KB5070312 (build 22631.6269) for Windows 11 drops as the December 2025 update (preview)

Windows 11 build 22631.6269 (KB5070312) is now available in the Release Preview Channel for version 23H2, as part of the December 2025 update with non-security fixes.
The previews for versions 25H2 and 24H2 will be released at a later date.

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 build 22631.6269 (KB5070312) for version 23H2 in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program as part of the first preview of the December 2025 Security Update. Currently, this is a small non-security update that only introduces some fixes.

According to the change logs, the KB5070312 update for Windows 11 brings the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) to the latest update for specific mobile operators, and introduces fixes for File Explorer and Group Policy and Configuration.

It’s important to note that version 23H2 reached end of support on November 11, 2025, but extended support for organizations will continue until November 10, 2026.

Microsoft does not reveal the final names of updates intended for the Stable Channel during early development. While in preview, these are labeled as non-security updates. The official name, such as the “December 2025 Security Update,” is assigned only after the update is released on Patch Tuesday.

What’s new on Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 update (TBD)
What’s new on Windows 11 23H2 update KB5068865
Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday – Manual installation process
Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday – Update history

Important: Usually, Microsoft doesn’t release new features immediately. When a feature is announced as part of an update, it usually signals the start of a gradual rollout using the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. Availability can vary based on region, hardware, and software configuration. For instance, some features take longer to reach users in Europe due to regulatory requirements.

What’s new on Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 update (TBD)

Microsoft is currently rolling out these new features, improvements, and fixes as part of the December 2025 Security Update for Windows 11 24H2 and version 25H2.

What’s new on Windows 11 23H2 update KB5070312

The company has also released security fixes and improvements for Windows 11 23H2, as part of the update KB5070312 (build 22631.6269).

Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA): Profiles are now up to date for specific mobile operators.
File Explorer: Fixed issues where the app became unresponsive to mouse clicks until restarted, and where extracting “.tar” files failed if file or folder names included more than 34 commonly used Chinese characters.
Group Policy and Configuration: Resolved a problem where the HideRecommendedSection policy failed to suppress recommendations in Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session environments like Azure Virtual Desktop, even when applied via Group Policy or Configuration Service Provider (CSP)

Also, this version of the operating system won’t receive any new features, as this release has reached the end of support.

Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday – Manual installation process

To download and install this Windows 11 update, open the “Windows Update” settings, and from the “Windows Insider Program” page enroll the computer in the Release Preview Channel, and then from the main update settings, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, and click the “Check for Updates” button.

If your computer is having issues after installing this package, you can use these instructions to uninstall the December 2025 update.

Windows 11 December 2025 Patch Tuesday – Update history

Initial Release – Release Preview Channel:
- Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Windows 11 23H2 build 22631.6269 release date: November 13, 2025. Official notes.
Second Release – Optional Install (Stable Channel):
- Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.xxxx release date: TBD.
- Windows 11 23H2 build 22631.xxxx release date: TBD.
Final Release – Patch Tuesday (Stable Channel):
- Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025. Official notes.
- Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025. (same).
- Windows 11 23H2 build 22631.xxxx release date: December 9, 2025. Official notes.