Is the KB5064093 Windows 11 update safe to install on your PC? That's the first question most people ask when they see a new Insider build land in their Windows Update queue. I've been testing Windows 11 builds for years now, and this particular cumulative update—rolling out to both the Dev and Beta channels—deserves a closer look before you hit that download button.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the KB5064093 Windows 11 update: the new features that actually matter, the fixes that address long-standing annoyances, the known issues you should watch out for, and step-by-step installation instructions if you decide to proceed.
What is the Windows 11 KB5064093 Update?
The Windows 11 KB5064093 update is a cumulative update for Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. It's not a feature update that changes your Windows version—think of it more like a monthly service pack that bundles together new features, improvements, and bug fixes into one package.
Overview and Release Channels
Microsoft released KB5064093 in August 2026 as part of its ongoing Insider Program testing cycle. The update is available on two channels:
- Dev Channel: Build 26200.5761 (Windows 11 25H2)
- Beta Channel: Build 26120.5761 (Windows 11 24H2)
Both builds share the same KB number, which can be confusing at first. The key difference is the underlying version—Dev Channel testers get features that may or may not make it to the final 25H2 release, while Beta Channel users are testing what's closer to the final 24H2 experience.
This update follows the typical Patch Tuesday rhythm, though Insider builds often arrive a bit earlier or later than the official monthly cycle.
How This Update Relates to Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2
Here's where things get a little tricky. If you're on the Dev Channel, you're running Windows 11 25H2 (build 26200.5761). If you're on the Beta Channel, you're on 24H2 (build 26120.5761). Same KB number, different builds, same set of changes.
For compatibility checking, you need to know which channel your device is enrolled in. Go to Settings > System > About and look at the "Version" and "OS Build" fields. If you see "25H2" with build 26200.x, you're on Dev. If you see "24H2" with build 26120.x, you're on Beta.
One thing I've learned from testing both channels: the Dev Channel is more experimental. Features can appear and disappear between builds. The Beta Channel is generally more stable, which is why I usually recommend it for daily drivers.
New Features and Improvements in KB5064093
This update isn't just about bug fixes—it brings several genuinely useful features. Let me walk you through what's new.
Android App Resume on Your PC
This is the headline feature of KB5064093. Microsoft is finally making good on the promise of seamless phone-PC integration. The new Android app resume feature lets you pick up where you left off on your phone, right on your PC.
Here's how it works in practice: you're listening to Spotify on your Android phone, and when you sit down at your PC, you'll see a "Resume alert" notification in the Taskbar. Click it, and the Spotify app launches on your computer, continuing the same track.
To enable this feature:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices
- Turn on "Allow this PC to access your mobile devices"
- Connect your Android phone if you haven't already
A few caveats I've noticed during testing: this feature requires developer support in the apps themselves. Spotify works, but many other apps don't support it yet. Also, the rollout is gradual—you might not see it immediately even after updating.
Lock Screen Battery Icon and Other UI Changes
The Lock Screen battery icon got a visual overhaul. Instead of the plain monochrome icon, you now get a color-coded indicator that communicates battery status at a glance:
- Green: Charging and battery is in good condition
- Yellow: Running on battery with energy saving mode active (typically below 20%)
- Red: Critically low—plug in immediately
It's a small change, but it's genuinely useful when you glance at your laptop across the room.
The update also adds new touch gestures for Click to Do—press and hold two fingers on the screen to bring up AI actions for selected content. And for keyboard users, there are new shortcuts: Win + Minus inserts an En dash (–), while Win + Shift + Minus inserts an Em dash (—). No more digging through the Emoji Panel for these.
Settings, Gaming, and Input Improvements
The Settings app received some under-the-hood performance improvements, particularly when loading the "Installed apps" list. The AI agent interface also got a new entry point that takes you directly to the relevant settings page from search results.
For gamers, Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) configuration is now accessible directly from toast notifications—no need to navigate through multiple Settings pages. The Windows Share interface also gained a pin option, letting you pin frequently used apps to the "Share using" section.
Fixes and Known Problems with KB5064093
No update is perfect, and KB5064093 has its share of both fixes and lingering issues.
List of Fixes Included in This Update
Microsoft addressed several problems in this release:
- Settings app: Fixed a crash affecting the "Copy current user settings to the welcome screen" option on the Language & Region page. Also resolved an issue where rapid navigation between Settings pages caused flickering or temporary unresponsiveness.
- Windows Hello: Facial recognition now works more reliably—previously, it would detect your face but fail to log you in. Low-light performance has also improved.
- Gaming: Optimized performance when using overlays, especially with multi-monitor setups running different refresh rates. Fixed a bug where HDR settings would reset when launching games in full-screen mode.
- Visual Studio on Arm64: Fixed crashes during WPF-dependent scenarios, along with improved debugging stability for WinUI 3 apps.
Known Issues and User-Reported Problems
Here's where you need to pay attention. Microsoft has acknowledged several known issues with KB5064093:
- Recall not working for European users: Due to regulatory concerns, the Recall feature remains unavailable in Europe.
