Microsoft has released a new preview update for Windows 11, dubbed KB5120998, which brings a host of improvements to the operating system. This optional non-security update is designed to test bug fixes, features, and quality enhancements before they’re rolled out to all users during next month’s Patch Tuesday release.
The KB5120998 update affects Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which are currently supported by Microsoft. With this update, users can expect a range of changes that improve the overall user experience. One notable feature is the ability to move the taskbar to any side of the screen, giving users more flexibility in customizing their desktop layout.
In addition to the taskbar customization options, KB5120998 also introduces a new smaller taskbar setting that reduces the height and size of icons on smaller devices, maximizing available screen space. Furthermore, users can now adjust the size of the Start menu, with small or large options available, as well as independently show or hide sections like Pinned, Recommended, and All.
Microsoft has also started rolling out a security feature called “Administrator protection,” which uses just-in-time privileges to harden the system against elevation-of-privilege attacks. This feature is turned off by default but can be enabled using specific settings in Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.
The update process itself is straightforward, with users able to install KB5120998 by opening Windows Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and then checking for available updates. Alternatively, they can manually download the preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
While this update is optional and does not include security fixes, it’s still an important step in refining the Windows 11 experience. With many other changes included in KB5120998, users will appreciate improvements like automatic indexing of frequently used folders for better search results, enhanced restart behavior, and improved resiliency from potential VPN-related issues.
One notable change is the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility, which has already been removed by default in new installations of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft has warned users that their systems may reboot one more time after deploying this update and subsequent updates over the next few months.
As a user, it’s essential to be aware of these changes and how they might impact your system. If you’re running Windows 11 version 25H2 or 24H2, consider installing KB5120998 to experience these improvements firsthand. However, if you’re not comfortable with optional updates or prefer to wait for the next Patch Tuesday release, it’s perfectly fine to hold off and stick with the latest cumulative update.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-08-28