Microsoft has released a substantial update for Windows 11, version 25H2, elevating the operating system to build 26200.7840. The February 2026 Patch Tuesday update, designated KB5077181, also applies to Windows 11 24H2, bringing it to build 26100.7840. Offline installers in .MSU format are available for those preferring manual installation, a move welcomed by system administrators.
The update’s unusually large size – exceeding 4GB – stems from the inclusion of local AI models, reportedly including Phi, within the monthly update packages. Microsoft assures users that these models will only be utilized on devices equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) boasting 40+ TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This performance metric measures AI inference capabilities. The company intends to avoid burdening systems lacking dedicated AI hardware with these new features.
File sizes vary slightly depending on architecture: the 25H2 x64 version is 4170.5 MB, while the 25H2 arm64 version is 3853.1 MB. For 24H2, the x64 version is also 4170.5 MB, and the arm64 version is 3825.1 MB.
Beyond the AI component, KB5077181 introduces several user-facing enhancements. A key feature is Cross-Device Resume, designed to seamlessly continue tasks across devices. Initially focused on OneDrive integration, the functionality now extends to applications like Spotify, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and compatible web browsers, allowing users to pick up where they left off on different devices.
The update also introduces Windows MIDI Services, a modernized engine for music applications and MIDI devices. This new layer supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 standards, offering improved compatibility between older and newer APIs, and enabling multiple applications to simultaneously access the same MIDI device.
Smart App Control (SAC), a security feature designed to block untrusted applications, receives an update aimed at improving usability. Previously, enabling or disabling SAC often required a clean installation of Windows. KB5077181 promises to allow users to toggle SAC on or off directly from the Windows Security settings without the need for reinstallation, though Microsoft notes this change is being rolled out gradually.
Further refinements include continued deployment of a redesigned Start Menu – featuring a larger layout and single-page design with enhanced app access – and updated battery icons that provide more detailed information. Microsoft is progressively rolling out these visual changes, meaning not all users will see them immediately.
The February 2026 update exemplifies Microsoft’s current approach to Windows 11 development, integrating security patches and new features into a single package. The company continues to refine the operating system, aiming for a more cohesive experience across devices and a less restrictive environment for users.
