Microsoft has released KB5086672 as an out-of-band fix for Windows 11 users who encountered installation failures with the previous KB5079391 update, restoring important features while resolving the 0x80073712 error.
Microsoft has released KB5086672 as an out-of-band cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, addressing installation failures that affected some users trying to install the previous KB5079391 preview update. The new package moves affected systems to OS Builds 26100.8117 and 26200.8117 while incorporating all the improvements from the problematic March 26 preview.
The Installation Problem That Prompted This Release
The March 26 optional preview update KB5079391 was pulled from distribution after Microsoft identified an installation issue affecting some devices. Users attempting to install KB5079391 encountered error 0x80073712 and received messages indicating that some update files were missing or had problems. This installation failure was significant enough to warrant an emergency out-of-band release.
What KB5086672 Brings to Windows 11
According to Microsoft's support documentation, KB5086672 includes all the changes and features introduced in KB5079391, plus the critical fix for the installation problem. This means users who were blocked from installing the March preview will now have access to several important improvements:
- Smart App Control flexibility: A wider rollout of the option to turn Smart App Control on or off without requiring a clean install
- SFC reliability: Removal of an extra error message that could appear during sfc /scannow operations
- Windows Hello enhancements: Improved fingerprint reliability on certain devices
Additionally, as a cumulative update, KB5086672 incorporates fixes from earlier March releases including KB5079473 and KB5085516, consolidating multiple updates into a single package.
How Microsoft Is Distributing the Fix
The update is being offered through Windows Update for devices already running KB5079473 or later updates. Users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" setting enabled may see the update automatically when it becomes available for their device. For others, KB5086672 can be installed manually through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Microsoft states it is not currently aware of any known issues with KB5086672, making it a straightforward update for affected users to install.
Context Within Microsoft's Windows Strategy
This out-of-band release comes as Microsoft is emphasizing core Windows quality and responsiveness. The company has been signaling a broader push toward more native Windows experiences and greater use of WinUI 3 across key parts of the operating system. KB5086672 represents part of Microsoft's effort to steady and refine Windows 11 while maintaining momentum on feature development.
The quick response to the KB5079391 installation issue demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to addressing quality problems promptly, particularly for optional preview updates that users choose to install. This approach helps maintain user confidence in the Windows Update system while allowing Microsoft to continue testing and rolling out new features through its preview channel.
For Windows 11 users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 who either skipped KB5079391, never saw it after the rollout pause, or encountered the 0x80073712 error, KB5086672 provides a clean path to access the preview's improvements without the installation headaches.
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