- The Windows 11 update KB5070300 (builds 26220.7070 for version 25H2 and 26120.7070 for version 24H2) introduces a new Widgets board design, changes for the Quick Machine Recovery feature, and Smart App Control.
- This update also pushes fixes and notes known issues for various features.
Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 26220.7070 as the update KB5070300 for version 25H2 through the Dev and Beta Channels of the Windows Insider Program. This preview rolls out visual and non-visual improvements for existing features, changes, and fixes.
At the same time, Windows 11 24H2 is getting build 26120.7070, with the knowledge base number (KB5070300), as version 25H2, with the same improvements in the Beta Channel, because they are identical operating systems.
According to the announcement, the Windows 11 update KB5070300 rolls out a new Widgets board design, updates the logic of the Quick Machine Recovery feature, and you can now configure the Smart App Control (SAC) feature without reinstalling the operating system.
In addition, the company is re-enabling the people icons in the “Activity” column for files shown in the Home page of File Explorer. In this release, the development team is temporarily disabling the StorageProvider APIs and support for frequently used and recently downloaded recommended files.
As per usual, the KB5070300 update also includes fixes and addresses several known issues in File Explorer, Settings, and more.
What’s new on Windows 11 KB5070300 for versions 25H2 and 24H2
These are the latest changes that Microsoft has been working on for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2.
Widgets’ new design for feed and settings
Starting with builds 26220.7070 and 26120.7070, Windows 11 introduces a new dashboard design with a settings page rather than a page overlay, making the dashboard feel more like an app.
Also, when live weather is visible, launching the Widget board now opens the first dashboard in your navigation bar (rather than the last one you used) for a more consistent experience.
If you want to change the behavior, from the Widgets settings, re-arrange your preferred default dashboard to the top position.
Finally, from the left navigation page, you’ll notice badges in the page icons showing the number of corresponding unseen alerts.
Quick Machine Recovery changes
In this release, on devices with the “Quick Machine Recovery” and “Automatically check for solutions” settings enabled, the feature will now run a one‑time scan by default, rather than running scans in a loop.
If a resolution to the problem isn’t available right away, you won’t be left waiting. Quick Machine Recovery will list the most appropriate recovery options.
Smart App Control improvements
The Smart App Control (SAC) feature has been updated to stop requiring a complete reinstallation of the operating system to turn it on or off.
You can manage settings in Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control.
Other fixes and changes
In addition to the new features and improvements, Windows 11 builds 26220.7070 and 26120.7070 ship various fixes, including:
- File Explorer: Fixed problems where “Shift + Click” or middle-clicking the taskbar icon didn’t open a new window, and where the active tab title wouldn’t appear bold until hovered.
- Taskbar: Addressed a bug that could disable the “Automatically hide the taskbar” setting after a message about a hidden toolbar appeared.
- Settings: Fixed a hang that could occur when navigating to the “Network & Internet” section.
- General: Resolved an issue where interacting with the desktop could unexpectedly trigger Task View for some users.
Microsoft also notes known issues with these updates, including:
- Taskbar: Start menu doesn’t open on click, potentially affecting the notification center, and some users see apps fail to appear in the system tray.
- File Explorer: In dark mode, copy progress may flash when toggling details, and scaling text causes the scrollbar and footer to disappear, replaced by a white block.
- Recall: Working on a fix for an issue where some users incorrectly see a message stating their camera isn’t eligible for Recall.
Download Windows 11 update KB5070300
To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your devices in the Dev Channel (for version 24H2, enroll in the Beta Channel) through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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