GoKawiilMicrosoft's KB5120998 preview update reshapes Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu
Microsoft has released the KB5120998 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, bundling 35 changes centered on taskbar positioning, a compact taskbar mode, and new Start menu size and layout options. The optional update also begins rolling out Administrator Protection, a feature using just-in-time privileges to limit elevation-of-privilege attacks, though it remains off by default and needs Intune or Group Policy to enable.
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Preview updates like this give IT teams and enthusiasts an early look at features headed to all users in next month's Patch Tuesday rollout, without the security patches included in mandatory updates. The taskbar and Start menu customization signals Microsoft responding to long-standing user requests for flexibility, while Administrator Protection shows a broader security push against privilege-escalation attacks ahead of wider deployment.
- KB5120998 lets users reposition the taskbar to any screen edge and shrink its size for smaller displays.
- Start menu customization now includes size options and the ability to toggle Pinned, Recommended, and All sections independently.
- Administrator Protection begins rolling out but is off by default, requiring enterprise tools like Intune or Group Policy to activate.
Microsoft Windows 11 Home USB — If you're following Windows 11 feature updates like KB5120998, a retail Windows 11 Home USB is a handy way to get a clean install or upgrade an older PC onto 24H2/25H2. The bootable drive makes fresh installs straightforward, and you're immediately in line for the latest Start menu and taskbar improvements.
See Microsoft Windows 11 Home USB on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: bleepingcomputer.com, 2026-08-28
Published there as: “Windows 11 KB5120998 update released with 35 changes and fixes”
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