GoKawiilMicrosoft has released the KB5089573 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which comes with 30 changes, including performance and reliability improvements.
The KB5089573 update is part of the company's non-security preview schedule, designed to introduce new features and fixes at the end of each month, allowing IT admins and users to test them before rolling them out to the general user base during next month's Patch Tuesday.
However, unlike regular Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, monthly preview updates are optional and do not include security updates.
With the May 2026 optional update, Microsoft is gradually rolling out general OS performance upgrades and several reliability improvements to Windows Hello.
"This update accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center," Microsoft said in a Tuesday support document.
"This update improves sign‑in behavior on the lock screen and sign‑in screen. When Windows Hello face or fingerprint is set up and available, it is now the default sign-in method every time you sign in, even if you used a different method previously. If you need to use your Windows PIN instead and use it three times in a row, Windows will stay with PIN until you switch to another sign-in method."
Additionally, KB5089573 improves Windows reliability in File Explorer, on the sign-in and lock screens, when changing themes in Settings, and when using touch gestures on touchscreen devices.
This preview update also improves performance when resuming from Modern Standby and reduces the number of unexpected blocks during Windows Hello Enhanced Sign‑in Security authentication.
KB5089573 preview update (BleepingComputer)
You can install this update either by downloading it from the Microsoft Update Catalog or by opening Settings, clicking Windows Update, and then selecting "Check for Updates."
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