Microsoft Releases March 2025 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has just released the March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10. These updates bring various new features to Windows 11 users running the versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 of the OS, including the ability to share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar. There are also minor improvements to Windows Spotlight, Narrator, and File Explorer.

On the security front, today’s updates fix a total of 67 vulnerabilities, with six of them being rated “Critical.” Microsoft noted that one of these security flaws is publicly known, and six others are currently being exploited by attackers. You can check out the full list of CVEs and learn more details about the most critical ones in the March 2025 security update review from the Zero Day Initiative.

You can find below a detailed list of new features included in the KB5053598 update for Windows 11 version 24H2 and the KB5053602 patch for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2. These new capabilities will roll out gradually to all versions of the OS, with some exceptions:

Taskbar jumplists: You can now share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar.

Windows Spotlight: Users can now hover over a background image or click the “Learn about this picture” icon at the lower right area of the desktop to learn more details about it.

Lock screen wallpaper: Clicking the “Like” icon on the lock screen will display more information about the image.

Game Pass “ad” in Settings: Windows 11 users who are signed to their PCs with their Microsoft accounts may see a new referral card for a PC Game Pass subscription on the Settings home page. They can use this card to invite friends and family to try PC Game Pass for free.

Narrator scan mode: Users of the accessibility feature can try new functions to go to the text after a link (n), jump to the start of an item (,), jump to the end of an item (.), or quickly access a list on a web page or in a document (l).

File Explorer: It’s now possible to snooze or turn off the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar. This only applies if you are not already backing up your files and folder.

Camera app (24H2 only): A new multi-app camera feature allows multiple apps to access the camera stream simultaneously. This can be used to provide video streaming for both a sign language interpreter and the end audience at the same time.

Settings app (22H2 Enterprise and Education editions only): On managed PCs, a new home page will show new cards detailing device information and accessibility features available on the device. Commercial customers using their Microsoft account on their managed PC will also see a new card showing all the Microsoft account types currently in use on the device.

For Windows 10 users, the KB5053606 patch is also available for the version 22H2 of the OS. This update supports Daylight Saving Time changes in Paraguay and brings Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles up to date for certain mobile carriers.