Windows 11 Update: Emoji 16, Speed Test & Security Patches Arrive (KB5079473)
Windows 11 gets new features and critical security fixes in the latest update.
Top Summary
- What happened: Microsoft released the KB5079473 update for Windows 11, featuring Emoji 16, a built-in internet speed test, and security enhancements.
- Why it matters: This update addresses critical security vulnerabilities and introduces features enhancing user experience and system management.
- What changes for people: Users gain access to new emojis, easier network speed testing, and improved system recovery options. Organizations benefit from expanded Windows Backup restore capabilities.
- Who is affected: All Windows 11 users, including home users, enterprises, and IT administrators.
Windows 11 KB5079473: What's New?
Microsoft's March 2026 Patch Tuesday brings the KB5079473 update to Windows 11, packed with new features and crucial security fixes.
The update is mandatory and installs automatically unless Windows Update is manually paused.
Emoji 16.0 Integration
Emoji enthusiasts rejoice! Emoji 16.0 finally arrives in Windows 11 with this update. The latest Unicode release introduces a selection of new emojis to the Windows emoji panel.
Microsoft states that this update adds one new emoji from each major category.
Enterprise Backup and Recovery
Windows Backup restore expands to organizations. The first sign-in restore experience is now available as part of Windows Backup for Organizations.
This feature automatically restores settings and Microsoft Store apps upon first sign-in on Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi-user environments.
The goal is to simplify device refreshes and migrations by automatically recreating a user’s familiar environment when they log in to a new system.
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is automatically enabled for Windows Professional devices that are not domain-joined or enterprise-managed.
Taskbar Enhancements
A built-in network speed test now lives in the taskbar, allowing users to quickly check their connection performance directly from the system tray.
The speed test can be launched from Wi-Fi Quick Settings, Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon.
The internet speed test opens in the default browser and uses Bing to measure the connection speed. The Taskbar also has search improvements.
Sysmon Integration & Other Improvements
Sysmon (System Monitor) is now integrated directly into Windows as an optional built-in feature. It is disabled by default.
Sysmon monitors detailed system activity, captures system events, and writes them to the Windows Event Log.
To enable Sysmon: Go to Settings > System > Optional Features > More Windows Features > Sysmon or use the command Dism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Sysmon
Widget settings have been redesigned to open as a full-page interface inside the Widgets app. WebP images are now supported as desktop wallpapers.
Security Fixes
KB5079473 includes security fixes for six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities and up to 58 security issues.
Actively exploited vulnerabilities include:
- CVE-2026-21510: Windows Shell flaw
- CVE-2026-21513: MSHTML Framework security bypass
.NET Updates
The update also includes the following .NET security updates:
- 2026-03 .NET 8.0.25 Security Update for x64 Client (KB5081277)
- 2026-03 .NET 9.0.14 Security Update for x64 Client (KB5081278)
.NET updates are required by some Windows apps, including inbox apps or features.
Installation
To download Windows 11 Build 26200.8037, open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Enterprises can use WSUS or third-party tools.
Direct download links are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog for offline installation.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye out for the gradual rollout of new features, as they may not appear immediately after installation. Monitor Microsoft's official channels for any known issues and their resolutions related to the KB5079473 update.