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Microsoft released the December 9, 2025 security updates KB5072033 and KB5071417 for different Windows 11 versions. KB5072033 updates Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 to builds 26200.7462 and 26100.7462; KB5071417 updates version 23H2 to build 22631.6345. Check your Windows version before choosing an update.

Which update applies to your Windows 11 version?

The two KB numbers are not interchangeable. Microsoft distributes them through Windows update channels for different release versions.

Update Applies to Resulting OS build
KB5072033 Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 26200.7462 on 25H2; 26100.7462 on 24H2
KB5071417 Windows 11 version 23H2 22631.6345

To check your version, open Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications. Microsoft’s release notes identify the applicable versions and builds for KB5072033 and KB5071417.

What changes do the updates include?

KB5072033 for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2

Microsoft describes KB5072033 as a cumulative update with security fixes and improvements, including changes carried forward from the December 1 optional preview. Notable fixes include a File Explorer white flash when moving between pages, a virtual-switch problem that could remove physical network interface card (NIC) bindings after a host restart, and an issue that prevented Ask Copilot or Click to Do from activating in the foreground.

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The release notes also describe a PowerShell 5.1 change: Invoke-WebRequest displays a confirmation prompt warning about the risk of script execution. The update also changes AppX Deployment Service startup behavior. See Microsoft’s KB5072033 release notes for details.

KB5071417 for Windows 11 23H2

KB5071417 is a cumulative update with security fixes and improvements carried forward from the November 11 update. Its listed change adds the same confirmation prompt and script-execution risk warning to PowerShell 5.1’s Invoke-WebRequest. Microsoft’s KB5071417 release notes describe the update.

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Known issues listed by Microsoft

KB5072033

Microsoft’s current KB5072033 page lists a potentially invisible password icon on the lock screen, WSL mirrored-networking problems with some third-party VPNs, and RemoteApp connection failures in Azure Virtual Desktop. The page says the password-icon issue primarily affects managed environments and that home users are unlikely to encounter it; the WSL and RemoteApp notes likewise emphasize enterprise scenarios. It identifies later updates KB5074105 and KB5074109 as addressing these issues. Because the support page has been updated since the December release, treat these as issues documented on that page, not as confirmation that they remain unresolved on an up-to-date system. See the current KB5072033 page.

KB5071417

Microsoft’s KB5071417 page says it is not currently aware of issues with the update. That status reflects what the support page states and can change if Microsoft updates it. See Microsoft’s KB5071417 page.

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How to install the correct update

For most people, Windows Update is the simplest installation route. Microsoft also lists Windows Update for Business, WSUS, and the Microsoft Update Catalog as distribution options.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates and allow Windows to find updates for your installed version.
  3. Install the offered cumulative update and restart if prompted.

For manual deployment, Microsoft documents standalone MSU installation for KB5072033 and lists architecture-specific x64 and ARM64 packages in the Microsoft Update Catalog. Follow the relevant release notes for the exact Windows version, architecture, and package order. Microsoft says previously installed updates reduce the download to only the new package contents. The Catalog also lists packages for KB5071417; see its Catalog results.

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Windows updates do not include Microsoft Store app updates. Microsoft also says it skipped the second-half December 2025 non-security preview update because of reduced operations during the Western holidays and New Year’s Day; monthly security updates remained scheduled, with normal monthly servicing due to resume in January 2026. These scheduling details are on the KB5072033 support page.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
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