Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

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After rolling out an optional non-security update for Windows 11 last week, Microsoft was forced to pull it due to widespread installation issues. The cumulative update KB5079391 included several quality improvements; however, users reported that it failed to install, showing error code 0x80073712. To replace the faulty preview update, the company has now issued an out-of-band KB5086672 emergency update for affected Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 systems.

According to Microsoft, the latest update (KB5086672) for Windows 11 “supersedes all previous updates and includes all protections and improvements from the March 2026 Windows security and non-security preview updates, as well as this installation fix.” It is available for devices running Windows 11, including those that have already installed KB5079473 or a later update. Users can also manually download the new update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Some key features of the optional KB5079391 update (which should now be available with the latest KB5086672 fix) include enhanced Narrator capabilities with improved image descriptions and Copilot integration. It also brings a refreshed design for account-related dialog boxes that align with Windows 11’s modern look and dark mode, as well as enhancements to File Explorer with reliable file unblocking and support for voice typing during file renaming. There are several display-related updates too, such as support for monitors with refresh rates going beyond 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, and improved power efficiency for USB 4-connected monitors during sleep.

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Kunal Khullar is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware.  He is a long time technology journalist and reviewer specializing in PC components and peripherals, and welcomes any and every question around building a PC.