Windows 11 KB5132061 & KB5131087 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released the November 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates KB5132061 and KB5131087 for Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2. The updates are mandatory and contain security patches for 1,094 vulnerabilities, with 63 rated critical and one already exploited in the wild, according to ZDNET. The exploited flaw is a spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that could allow a remote attacker to steal credentials via a malicious email.

The headline feature is a new customizable right-click context menu in File Explorer. ZDNET reports that users can now add or remove specific commands such as Send to, Print, Create shortcut, Copy as path, and Rotate image, and choose which apps appear in the main menu or a submenu. The feature is a gradual rollout accessible via a "Customize menu" entry in the right-click menu or through Settings > Personalization > Context menu. Thurrott.com notes the updated context menu also opens more quickly and that File Explorer's Folder Options dialog now supports dark mode.

Another major addition is Cloud Rebuild, a new recovery option in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) that reinstalls Windows 11 using a cloud-based system image and drivers downloaded from Windows Update, eliminating the need for a USB drive or local recovery file. ZDNET warns that files will not survive the process, so backups are essential. To initiate it, users go to Settings > System > Recovery > Rebuild PC. Thurrott.com confirms the feature rolls out gradually to versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2.

Other improvements include faster Microsoft Edge launches from the Start Menu or taskbar via a new accelerated app launch capability, a Gaming Task View in Xbox Mode for easier system actions while gaming, enhanced Magnifier with per-monitor zoom levels and a Contrast theme toggle, and Phone Link message previews on hover. The AutoPlay dialog has a modern makeover, and the Privacy & security page in Settings groups related controls. BleepingComputer notes Microsoft is not aware of any new issues with this release and that a long-standing USB audio bug has been fixed. Neowin reports some users are encountering a 0x800f0993 error when downloading or installing KB5132061. ZDNET also notes that support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions ended last month, urging users to upgrade to 26H2 to continue receiving updates.