Windows 11 Updates with a New Restore Mode: What's New in KB5095093
Microsoft has released the cumulative update package KB5095093 for Windows 11, available as an optional preview. This update introduces numerous fixes and new features for versions 24H2 and 25H2 of the operating system, bringing them to builds 26100.8737 and 26200.8737, respectively.
Unlike Patch Tuesday, installing this update is not automatic and requires manual action from the user. Users can check its availability and start the download through the Windows Update utility or manually download the .msu files from the Update Catalog portal. The changes implemented with KB5095093 will be integrated into the monthly security updates of June.
Point-in-time Restore: The New Timed Restore
The high-profile novelty of this update is the Point-in-time Restore feature. Already spotted during the testing phase, it allows users to restore their Windows PC, including applications, settings, and personal files, to a previous state captured at a specific point in time. The process completes in just a few minutes, significantly reducing downtime in case of malfunctions.
Restore points are stored locally via the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) and maintain the capability to recover the entire system within the last 72 hours. For Home and Pro editions, restore points are created automatically every 24 hours and deleted after 72 hours or when the allocated disk space runs out. Enterprise licenses offer greater flexibility, allowing users to configure snapshots at intervals of 4, 6, 12, 16, or 24 hours and manage their retention. Settings also allow for increased dedicated storage space.
While it may seem similar to the traditional System Restore, Microsoft emphasizes that Point-in-time Restore focuses on "reliability and a wide range of issues." Differences include a configuration method managed from System Settings (as opposed to Control Panel), automatically scheduled triggers, a maximum retention of 72 hours, coverage of the entire system state, and reduced storage impact thanks to optimized space management.
The update also introduces new controls for pausing updates. Users can now select a specific end date on a calendar to suspend updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend the pause further. Widgets, on the other hand, become less intrusive: they no longer open on mouse hover, and notifications are minimized. Default settings and management of visual notifications are also improved.
On the accessibility front, a new Screen Tint feature allows users to apply a colored overlay to the entire screen to reduce eye strain. The Magnifier tool now offers more precise control, allowing direct input of a zoom percentage and modifications in specific increments.
Several improvements also touch on File Explorer, which now features quick commands like "Open File Location" and "Ask Copilot" on hover over files. Startup speed has been improved, as well as path management in the address bar and renaming dynamics. Bluetooth connections benefit from refinements: stability with audio devices and compatibility with specific headphones such as AirPods and Beats Studio Pro are enhanced, including synchronization of microphone status between audio mixer and Hands-Free Profile (HFP).
Among other fixes and implementations, the update resolves a known issue that displayed internal file names in the recycle bin instead of the original ones and brings improvements to Secure Boot, connecting to shared network resources, and the emoji panel, which now utilizes GIPHY for GIF content. Enhancements are also included for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), the Ready Print technology for printers, and memory management for PCs with over 32GB of RAM, facilitating the execution of larger local AI models.
Microsoft has reported a known issue regarding certain third-party applications that fail to start applications or open Microsoft Office documents after installing this update. The company is working on a fix, suggesting in the meantime to open applications or documents directly.