Optional Windows 11 update resolves multiple issues reported by users

Optional Windows update

Microsoft regularly releases optional preview updates for Windows 11 that let users test upcoming quality fixes before they roll into mandatory Patch Tuesday releases.

These optional previews address non-security issues such as crashes, performance bugs, and UI quirks, but because they are preview builds, they can sometimes introduce new regressions. Install them only if you need the fixes or can tolerate possible side effects.

Users can install them manually via Settings > Windows Update > Optional updates. The optional updates help troubleshoot known problems and improve system reliability.

Optional update solves Explorer crashes

The optional preview KB5070311, released in early December 2025, addresses several stability issues in Windows 11, including explorer.exe crashes and taskbar unresponsiveness, and improves File Explorer search reliability.

This resolved UI freezes that could leave users unable to interact with programs. The update also included improvements for search reliability in File Explorer.

Some users reported improved stability after installing the preview, but independent reports also documented new visual regressions for a subset of configurations, so results can vary by device and setup.

Fixing File Explorer search bugs

Before the update, some Windows 11 users experienced File Explorer search malfunctions, especially with SMB (Server Message Block) network shares. Searches could freeze, fail, or return incorrect results.

KB5070311 includes fixes for File Explorer search behavior that, in some cases, affected SMB network shares, making search operations more consistent in those scenarios. If you rely on network shares, test the preview in your environment before deploying it broadly.

LSASS stability improvements

The same optional update also fixed a rare but disruptive issue affecting the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS).

Microsoft fixed a rare access violation that could destabilize LSASS in certain configurations, potentially causing authentication errors on affected devices. After the preview, the service should behave more reliably on systems that experienced the issue.

Fix for Windows Sandbox unresponsiveness

KB5065789 fixes a condition in which the VmmemCMFirstBoot process used excessive CPU when Windows Sandbox was enabled on some devices, which could make the PC unresponsive after signing in.

The update trimmed down the problematic process usage, improving responsiveness when the Sandbox is active. Sandbox continues to offer isolated app testing without bogging down the system.

Windows Update and WSUS fixes

The preview includes fixes for known WSUS-related update delivery issues that, in some environments, caused errors or required manual intervention. Administrators should test the preview in a lab before wide deployment.

Previously, certain builds struggled with patch delivery or error codes, prompting manual intervention. With these fixes included, update delivery becomes more reliable and less error-prone.

Windows Hello and authentication fixes

KB5065789 addresses Windows Hello PIN errors, such as 0x80090010, that affected some devices joined to Microsoft Entra ID after the June 2025 updates.

These errors affected login consistency and biometric authentication on some systems. Once applied, the system recognizes credentials more reliably, reducing sign-in frustrations.

Optional update fixes cursor issues

The July 22 2025, preview KB5062660 included fixes for cursor sizing problems that some users reported in Windows 11.

Although minor, such UI glitches can disrupt workflow when moving between apps or adjusting displays. These fixes improve overall polish and make Windows 11 feel more refined for daily use.

Optional updates improve performance overall

Preview updates such as KB5065789 and others include numerous background improvements that collectively enhance performance. These can include responsiveness, reduced drag on system resources, and smoother UI transitions.

For users who noticed sluggish behavior in areas like task switching or window redraws, these updates can make a noticeable difference. This incremental optimization is a key purpose of optional previews.

How to install optional updates?

Optional updates are not automatic; they must be opted into manually. Users go to Settings > Windows Update > Optional updates and click “Download and install” to apply them.

Installing optional updates ahead of time lets users benefit from fixes early and helps Microsoft catch potential new issues before they reach general release.

Preparing for future mandatory fixes

Microsoft designs optional updates to be incubators for fixes that will later be included in mandatory Patch Tuesday releases.

This preview phase helps catch potential problems early and deliver solutions to eager users. By testing fixes in optional updates, Microsoft gets broader feedback and increases stability when they’re finally rolled into mass releases.

When to skip optional updates?

Not all users need optional updates, especially if their system is stable. Optional previews can sometimes include changes that don’t apply to every setup, and because they’re not security updates, they don’t address vulnerabilities.

Microsoft recommends that only users experiencing symptoms or admins testing specific fixes should install optional updates. They will eventually appear in future mandatory releases anyway.

Want your Windows 11 device to run longer? Here is the Windows 11 update that keeps your device running longer.

Improvements worth trying

Optional Windows 11 updates can help resolve persistent issues such as Explorer crashes, search problems, LSASS instability, authentication problems, and UI quirks. While they don’t include security patches, they improve reliability and user experience for many.

Users who apply these optional updates often report fewer frustrations and smoother performance overall. Checking for optional updates periodically can keep your PC ahead of issues.

How does the new Windows 11 update change the Start menu? See how the new Windows 11 update brings refreshed Start menu and Taskbar.

Will you try installing optional Windows 11 updates before mandatory ones to fix your issues? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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