The first big Windows 11 update of 2026 is landing as more than a routine security patch, bringing a wave of fixes that touch everything from battery life on cutting edge laptops to long standing networking quirks.

Microsoft patched a Windows Remote Assistance flaw that lets attackers bypass Mark of the Web, weakening protections against malicious downloads and phishing files.

The Windows App is Microsoft's one-stop shop for everything Windows launched via a rebranding exercise in 2024. According to Microsoft at the time, it "serves as your secure gateway to connect to Windows across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box, and more." Until, of course, it doesn't.

Toggle the Real-time protection switch off. You may receive a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking if you want to allow the change to occur. Select Yes. When you're ready to turn system protection back on, return to the same location in Windows Security and re-toggle Real-time protection. The tool will resume scanning your files immediately.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 KB5074109 and KB5073455 cumulative updates for versions 25H2/24H2 and 23H2 to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, and add new features.