Just days before the end of June 2026, Microsoft released KB5095093, an optional cumulative update preview for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update moves those systems to build numbers 26100.8737 and 26200.8737, respectively, and is chiefly aimed at squashing bugs in File Explorer, Bluetooth connectivity, and virtual private network (VPN) connections.

The release landed on June 23, aligning with Microsoft’s regular “C” week schedule for optional, non-security previews. These updates are not pushed automatically through Windows Update; they must be manually triggered by selecting “Check for updates” and then opting in to the download. They serve as a testing ground for the fixes that will eventually be included in the following month’s mandatory Patch Tuesday rollout.

What’s Inside KB5095093

Microsoft’s official changelog for KB5095093 is characteristically concise, but the early focus areas are unmistakable. The company has been investigating several pain points reported by Windows 11 users over the past few months, and this preview appears to deliver targeted remedies.

File Explorer Gets Its Gears Smooth

File Explorer has been a recurrent source of frustration in recent Windows 11 builds. Complaints on the Feedback Hub and in tech forums have included random crashes when right-clicking files, sluggish folder navigation, and intermittent freezes during large file transfers. While Microsoft has steadily patched Explorer in each monthly update, some gremlins have persisted.

KB5095093 is expected to address a cluster of these lingering issues. Early testers note that the context menu now appears more reliably, especially when invoked on a large selection of files or in OneDrive-synced folders. The update also appears to refine the indexing service, which should speed up search results in both the default search bar and within File Explorer itself. For users who have been forced to restart Explorer.exe via Task Manager after unexplained slowdowns, this build may finally bring relief.

One change that hasn’t been explicitly documented but is welcomed by power users is the apparent reduction in latency when browsing network drives. In prior builds, a noticeable delay could occur when expanding a network location in the left-hand navigation pane. KB5095093 seems to reduce that wait, making remote file access feel snappier—a subtle but meaningful improvement for small businesses and home-lab enthusiasts.

Bluetooth Stability Receives a Much-Needed Boost

Bluetooth troubles have also been near the top of the Windows 11 gripe list. Users with wireless headphones, mice, and keyboards have reported sporadic disconnections, especially when their devices resume from sleep or switch between audio sources. The most common symptom: audio stuttering or dropping entirely after a system idle period, forcing a reconnect.

KB5095093 includes Bluetooth driver tweaks that are already being credited with smoother playback on popular codec profiles like AAC and SBC. In particular, owners of Qualcomm- and Realtek-based Bluetooth adapters—two chipsets that power many OEM laptops—may notice fewer dropouts. The update also improves coexistence with Wi-Fi 6E adapters, where radio interference could previously degrade Bluetooth performance.

Microsoft has not detailed every edge case addressed, but anecdotal reports suggest that the update also fixes a bug where a Bluetooth speaker wouldn’t be recognized as an output device after a call ended in Microsoft Teams or Zoom. That specific annoyance had been flagged by remote workers who juggle multiple peripherals throughout the day.

VPN Connections Are Less Likely to Waver

For the remote workforce, nothing is more disruptive than a VPN tunnel that collapses during a critical task. KB5095093 tackles at least one known issue with IPsec and L2TP-based VPNs, where connections could drop unexpectedly after a network interface change—such as switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet or waking from hibernation.

The update also seems to improve automatic reconnection logic. In previous versions, some third-party VPN clients (notably those using the Windows built-in provider) would fail to re-establish a session after a brief internet outage, forcing the user to manually disconnect and reconnect. KB5095093 reportedly reinstates the automatic reconnection behavior that was trusted by IT administrators.

Microsoft has not mentioned any changes to Always On VPN or DirectAccess configurations, but the broader network stack adjustments in this preview should benefit enterprise environments that rely on stable remote access.

Other Enhancements and Under-the-Hood Polish

Besides the headline acts, KB5095093 carries dozens of smaller patches and system reliability improvements. Windows Update components themselves get a refresh, potentially speeding up the detection of future updates. The kernel has been tweaked to handle certain memory allocation edge cases that could lead to system hangs when a USB-C hub with power delivery was abruptly disconnected.

Security researchers note that the preview does not introduce new Defender signatures or vulnerability mitigations—those are reserved for Patch Tuesday. However, the build does include a rollup of all prior non-security fixes from the past month, ensuring that testers are running a complete package.

One undocumented change that has caught the eye of Insiders involves the Settings app. On some machines, the “Bluetooth & devices” page now loads faster and no longer flickers when enumerating connected peripherals. This cosmetic fix, while minor, contributes to a perception of polish that Windows 11 was missing in earlier iterations.

Known Issues and Cautions

No preview is without risk. At the time of release, Microsoft’s known-issues list for KB5095093 is empty—no new blocker bugs have been acknowledged. However, the company reminds users that optional updates carry a slightly higher chance of regression than the thoroughly tested security patches.

Independent testers have flagged a few inconsistencies worth noting:

  • On a handful of dual-GPU laptops, the graphics driver might fail to initialize after the update, requiring a reboot or driver reinstallation.
  • Users with custom Start menu replacements (such as Start11 or Open-Shell) may see a brief flicker when switching virtual desktops, though the root cause appears to be a change in how the shell handles widget invocations.
  • The update may reset certain power plan settings if a system was previously configured via a third-party utility rather than the Control Panel.

These are not widespread and do not appear to affect machines running standard configurations. Still, backing up important data and creating a system restore point before installing any preview update is a sensible habit.

How to Install KB5095093

The update is available through all standard channels:

  • Windows Update: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” The preview will appear as an optional download labeled “2026-06 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 (KB5095093)” or the equivalent for 25H2.
  • Microsoft Update Catalog: IT pros can download the standalone .msu file for offline deployment or manual installation.
  • Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update for Business: The update has been synced to these services for managed fleets.

Notably, the 25H2 build number (26200.8737) indicates that the update applies to the latest feature update wave, while 24H2 (26100.8737) represents the previous annual release that is still widely deployed in enterprise. Microsoft’s decision to release a single KB for both versions suggests a shared code base for non-security fixes, which simplifies patching for organizations that run a mix of feature updates.

What Comes Next

KB5095093 is essentially a dress rehearsal for the July 2026 Patch Tuesday. All the fixes tested here—assuming no show-stopping regressions emerge—will be bundled into a mandatory security release on July 14. That cumulative update will carry a new KB number but will include all the non-security improvements of this preview plus whatever security patches are needed.

For Microsoft, the optional preview format has become an indispensable feedback loop. By encouraging enthusiasts, IT pros, and early adopters to kick the tires, the company catches edge-case bugs that its internal validation might miss. User reports from Reddit, the Microsoft Community, and the Feedback Hub often influence last-minute tweaks before the wider rollout.

Should You Install It Now?

If your daily workflow has been interrupted by Bluetooth hiccups, File Explorer freezes, or VPN instability, KB5095093 is worth a try. The fixes it brings have been long-awaited, and the early consensus is that they deliver meaningful stability without introducing new systemic problems.

Casual users who aren’t experiencing any issues, however, may prefer to wait for the July Patch Tuesday release. That version will have the benefit of two additional weeks of real-world testing and will be installed automatically without any manual steps.

Regardless of your choice, KB5095093 reinforces a pattern Microsoft seems determined to continue: steady, iterative improvement of the Windows 11 experience through meticulously targeted cumulative updates. The days of massive, monolithic service packs are firmly behind us—and for the everyday user, that means bugs get squashed sooner and the OS keeps getting a little better each month.