranteed AMD repair. Install the latest AMD Adrenalin driver offered for the specific GPU, check whether the crash is limited to one game, and temporarily test with overlays and frame-generation features disabled. Windows Reliability Monitor and Event Viewer can help identify Display, amdwddmg or LiveKernelEvent failures.
If you also need to check for other missing or outdated Windows hardware drivers, Outbyte Driver Updater is an optional convenience; use AMD’s official driver when testing this Radeon issue.
Compare behavior before and after the update. A reduction in crashes can be useful evidence, but it does not establish that Microsoft’s cumulative update—not a driver, game patch or configuration change—caused the improvement.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallKnown issues and exceptions
Password icon missing on the lock screen
Microsoft listed an issue in which the password icon may be invisible in the lock-screen sign-in options even though its clickable area remains available. Hover over the expected icon location and select it to reveal the password field. Microsoft says this primarily affects enterprise or managed environments and is unlikely to affect most personal Home or Pro installations.
WSL mirrored networking and VPNs
WSL mirrored networking can produce No route to host
failures with some third-party VPNs, including reports involving Cisco Secure Client and OpenVPN. This is primarily relevant to enterprise users whose VPN and WSL networking configuration depends on mirrored mode.
Azure Virtual Desktop RemoteApp
Azure Virtual Desktop RemoteApp sessions could fail to start after the November 2025 non-security update or later updates. Full desktop sessions were not affected. Microsoft lists KB5074109 as addressing this issue.
Can KB5072033 be uninstalled?
Microsoft states that the combined servicing stack update and latest cumulative update package cannot be removed with:
wusa.exe /uninstallTo inspect installed packages, run:
DISM /Online /Get-PackagesIf the LCU is still removable and Microsoft permits removal, use its exact package name:
DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<package-name>Removing an old cumulative update may not be possible after later cumulative updates have superseded it. The servicing stack component itself cannot be removed from the combined package. Treat uninstalling a security update as a temporary troubleshooting step, not a routine way to avoid Windows servicing.
Should you install KB5072033 today?
| Your situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| You are on an older 24H2 or 25H2 build | Install the newest cumulative update Windows Update offers, rather than specifically targeting KB5072033. |
| You need the December 2025 build for testing or deployment | Use the Microsoft Update Catalog and select the correct version, architecture and prerequisite packages. |
| You are investigating AMD GPU crashes | Use the current Windows cumulative update and current AMD driver. Test KB5072033 only when reproducing the December 2025 environment or comparing results. |
| You only want dark File Explorer dialogs | Do not install an outdated security update solely for that feature; later cumulative updates may already include it. |
| You own a supported Windows gaming handheld | The Full Screen Experience is the most directly relevant feature, but it is a handheld shell and background-task optimization—not a universal desktop FPS mode. |
KB5072033 was worthwhile when it was the current December 2025 release, particularly for its security fixes and documented compatibility improvements. It remains a legitimate offline-servicing package, but in 2026 the safer and more useful default is to remain on the latest supported cumulative update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 KB5072033 increase FPS?
No general FPS increase was documented by Microsoft. The update includes display-mode stutter and false unsupported-GPU detection fixes, while reported AMD Radeon stability improvements remain observational and were not officially confirmed by Microsoft or AMD.
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Can I install KB5072033 on Windows 11 24H2?
Yes. KB5072033 supports both Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Choose the matching Catalog entry: build 26100.7462 is for 24H2, while build 26200.7462 is for 25H2.
Which KB5072033 download should I use?
Check your Windows version in winver and your architecture under Settings > System > About. Then download the matching 24H2 or 25H2 x64 or ARM64 package from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Do not mix x64 and ARM64 packages.
Does KB5072033 make all of Windows dark?
No. It adds more consistent dark treatment to many File Explorer copy, move, delete, progress, confirmation and error surfaces when dark mode is enabled. Legacy dialogs, third-party applications and some other Windows components may remain light.
Can KB5072033 be removed with WUSA?
No. Microsoft says the combined servicing stack and cumulative update package cannot be removed with wusa.exe /uninstall. DISM can show whether the LCU remains removable, but later cumulative updates may make removal impossible.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: KB5072033 was a genuine Windows 11 24H2/25H2 security update with useful gaming compatibility fixes, broader dark File Explorer dialogs and handheld-focused features. It did not officially promise higher FPS or an AMD-specific crash fix. Because it has been superseded, install the latest cumulative update unless you specifically need KB5072033 for offline deployment or historical testing.
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