Windows 11 has rolled out its KB5074105 update, packed with new features and improvements for versions 25H2 and 24H2. A significant change is the ability to enable or disable Smart App Control (SAC) without having to reinstall Windows. You can also find offline installer links for this update on the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This update isn’t automatic. To install it, head to Windows Update, check for updates, and manually select the “Download & Install” option. If you have the option enabled to get updates as soon as they’re available, this update will download automatically. Installing KB5074105 will upgrade Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.7705 or 24H2 to Build 26100.7705.
Despite its size—over 4GB due to bundled AI models—the update can be completed in about 15 minutes with a decent internet connection. You may need to restart your computer afterward. Unlike some mandatory updates, you can uninstall this one if you encounter issues.
What’s New in This Update
The KB5074105 update introduces several interesting features:
- Cross Device Resume: Similar to Apple’s Handoff, this feature now allows you to start an activity on one device and continue on another, making it easier for users who switch between devices. For example, if you listen to a song on Spotify on your phone, you can pick it up instantly on your PC.
<li><strong>MIDI Services Enhancements:</strong> The update improves MIDI communication, making it easier for music applications to interface with MIDI devices. It now supports both MIDI 1.0 and 2.0 versions and simplifies sharing MIDI ports between apps.</li>
<li><strong>Smart App Control Toggle:</strong> Previously, if you wanted to disable or enable Smart App Control, it required a full system reinstall. Now, you can easily do this in the Windows Security app.</li>
<li><strong>Settings Home Improvement:</strong> There's now a new "Device" card in Settings that shows detailed specs about your computer, including storage capacity.</li>
<li><strong>Fingerprint Sensor Support:</strong> Peripheral fingerprint sensors can now use Windows Hello’s enhanced security features, improving biometric authentication.</li>
<li><strong>Bug Fixes:</strong> KB5074105 addresses several bugs, improving system stability. This includes fixing a glitch that caused Windows to freeze due to explorer.exe issues and resolving certain File Explorer problems.</li>While this update brings notable features and fixes, it’s essential to note that some users have reported issues, such as the disappearance of the password icon on the login screen. Microsoft is working on a fix for this ongoing problem.
For details on how to download the update, check the Microsoft Update Catalog [here](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5074105).
Overall, Windows 11 KB5074105 aims to enhance user experience, but as always, caution is advised while updating. Make sure to back up important files and monitor any changes post-update!
