On October 28, 2025 Microsoft released KB5067036, an optional preview cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 advancing builds to 26100.7019 and 26200.7019 respectively. It represented the company’s ongoing effort to roll out enhancements and patches ahead of their inclusion in more broadly deployed Patch Tuesday updates, marrying new user experience elements with crucial fixes for persistent system issues.
This article answers the core search intent: users want to know what KB5067036 does, what new capabilities it introduces, what problems it fixes, and whether any new issues have emerged post‑installation. KB5067036 is not a security update; it is an optional cumulative preview that offers a bundle of updates, including a redesigned Start menu, enhanced Windows Search, a new Ask Copilot shortcut in File Explorer, and Administrator Protection for elevated command verification.
The update also resolves a set of nagging bugs: from red‑tinted videos and games to Settings app crashes when accessing display settings, as well as Windows Update failures like error 0x800f0983. However, it became notable for an unexpected regression that led Task Manager to remain running in the background after closing, triggering duplicate processes that could impact system performance.
This long‑form article explores the broader context of KB5067036 in Microsoft’s development cycle, its feature set, user reactions, technical implications, enterprise considerations, and how it fits into Windows 11’s evolution — backed by real data and structured insights for both technophiles and casual users alike.
KB5067036 in Context: Preview Updates and Windows Development
Preview updates like KB5067036 are part of Microsoft’s optional release cadence, designed to test fixes and features before they enter mainstream updates. Unlike monthly security rollups, these preview builds give enthusiasts, IT pros, and early adopters early access to changes the company is preparing for wider deployment.
Microsoft’s roadmap for Windows 11 throughout 2025 focused on strengthening usability and security, while also incorporating AI‑related enhancements, particularly for Copilot and search experiences. By releasing KB5067036 as a non‑security preview, Microsoft signaled its intent to expose new UI and productivity capabilities to the public early while monitoring issues reported by real‑world usage.
Why previews matter:
- Provide early feedback on new features
- Allow optional pre‑release access
- Reduce risk of widespread issues during mainstream rollouts
What’s New in KB5067036
KB5067036’s feature set reflects Microsoft’s drive toward smarter, smoother, and more integrated user experiences.
| Feature | Description | Impact |
| Administrator Protection | Requires Windows Hello integrated authentication before actions needing admin privileges | Stronger defense against unauthorized administrative changes |
| Updated Start menu | Features scrollable “All” list, category/grid views, responsive layout | Easier navigation and customization |
| Ask Copilot shortcut (File Explorer) | Quick AI assistance accessible directly from Explorer | Streamlines productivity flows |
| Faster Windows Search | Improved indexing and responsiveness across devices | Better performance for local and web results |
Start menu redesign: The refresh brings a scrollable All Apps view and adaptive layout that responds to screen size and user behavior, making frequently used apps easier to reach without clutter.
Administrator Protection: This security enhancement steps up control by prompting Windows Hello authentication before privileged operations can run, reducing risk from malware or unwanted scripts.
Fixing System Bugs and Performance Issues
Beyond new features, KB5067036 also addressed several noteworthy bugs.
| Issue Addressed | Symptom Before Fix | Resolution in KB5067036 |
| Red‑tinted videos/games | Visual distortion after prior update | Corrected frame rendering behavior |
| Settings crash when opening Display settings | Settings app would close unexpectedly | Fix applied |
| Windows Update failures | Errors like 0x800f0983 during updates | Underlying service fix applied |
| Media Creation Tool broken | Tool failed on some devices | Functionality restored |
The update also contained improvements to remote scenarios such as Remote Credential Guard interactions with older Windows Server versions, numerous File Explorer fixes, and smoother shutdown behavior when “Update and Shut Down” was selected.
The Task Manager Glitch: When a Preview Breaks a Core Tool
Despite these positive changes, KB5067036 drew attention for an unexpected regression: Task Manager might continue running in the background after closing, spawning multiple hidden taskmgr.exe processes.
This behavior caused frustration because each time Task Manager was closed via the window’s “X” button, the process wouldn’t terminate, and reopening Task Manager would create another instance, leading to increasing CPU and memory usage over time.
The bug didn’t affect all users, but for power users and administrators who open Task Manager frequently, the accumulation of processes could lead to sluggish performance — highlighting how even small regressions in critical system tools can ripple outward.
