Windows 11 KB5070311 is now rolling out for 25H2/24H2 after a slight delay. This release introduces dark mode for File Explorer dialogs, such as the ‘delete’ confirmation, and matches Search UI height with the Start menu. Microsoft has also posted direct download links for the KB5070311 offline installer (.msu) for x64 and Arm64.
KB5070311 is an optional update. It’ll not download or install automatically unless you turn on the toggle that says “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re possible…” on the Windows Update page. This update is titled “2025-11 Preview Update (KB5070311) (26200.7309).”
If you’re on version 25H2, this update brings Windows 11 Build 26200.7309. On version 24H2, it’ll bump the OS to Windows 11 Build 26100.7309. While the build numbers are different, the two are the same version of Windows.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5070311
Windows 11 KB5070311 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64 | Once you’re on the Update Catalog, you need to identify the OS version, and select the ‘Download’ button, which opens a pop-up window. In the window, click the URL to download and save an .msu package.
This optional update is as big as the previous releases. If you’re on x64-based hardware like Intel or AMD, it’s going to be a 4.2GB download, and 3.9GB on Arm64, such as the Snapdragon X.
| Build Number | Size | OS Version | Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26200.7309 | 3908.6 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | x64-based |
| 26200.7309 | 3714.0 MB | Windows 11 25H2 | arm64-based |
| 26100.7309 | 3908.6 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | x64-based |
| 26100.7309 | 3714.0 MB | Windows 11 24H2 | arm64-based |
In our tests, Windows 11 Build 26200.7309 takes about 20 minutes to finish downloading and installing. Only a single reboot is required to complete the installation. Personally, I’ve not run into issues after the update, but we’re testing it across our 100+ virtual machines, and we’ll have the result soon.
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 26200.7309 (25H2) / Build 26100.7309 (24H2)?
1. Dark mode finally expands to legacy dialogs
Microsoft is finally enabling dark mode for all legacy dialogs in File Explorer.
This includes the ‘delete’ confirmation dialog or progress bar that appears when you’re moving files from one location to another. Or the dialog that appears when you try to purge the Recycle Bin and Windows needs your permission.
Microsoft told Windows Latest that it’s part of the larger plan to make dark mode more consistent in Windows 11, but the company had nothing to share when I asked about the Properties tab and other legacy areas.
The context menu has now been simplified
Microsoft says options like Share, Copy and Move now appear in a single menu, so the menu feels less cluttered.
However, it’s rolling out to select PCs only, as Microsoft is hoping to get early feedback before wider rollout.
In addition to dark mode and context menu improvements, Windows 11 KB5070311 fixed an issue where explorer.exe crashes when you receive a new notification. If explorer.exe crashes, the taskbar or Start menu would disappear. I’ve personally experienced the issue on one of my PCs, but if you restart the Explorer process, you’ll be fine.
Here’s a list of other File Explorer fixes:
- A bug has been fixed where File Explorer could not show thumbnails for videos.
- A bug has been fixed where the toolbar shows up in File Explorer when it’s not enabled.
- If you’re viewing a specific file format that a particular app supports, and you right-click, a bug blocks the appropriate app icon from showing inside ‘Open.’ This has now been fixed.
