On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5095093 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing a new Point-in-Time Restore tool, a flexible 35-day update pause, and a raft of accessibility and usability fixes. The update is available now through Windows Update, though many of its features are part of a gradual rollout and may take days or weeks to appear on every eligible PC.
KB5095093’s headlining features
Point-in-Time Restore: A safety net, not a backup
The most significant addition is Point-in-Time Restore, a system recovery tool that automatically captures snapshots of a PC’s state—including applications, settings, and personal files—roughly every 24 hours using the Volume Shadow Copy Service. These snapshots are retained for up to 72 hours by default and can be used to roll a machine back to an earlier working state from the Windows Recovery Environment if a recent driver, update, or configuration change causes trouble.
Microsoft says the feature is enabled by default on Home and eligible Pro editions with a system drive of 200GB or larger. The short retention window and broad scope—it restores the entire system state, not just system files—mean it is best treated as a short-term troubleshooting safety net, not a substitute for regular backups. You cannot rely on it to recover data from a failed drive or to retrieve a file you deleted last week. Think of it as a “undo” button for major system changes, not a long-term data protection strategy.
Because Microsoft’s released information does not yet provide a complete, step-by-step invocation procedure, users should follow on-screen guidance when restoring. What is clear: you’ll need to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment, and you’ll only see snapshots captured within the last 72 hours.
Update pauses get a calendar and a 35-day ceiling
The familiar “Pause updates” control under Settings > Windows Update has been redesigned. Instead of fixed 7‑, 14‑, or 21‑day blocks, you now pick an exact pause end date from a calendar, up to 35 days out. The pause can be renewed once it expires, offering an effectively indefinite deferral option for those who want it.
That said, Microsoft cautions that pausing updates does not extend a Windows version’s support lifecycle. In particular, Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro will stop receiving updates on October 13, 2026—pausing now won’t buy more time later. Administrators should use the 35‑day pause for compatibility testing, not as a long‑term maintenance strategy.
Screen Tint: A color overlay to ease eye strain
A new accessibility overlay, Screen Tint, applies a customizable color wash across the entire display. You’ll find it at Settings > Accessibility > Screen Tint. Because its usefulness depends on individual visual needs, it is strictly an optional aid—it is not a system‑wide color management tool.
Widgets tamed
Widgets no longer fly out when the pointer merely passes over the taskbar icon. Notifications and taskbar badges are now minimized by default. When you first open the Widgets dashboard, icons may display alert counts, and badges clear after you leave the dashboard. These changes aim to reduce distraction and accidental openings.
File Explorer: Quick actions for Entra ID and smarter address bar
If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft Entra ID work or school account, hovering over a file in File Explorer can now show quick actions such as Open file location and Ask Copilot. These actions are gradually rolling out, so don’t be surprised if they appear later on one PC than another.
The address bar also accepts path input containing double backslashes or quotation marks—for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"—making it easier to paste paths from scripts, command output, or messages without manually cleaning up the formatting.
Bluetooth, networking, and printing fixes
Microsoft addressed several specific Bluetooth problems: issues with AirPods and Beats Studio Pro, a generic error 0x9F, and a “Remove failed” message when trying to delete a Bluetooth device. These are targeted fixes, not a blanket Bluetooth improvement.
Networking work covers a wide range: Confidential Virtual Machines, SR‑IOV, Windows Subsystem for Linux mirrored networking with VPNs, Wi‑Fi, WWAN, IPv6 VPNs, and third‑party VPN software. Test any business‑critical VPN or WSL workflows after installing.
For printing, new printer installations now prefer Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) when supported. Administrators can control this behavior at Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print.
Touchpad right‑click zone adjustment
A new setting (Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad) lets you adjust the right‑click zone on compatible touchpads with pressable surfaces. If you frequently trigger the wrong click in the lower portion of the touchpad, this provides a direct way to fine‑tune the area without third‑party software.
Other notable fixes
Microsoft’s change log also calls out improvements for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Japanese handwriting recognition, location settings, and general explorer.exe reliability. If you’ve been troubleshooting one of these areas, installing KB5095093 is worth a try—but don’t assume every superficially similar problem has been resolved.