Microsoft later resolved this regressin in subsequent security updates (e.g., KB5068861) in November 2025, but the episode underscored the trade‑offs between preview accessibility and production stability.
Expert Insights on KB5067036
“Preview updates are as close as Microsoft gets to public beta testing, but they’re not without risk — even lightweight changes can disrupt long‑standing Windows behavior.”
— Paul Thurrott, technology writer on Windows development cycles (paraphrased from coverage).
“Redesigning core UI elements like the Start menu is a major change; it’s no surprise that staged rollouts are used to gauge impact before full release.”
— Windows ecosystem analyst quoted in Computerworld’s update guide.
“Task Manager’s unexpected behavior revealed how deeply intertwined Windows components are — even a simple close command touches process lifecycle mechanics.”
— Software engineer with experience in OS internals, commentary aggregated from industry forums.
Enterprise and Deployment Considerations
For enterprise deployments, preview updates like KB5067036 are generally optional and not recommended for immediate installation across production environments. Instead, IT teams often wait until fixes and features mature into cumulative mainstream builds.
Administrators concerned about the Task Manager regression or other regressions often rely on Group Policy workarounds, rollback procedures, and staged testing on pilot groups before broad rollout.
Deployment checklists typically include:
- Verifying critical app compatibility
- Monitoring update rollouts via Windows Update for Business
- Testing on representative hardware clusters
- Ability to rollback via recovery options
Takeaways
- KB5067036 is an optional preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 released October 28, 2025.
- It introduces Administrator Protection, a redesigned Start menu, faster Search, and “Ask Copilot” shortcuts.
- The update addresses important bugs including video tint issues, display settings crashes, and Windows Update errors.
- A notable regression caused Task Manager to remain running and duplicate itself, potentially degrading performance.
- Subsequent updates resolved the Task Manager issue, affirming the preview’s role as a staging ground for improvements.
- Enterprise administrators should test preview releases carefully before broad deployment.
Conclusion
KB5067036 typifies the evolving nature of Windows 11’s update strategy — blending feature rollouts with iterative testing and user feedback. Its redesigned Start menu and productivity enhancements epitomize Microsoft’s broader push to refine core experiences while investing in AI collaboration and security workflows. Yet the Task Manager regression served as a stark reminder that even preview updates can carry unforeseen consequences for power users and IT professionals alike.
The arc from preview to mainstream deployment is one of balancing innovation with stability. While KB5067036’s mixed reception highlights the inherent risk of optional updates, the lessons learned helped shape subsequent cumulative updates that carried these features forward with greater reliability. For users and enterprises alike, this dynamic underscores the value of measured adoption: preview features deliver a glimpse into the future of Windows, but due diligence remains essential.
FAQs
What exactly is KB5067036?
KB5067036 is an optional preview cumulative update released by Microsoft on October 28, 2025 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, advancing OS builds to 26100.7019 and 26200.7019 with features and bug fixes.
How do I install KB5067036?
Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. If optional updates are available, click Download and Install.
Does KB5067036 cause Task Manager issues?
Yes — closing Task Manager could leave duplicate processes running in the background, which was later fixed in subsequent updates.
Can I uninstall KB5067036?
Preview updates are optional and can be rolled back via Settings > Update History > Uninstall Updates or recovery tools, though future cumulative releases make them redundant.
Is KB5067036 safe for enterprise deployment?
Enterprises typically test preview updates in a controlled environment before broad deployment due to potential regressions and mixed feedback.
REFERENCES
Microsoft. (2025, October 28). October 28, 2025—KB5067036 (OS Builds 26200.7019 and 26100.7019) Preview. Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/october-28-2025-kb5067036-os-builds-26200-7019-and-26100-7019-preview-ec3da7dc-63ba-4b1d-ac41-cf2494d2123a
Abrams, L. (2025, October 28). Windows 11 KB5067036 update rolls out Administrator Protection feature. BleepingComputer. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-kb5067036-update-rolls-out-administrator-protection-feature/
WindowsLatest. (2025, October 29). Windows 11 KB5067036 adds new Start UI and features. WindowsLatest. https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/29/windows-11-kb5067036-25h2-adds-new-start-ui-direct-download-links-msu/
Computerworld. (2025, January). Windows 11: A guide to the updates. Computerworld. https://www.computerworld.com/article/1615662/windows-11-a-guide-to-the-updates.html
Microsoft. (2025, October 28). Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 25H2. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/resolved-issues-windows-11-25h2
