Microsoft has released the Patch Tuesday Windows 11 KB5127648 and KB5126653 cumulative updates for versions 26H2/25H2/24H2 and 23H2 to fix security vulnerabilities and bugs, and add new features.
Today's updates are mandatory as they contain the October 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches for hundreds of vulnerabilities discovered in previous months.
You can install today's update by going to Start > Settings > Windows Update and clicking on 'Check for Updates.'
You can also manually download and install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This is the tenth 'Patch Tuesday' release in 2026, and it's based on 24H2, which means 25H2 or 26H2 get the same update. There are no exclusive or special changes. You'll get the same fixes across the two versions of Windows 11.
What's new in the October 2026 Patch Tuesday update
With today's update, Microsoft is adding new emojis to Windows 11 and fixing minor issues with File Explorer.
Here's the full list of improvements and fixes:
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[File Explorer]
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New! This update adjusts how the preview pane handles files downloaded from the web. For HTML files, a new Preview anyway button lets you acknowledge the warning and preview the file. Non-HTML files, such as PDFs, are now previewed automatically.
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New! File Explorer Home now preserves the state of sections (expanded or collapsed), so you can pick up where you left off.
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New! This update improves the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. The pane has also been reorganized so file properties are easier to find and review at a glance.
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New! The update addresses an issue that could clear the address bar contents when entering edit mode by clicking near the right side of the address bar.
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[Emoji]
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New! This update adds support for Emoji 17.0, including new emoji such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature. To insert them, press Windows + . to open the emoji panel.
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New! This update also refines the design of several existing emoji for better consistency across platforms, including saluting face, face with peeking eye, goose, lotus, and kissing cat.
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[Widgets] New! This update introduces the Tips widget, which provides short, helpful guidance about Windows features. To add it to your Widgets board, open the board, select Add widgets, and then choose Tips. To add it to your lock screen, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and add Tips to your lock screen widgets.