Microsoft has kicked off the November 2025 rollout for Windows 11 with KB5068861, an update that's turning out to be one of the most feature-packed releases this year. Whether you're on Windows 11 25H2 or still running 24H2, this update arrives automatically through Windows Update and introduces noticeable UI improvements, performance fixes, and new personalization options.

If you prefer installing updates manually, Microsoft has also published the offline installers (.msu packages) via the Update Catalog — useful for advanced users or those managing multiple systems.

Let's break down everything in a more practical, conversational way.

What Exactly Is KB5068861?

KB5068861 is the November 2025 Security Update, but despite the name, it delivers far more than security patches.

Once applied:

The usual download through Windows Update is about 1 GB, but the Update Catalog package can be much bigger — up to 4 GB depending on your architecture.

Direct Downloads

Microsoft hosts the installers on the Update Catalog. Just choose the build that matches your system from:

You can verify your architecture via Settings > System > About before downloading.

What's New in KB5068861

This month's update introduces several major enhancements, but not everything appears immediately. Many features are being rolled out gradually, so don't be surprised if they take a few weeks to reach your machine.

Below are the standout improvements.

A Fresh Start Menu Experience

For the first time since Windows 11 launched, the Start menu is receiving a substantial redesign — and it's more flexible than ever.

1. A Cleaner, Single-Page Layout

The Start menu no longer hides your apps behind an "All apps" button. Instead:

2. New Category-Based Organisation 

Microsoft has introduced an intelligent "Categories" view that groups apps automatically under logical sections such as:

This categorization is powered by a 15 MB JSON file stored locally on your PC. Nothing is uploaded or analyzed online — the sorting happens offline based on recognised Product IDs.

A category appears only when at least three apps fall under it; otherwise, they go into "Other."

3. Two Additional Views: Grid and Classic List 

If categories aren't your thing, you're free to switch:

4. The Option to Hide Recommended Items 

A new toggle under Settings > Personalization > Start lets you hide:

Just note that these elements share the same underlying system. Disabling one hides all of them across Windows.

More Informative Battery Icons on the Taskbar

A long-requested improvement finally arrives: colour-coded taskbar battery indicators.

Windows now uses:

The battery bar has also been slightly lengthened for better visibility.

Most importantly, you can now display the battery percentage directly on the taskbar — no need to hover over the icon.

Enable it via Settings > System > Power & battery.

Task Manager Finally Closes Properly 

A rather strange bug in previous builds caused Task Manager to "minimize to background" rather than fully quit. This created:

KB5068861 fixes this, allowing Task Manager to close immediately as expected. This is a small but important cleanup for system stability.

Noticeable Performance Improvements

You may spot Windows feeling snappier after installing this update.

These improvements should make the system feel smoother, especially on machines that frequently sleep and wake.

Stronger Account Protection with Windows Hello

KB5068861 introduces the long-awaited Administrator Protection feature.

Previously, if an app requested administrative privileges, Windows relied solely on a UAC prompt without truly verifying who approved it.

With Administrator Protection enabled:

This adds a much needed additional layer of security for shared or multi-account devices.

"Update and Shut Down" Finally Behaves Correctly

A long-standing annoyance is now resolved: choosing Update and Shut Down would sometimes trigger a reboot instead of a shutdown.

This update ensures your PC actually powers off after applying updates.

No New Known Issues (But Install Errors Still Happen)

Microsoft states that there are currently no confirmed new issues with KB5068861. However, installation glitches can still occur — usually the same ones seen in prior updates.

These often relate to:

Most of these can be fixed using the Update Troubleshooter or manual installation from the Update Catalog.

Final Thoughts

KB5068861 stands out as one of the more meaningful Windows 11 updates in recent months. It delivers a refreshed Start menu, useful visual improvements like colourful battery indicators, better performance, and important security enhancements.

Not all features will appear instantly due to staged rollout, but over the next few weeks, Windows users should notice a more polished and responsive experience.

If your update isn't installing smoothly, using the offline installer from Microsoft's Update Catalog is still the most reliable alternative.