Windows 11’s March Optional Update is Now Available for Release Preview Insiders

The March optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 is now available for Insiders on the Release Preview Channel. This update (KB5079387) introduces improvements to the Narrator accessibility feature, File Explorer, the Settings app, and more, though most of the changes will be rolling out gradually to Insiders.

Here are the main changes you should know about:

Narrator improvements: Setting up Natural Voices is now more reliable. Moreover, rich image descriptions are now available on all Windows 11 PCs by pressing Narrator key + Ctrl + D to describe the focused image, or Narrator key + Ctrl + S to describe the full screen. Copilot+ PCs users will also get instant, on‑device descriptions, with the ability to select Ask Copilot for more details.

Settings improvements: Microsoft has improved the reliability of downloading necessary updates when prompted in Settings > System > Advanced.

Smart App Control improvements: This security feature, designed to block untrusted or potentially harmful apps, can now be turned on or off without needing a clean install by going to Settings > Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings.

Modern pen setting experience: Pen users can now configure the pen tail button to open the same app as the Copilot key.

Display improvements: Microsoft improved the reliability of auto rotation after resuming from sleep. Moreover, external monitors connected via a USB4 connection can now use the lowest power level while the PC is sleeping to preserve battery life.

File Explorer improvements: Microsoft is adding the ability to use Voice Typing (Windows key plus H) to rename files. Moreover, users can now sort the permissions entries in the Advanced Security Settings window for a folder in File Explorer by ‘Principal’.

Windows Recovery Environment improvements: x64 apps should be more responsive on ARM64 devices while running in the Windows Recovery Environment.

As usual, today’s KB5079387 update should be made available for non-Insiders as an optional update during the last week of March. The public rollout will follow in April with the next Patch Tuesday update.