Microsoft Releases KB5095093 for Windows 11, Includes Point-in-Time Restore and Emoji Panel Overhaul
The June 23, 2026 cumulative update for Windows 11 is more than just regular bug fixes. OS builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737 introduce a calendar-based update pause, a quiet rewrite of the Widgets experience, and a crucial shift that moves the emoji GIF panel to a new content provider. If you’re using Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2, Windows Update will deliver this in two phases: a gradual rollout for early users and a normal deployment once it becomes generally available. This is a production-quality release, meaning Microsoft has completed internal testing and expects it to install smoothly on both consumer and enterprise hardware.
A Few UX Changes to Note
The most noticeable change is in Windows Update Settings. You can now choose a specific end date and delay automatic installs for up to 35 days. Want to extend it? Choose a new date and continue the pause. This is a simple fix for anyone who prefers to control reboots manually. Widgets receive similar improvements, with the aim of reducing their intrusion. Notifications and taskbar badges are now minimized by default. Hovering no longer causes the dashboard to display completely, and you can manually control what appears. This makes sense after years of feedback about Widgets being too distracting.
Accessibility improvements include a full-screen screen tint to reduce eye strain and a Magnifier that allows you to type in exact zoom percentages instead of clicking through small steps. File Explorer receives updates as well. Hovering over files in the Home view now shows quick actions like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot” for work accounts. Additionally, the address bar finally handles double backslashes correctly. Duplicates in OneDrive Favorites are also removed.
The Emoji Update and Bluetooth Improvements
Bluetooth features the most significant upgrades. Microsoft has improved mic mute synchronization between the Windows audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile, which should eliminate the annoying lag where your headphones think they are muted while your PC does not. Pairing with AirPods is now faster, issues with the Beats Studio Pro microphone are addressed, and reconnection times after hibernation have been reduced. If you’ve seen a “Remove failed” message due to your Bluetooth radio going dark during a delete, that’s fixed too. Voice typing and voice access have also added support for French, German, and Spanish, featuring real-time grammar and punctuation correction that improves your dictation on the spot.
The change to the emoji panel is particularly important. Google’s Tenor API is no longer available, and Microsoft will now use GIPHY for GIF searches. Starting June 30, 2026, you’ll need to have this update installed or Windows+period will result in a “GIF service is not available” error. Although it seems minor, this update alters a habit for many power users. The update process is straightforward: Windows Update will handle it automatically when the normal rollout reaches your location.
In the background, networking improvements focus on confidential virtual machines, nested Hyper-V setups, and Wi-Fi power bug checks. Printers now default to Internet Printing Protocol, but you can switch back to older driver stacks if you prefer. The patch also enhances explorer.exe reliability, shortens background service shutdown times, and resolves a glitch in the Recycle Bin where deleting a file permanently could show an internal filename instead of the original. Rollout times may differ; some devices will receive it gradually over the next few weeks, while others will get it all at once. Go to Settings > Windows Update to check for availability, and keep an eye on the Known Issues tab if you are using niche hardware or third-party credential providers.
June 23, 2026—KB5095093 (OS Builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737) Preview
June 23, 2026—KB5095093 (OS Builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737) Preview - Microsoft Support
