Windows 11 March Update brings several new features along with security fixes and stability improvements. Microsoft released the Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 and Windows 10 in March 2026. The update arrives as KB5079473, building the system to version 26200.8037.
The update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. As usual, Microsoft uses a two-phase rollout strategy. Security fixes install immediately. However, some new features appear gradually through Controlled Feature Rollout.
One of the most visible additions in the Windows 11 March Update is support for Emoji 16.0. Microsoft began testing these emojis months ago. Earlier builds allowed users to view them but not insert them through the emoji panel. Now the update enables full emoji input support.
Users can insert new emojis directly from the emoji keyboard. Examples include Fingerprint, Root, Shovel, and Leafless Tree. However, the emoji panel still lacks support for flag emojis.
Microsoft also improved enterprise backup capabilities. The Windows 11 March Update expands Windows Backup restore for organizations. Enterprises can now restore user settings and Microsoft Store apps during the first sign-in experience.
This feature works in enterprise environments that use Microsoft Entra. It also supports multi-user environments and Cloud PCs. As a result, IT teams can restore employee devices faster.
Another important change involves Quick Machine Recovery. Microsoft introduced this feature after system failures caused by problematic updates. Quick Machine Recovery allows Windows to return to a stable state after a failed update.
Previously, Microsoft enabled this feature only on certain systems. Now the Windows 11 March Update activates Quick Machine Recovery automatically on more devices. Windows 11 Pro computers now receive the feature by default. However, enterprise-managed devices may still disable it.
Microsoft also added a new internet speed test option. Users can access it by right-clicking the internet icon on the taskbar. A new “perform speed test” toggle appears in the context menu.
The tool redirects users to a Bing-powered speed test page. The service then measures connection performance by downloading small files. Although the feature works quickly, it opens in a browser instead of a native Windows tool.
Security professionals will also notice an important improvement. The Windows 11 March Update now includes Sysmon as a built-in feature. Sysmon provides advanced monitoring of system activity. It logs processes, network connections, and system events.
Previously, Sysmon required manual installation through Microsoft’s Sysinternals package. Now users can enable it directly from Windows settings. The tool remains disabled by default. However, administrators can activate it through the optional features panel.
Microsoft also introduced support for WebP images as desktop wallpapers. WebP files are often smaller than traditional formats. Users can set them as backgrounds through the Personalization settings or by right-clicking an image.
Enterprise users benefit from another important addition. The Windows 11 March Update adds Remote Server Administration Tools support for Arm64 devices. RSAT allows administrators to manage Windows Server roles from their PCs.
The tools include Active Directory management, DNS configuration, DHCP administration, and Group Policy management. Microsoft says the update strengthens enterprise support for Arm-based Windows devices.
Finally, Microsoft included several smaller improvements. The Start menu account section now shows a “View my benefits” option. This link opens the Microsoft account benefits page.
Camera settings also gained new controls. Users can now adjust pan and tilt directly from Windows settings for supported cameras.
Overall, the Windows 11 March Update delivers both enterprise features and everyday improvements. With Emoji 16 support, built-in Sysmon, and better system recovery tools, Microsoft continues refining Windows 11 for both consumers and organizations.