- File Explorer "Shared" section bug: The "Shared" section may appear in the Home view even when there's no shared content.
- Settings "Temporary files" hang: The Temporary files section in Storage settings may freeze or hang.
- Xbox controller Black Screen of Death: Bluetooth-connected Xbox controllers can trigger a black screen, requiring a forced restart.
Beyond the official list, user reports from Reddit and Microsoft forums mention installation failures and blue screen errors. Some users have reported driver compatibility issues, particularly with older graphics cards and network adapters.
In my experience, the Xbox controller issue is the most disruptive one. If you regularly use a Bluetooth Xbox controller, you might want to hold off on this update until Microsoft patches it.
How to Download and Install KB5064093
Ready to install? Here are two methods, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide via Windows Update
The easiest way is through Windows Update:
- Enroll in the Windows Insider Program: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Choose either the Dev Channel (for 25H2) or Beta Channel (for 24H2).
- Enable early updates: In Windows Update settings, turn on "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available."
- Check for updates: Click "Check for Updates" and wait for KB5064093 to appear.
- Install: Click "Download & Install" and let Windows handle the rest. Your PC will restart during the process.
Using the Microsoft Update Catalog for Offline Installation
If you prefer manual installation—or need to install on multiple machines—the Microsoft Update Catalog is your friend:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for "KB5064093."
- Download the .msu file that matches your system architecture (x64 or ARM64).
- Double-click the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
Before you install, create a system restore point. I can't stress this enough. If something goes wrong, you'll want a way back. Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection and create a restore point before proceeding.
Troubleshooting KB5064093 Installation Failures
Installation doesn't always go smoothly. Here's what to do when things go wrong.
Common Error Codes and How to Fix Them
Error 0x800f081f: This typically means Windows couldn't find the source files needed for the update. The fix is usually to run the DISM tool:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Error 0x80070002: This indicates missing files or corrupted system files. Try running the System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
For other Windows Update errors, the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter is surprisingly effective. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run it.
What to Do If the Update Gets Stuck or Fails
If the update hangs at 100% or fails repeatedly, try these steps:
- Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder: Stop the Windows Update service, delete the contents of
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, then restart the service. - Reset Windows Update components: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Check disk space: Ensure you have at least 20GB of free space. Insider builds are large.
How to Uninstall or Roll Back KB5064093
Changed your mind? Here's how to undo it.
Step-by-Step Uninstall Process
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates.
- Find KB5064093 in the list and click "Uninstall."
- Follow the prompts and restart your PC.
If you're on an Insider build and want to roll back to a previous build entirely, go to Settings > System > Recovery and use the "Go back" option. Note that this is only available within 10 days of updating.
KB5064093 vs. Other Windows 11 Updates
How does this update compare to others in the pipeline?
Comparison with KB5051987 and Other Recent Updates
KB5051987 was a February 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2. It focused primarily on security fixes and stability improvements, with fewer new features. KB5064093, by contrast, is more feature-rich—the Android app resume and Lock Screen battery icon are notable additions.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Update | Channel | Build | Key Features | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5064093 | Dev/Beta | 26200.5761 / 26120.5761 | Android app resume, battery icon, Click to Do gestures | Features + fixes |
| KB5051987 | GA | 26100.3194 | Security fixes | Security + stability |
| The takeaway: KB5064093 is a feature-focused update for Insider testers, while KB5051987 was a standard monthly security update for the general public. |
FAQ
What is KB5064093 in Windows 11?
KB5064093 is a cumulative update for Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. It's available for both the Dev Channel (build 26200.5761, version 25H2) and Beta Channel (build 26120.5761, version 24H2). The update introduces new features like Android app resume, a color-coded Lock Screen battery icon, and various fixes.
How to install KB5064093 on Windows 11?
You can install it two ways: through Windows Update by enrolling in the Windows Insider Program and checking for updates, or manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog by downloading the .msu file and running it.
Why is KB5064093 not installing on my PC?
Common causes include corrupted system files, insufficient disk space, or driver conflicts. Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, or using DISM and SFC tools to repair system files.
Can I uninstall KB5064093?
Yes. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates, select KB5064093, and click Uninstall. You can also use the "Go back" option in Recovery settings to roll back to a previous build within 10 days.
Final Thoughts
The KB5064093 Windows 11 update is a solid release for Insider testers, bringing genuinely useful features like Android app resume and a more informative battery icon. The fixes for Windows Hello and gaming performance are welcome improvements.
That said, the known issues—particularly the Xbox controller black screen problem—give me pause. If you rely on Bluetooth controllers or have had trouble with previous Insider builds, you might want to wait for the next flight.
For everyone else, the installation process is straightforward, and the troubleshooting steps above should cover most issues you'll encounter.
Have you installed KB5064093 yet? What's your experience been like—smooth sailing or rough waters? Drop a comment below and let me know. And if you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing for more Windows 11 update breakdowns.