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Windows 11 KB5120998 preview update arrives with 35 fixes and UI tweaks

Microsoft released KB5120998, a preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, carrying 35 changes focused on Start menu, taskbar and Windows Search.

Source: BleepingComputer · August 28, 2026 at 10:32 AM · AI-assisted report

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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 AUGUST 2026 —

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Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 11 KB5120998 Preview Update with 35 Fixes, Taskbar Customisation Boost

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Microsoft has released the KB5120998 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing 35 changes focused on Start menu, taskbar, and Windows Search improvements.

The update, distributed on Aug 28, 2026, serves as a preview release for IT administrators to test bug fixes, enhancements, and new features ahead of the next Patch Tuesday scheduled for September 2026. Unlike monthly cumulative updates, KB5120998 is an optional non-security update, meaning it does not include security patches and is intended solely for quality improvements.

Among the key changes is expanded taskbar customisation. Users can now reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right—via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position. Most existing customisation options, including the ability to prevent taskbar icon grouping, remain functional regardless of taskbar placement.

The update also introduces a new smaller taskbar option, reducing both taskbar height and icon size to free up screen space on smaller devices. Users can now select small or large Start menu sizes in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar size dialog. The Start menu gains further flexibility, allowing independent toggling of Pinned, Recommended, and All sections, as well as the option to hide the account name and profile picture.

A notable security-related addition is the early rollout of administrator protection, a feature designed to mitigate elevation-of-privilege attacks through profile separation. Microsoft describes it as a hardening measure rather than a formal security boundary. The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled via OMA-URI in Microsoft Intune or through Group Policy.

Installation of KB5120998 is optional and requires manual activation unless the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" setting is enabled. Users can install it through Windows Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates, or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Upon installation, Windows 11 25H2 devices will upgrade to build 26200.9278, while 24H2 devices will move to build 26100.9278.

Microsoft has also warned that some systems may undergo an additional reboot after installing the August 2026 optional update and subsequent monthly updates. This one-time restart occurs following the application of a Secure Boot certificate update as part of the Secure Boot update process.

Earlier this month, Microsoft reminded users that Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end-of-support in two months, on Oct 14, 2026. Enterprise and Education editions will continue receiving updates until October 2027. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became generally available in September 2024.

The update arrives amid growing enterprise focus on endpoint security and user interface optimisation in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, where digital transformation initiatives continue to drive demand for stable, customisable operating systems. Organisations in the region are increasingly prioritising IT infrastructure upgrades to support remote work, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity resilience.

Industry analysts note that optional preview updates like KB5120998 allow Malaysian businesses to evaluate changes in controlled environments before wider deployment. "For IT teams managing large fleets, these previews are critical for identifying compatibility issues with legacy applications or regional software configurations," said a Kuala Lumpur-based IT consultant who requested anonymity.

Local Microsoft partners report rising interest in Windows 11 25H2, particularly among government-linked agencies and financial institutions seeking long-term support cycles. "Many of our enterprise clients are planning migrations to 25H2 to align with end-of-life timelines for 24H2," said a senior systems engineer at a Malaysian digital solutions firm.

The update’s focus on taskbar flexibility and Start menu customisation reflects broader trends in user experience design, where personalisation and screen efficiency are increasingly valued in multi-device work environments. The inclusion of administrator protection also signals Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate least-privilege principles into Windows 11, aligning with global cybersecurity best practices.

Looking ahead, Microsoft is expected to continue refining these features based on feedback from IT administrators and pilot users. The next Patch Tuesday, scheduled for Sept 9, 2026, will likely include further refinements and security updates derived from the KB5120998 preview cycle.

For Malaysian users, Microsoft recommends backing up data before installing optional updates and monitoring system performance post-installation. Organisations are advised to review their update policies and ensure compatibility with existing enterprise applications, particularly those running on older Windows 11 24H2 builds.

As digital workplaces evolve across Malaysia and the region, updates like KB5120998 play a role in balancing innovation with stability—offering tangible improvements while maintaining a measured approach to deployment.

Related: Microsoft · Kuala Lumpur

Reporting based on BleepingComputer. Figures and claims are subject to revision as the story develops. DomainFork publishes editorial context, not investment advice — see our editorial standards.