Windows 11 KB5120998 Update Released: 35 Fixes and Updates Now Available

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Microsoft issued the KB5120998 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, incorporating 35 modifications aimed at refining system functionality.

Overview of the KB5120998 Update

This update serves as a testing ground for IT administrators to evaluate upcoming bug fixes, enhancements, and features ahead of their broader deployment during the subsequent Patch Tuesday release. Unlike standard cumulative updates, this optional release focuses on quality improvements rather than security patches.

Key Features and Enhancements

Taskbar Customization Options

Users who install the August 2026 preview update gain the ability to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position. Customization options such as preventing taskbar icon grouping function consistently across all positions.

Compact Taskbar Mode

The update introduces a compact taskbar mode that minimizes height and icon size to optimize screen real estate on smaller devices. Additionally, users can adjust the Start menu size through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size dialog, with independent controls for displaying or hiding pinned applications.

Administrator Protection Feature

A new administrator protection feature is being rolled out, enabling users to execute administrative tasks using just-in-time privileges. Microsoft clarified that this mechanism does not establish a formal security boundary but mitigates elevation-of-privilege attacks through profile separation. The feature is disabled by default and requires configuration via OMA-URI in Microsoft Intune or Group Policy settings.

Installation and System Requirements

Installation of KB5120998 is accessible through Windows Settings > Windows Update, where users can manually initiate the update. This optional release upgrades Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to build numbers 26200.9278 and 26100.9278, respectively.

Security Insights and Future Updates

A separate analysis revealed that 37% of attacker activities are blocked when valid credentials are compromised, highlighting gaps in defensive measures. The Blue Report 2026 evaluates security techniques across 338 million simulations conducted in live environments.

Microsoft warned that systems deploying the August 2026 optional update may require an additional reboot during the Secure Boot certificate update process. The company also noted that Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will cease receiving updates in two months, while Enterprise and Education editions will remain supported until October 2027. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11 25H2, which became generally available in September 2024.

Additional Updates and Deprecations

Key enhancements include automatic indexing of frequently used folders for improved search accuracy, adjustments to restart behavior for devices in sleep mode, and support for app coordination with Windows Update. The update also addresses potential issues with VPN process resilience, ensuring smoother background operations.

WMIC Utility Deprecation

Beginning with the August 2026 release, the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility will no longer be available in Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 editions. WMIC has been excluded from new installations of these versions and will no longer be offered as a Feature on Demand.