Who gets what and when: the gradual rollout reality
Microsoft splits KB5095093 between normal rollout—which broadly makes the update available to eligible devices—and gradual rollout, where individual features are enabled in phases. Consequently, two PCs that both report “up to date” may show different interfaces or capabilities. Installing the KB does not guarantee that every item in the release notes is immediately visible.
To check whether a specific feature has reached your device, go directly to its relevant Settings path after the update. For Screen Tint, for example, open Settings > Accessibility and look for the option. For the touchpad right‑click zone, check Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad on a device with a pressable touchpad.
What KB5095093 means for different types of Windows users
For everyday home users
Point-in-Time Restore offers a quick way to undo a bad driver or update if the PC becomes unstable within 72 hours. Just remember: it is not a backup. Keep using OneDrive, an external drive, or another backup service to protect your files long‑term. The new update pause gives you more flexibility to defer updates when you need to—but don’t pause security patches indefinitely. Install KB5095093, confirm restore is active (it should be if your system drive is 200GB or larger), and enjoy the quieter Widgets and optional Screen Tint.
For power users and enthusiasts
You’ll appreciate the restored ability to quickly roll back a misbehaving system change, but the 72‑hour retention is tight—you’ll need to act fast if something goes wrong. The touchpad tweak, address bar path parsing, and VPN/WSL fixes are quality‑of‑life improvements worth testing. If you rely on Bluetooth headphones like AirPods or Beats, check whether the fixes solve any previous pairing or removal issues.
For IT administrators and business users
The gradual rollout demands a per‑device verification process. A machine may have KB5095093 installed but lack the new File Explorer Entra ID actions or a specific accessibility feature. Help‑desk documentation should distinguish between “the update is installed” and “this feature has been enabled on this device.”
Point-in-Time Restore’s default enablement on eligible Home and Pro systems with 200GB+ drives does not automatically apply to every enterprise configuration—verify actual behavior on your managed devices. And crucially, Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro will reach end of updates on October 13, 2026. Start your upgrade planning now; pausing cumulative updates does not extend that deadline.
Secure Boot certificate delivery continues through Windows Update as well. Microsoft notes that affected PCs can still boot and receive updates during this transition, so it is not an immediate, universal failure event. Still, staying current with updates remains the simplest way to ensure your devices receive the new certificates.
The timeline that matters
- June 2026 – Secure Boot certificates used by most Windows devices begin expiring; Microsoft starts distributing updated certificates via Windows Update.
- July 14, 2026 – KB5095093 is released for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
- October 13, 2026 – Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of updates.
- October 12, 2027 – Windows 11 version 24H2 Enterprise and Education reach end of support.
Your KB5095093 action plan
- Install the update. Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, and install KB5095093. Restart when prompted.
- Verify Point-in-Time Restore status. On a Home or Pro system with a 200GB+ system drive, the feature should be enabled by default. There is no toggle in Settings; instead, boot into the Windows Recovery Environment to check available restore points. Keep your existing backup routine in place.
- Adjust your update pause. If you need to delay the next cumulative update for testing, open Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates and pick a date up to 35 days out. Avoid pausing unless you have a specific compatibility concern.
- Check for gradually rolled features. Visit each relevant Settings page:
- Screen Tint: Settings > Accessibility
- Touchpad right‑click zone: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad (pressable touchpad required)
- Printer IPP preference: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print
- File Explorer Entra ID actions: Hover over a file while signed in with a work/school account
- Widgets behavior: Hover over the taskbar icon to confirm it no longer opens automatically - For IT administrators:
- Inventory all 24H2 Home and Pro PCs and begin upgrade planning before October 13, 2026.
- Test business‑critical Bluetooth, VPN, WSL, and printing workflows.
- Document which features are active on which devices, as gradual rollout can vary. - Stay informed. Secure Boot certificate delivery will continue in future updates, so keep your devices current to receive new certificates.
What’s next for Windows 11
KB5095093 is a substantial summer update, but it also signals Microsoft’s current servicing rhythm: meaningful features are arriving through Patch Tuesday, not just once‑a‑year feature updates. Point-in-Time Restore may see refinements—such as adjustable snapshot intervals or longer retention—in future releases, as the company gathers telemetry and feedback. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users, who have about 15 months until support runs out. That means the next upgrade, whether to 25H2 or a subsequent release, is already on the horizon.