Windows 11 KB5079391 update rolls out Smart App Control improvements

Recorded: March 27, 2026, 11 a.m.

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HomeNewsMicrosoftWindows 11 KB5079391 update rolls out Smart App Control improvements

Windows 11 KB5079391 update rolls out Smart App Control improvements

By Sergiu Gatlan

March 27, 2026
05:20 AM
0

Microsoft has released the KB5079391 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, which includes 29 changes, such as Smart App Control and Display improvements.
The KB5079391 update is part of Microsoft's non-security preview schedule, which pushes updates at the end of each month to test new features and fixes that will roll out during the next month's Patch Tuesday. However, unlike regular Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, monthly preview updates do not include security updates and are optional.
With the March 2026 optional update, Microsoft is gradually rolling out improvements to the Windows 11 Smart App Control security feature, allowing customers to toggle it without reinstalling the operating system.
"You can turn Smart App Control (SAC) on or off without needing a clean install. To make changes, go to Settings > Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings. When turned on, SAC helps block untrusted or potentially harmful apps," Microsoft said.
KB5079391 also includes a set of Display reliability improvements, such as support for monitors reporting refresh rates higher than 1000 Hz, native USB4 monitor connections, and improved HDR reliability.
You can install this update either by downloading it from the Microsoft Update Catalog or by opening Settings, clicking Windows Update, and then selecting "Check for Updates."
Because this is an optional update, you will be asked whether you want to install it by clicking the "Download and install" link unless you have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're they're available" option enabled, which will cause the update to install automatically.
Windows 11 KB5079391 highlights
Once installed, this optional non-security update will upgrade Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.8116 and 26100.8116, respectively.
The March 2026 preview update adds further improvements, some of the more important ones highlighted below:
[Performance & Reliability] This update improves stability in Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) when you run x64 apps on ARM64 devices. These apps run more smoothly and respond as expected.
This update improves the reliability of downloading required updates when you're prompted in Settings > System > Advanced.
[Windows Hello] This update improves the reliability of Windows Hello Fingerprint on certain devices.
This update improves the design of the dialog boxes in Settings > Accounts > Other users to match the modern Windows look and support dark mode. The visibility of the dialog box option depends on whether the device has a domain-joined work or school account.
Microsoft says there are currently no known issues with this update, and the full release notes are available in this support bulletin.
Last month, the KB5077241 optional cumulative update rolled out improvements to the BitLocker Windows security, native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality, and a new network speed test tool.

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KB5079391
Optional Updates
Preview Update
Smart App Control
Windows
Windows 11

Sergiu Gatlan
Sergiu is a news reporter who has covered the latest cybersecurity and technology developments for over a decade. Email or Twitter DMs for tips.

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Microsoft’s KB5079391, a non-security preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, represents a significant step in the iterative testing process for future feature rollouts. Released on March 27, 2026, this update, totaling 29 changes, centers primarily around refinements to Smart App Control (SAC) and enhancements to display reliability. The update shifts devices to build versions 26200.8116 (24H2) and 26100.8116 (25H2), highlighting Microsoft’s continuous efforts to refine the operating system’s core functionality.

A core focus of the KB5079391 update is the continued development of Smart App Control. Previously, SAC’s toggling capability required a complete system reinstall, a cumbersome process for users. This preview update introduces a simplified method for managing SAC through the Settings app – specifically, Settings > Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings. This change allows users to enable or disable SAC without resorting to a full system refresh, a critical usability improvement. The update’s effectiveness relies on SAC’s ability to block untrusted or potentially harmful applications, bolstering Windows 11’s overall security posture.

Beyond SAC, the update includes several display-related improvements. Notably, KB5079391 addresses the capability for monitors reporting refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, providing broader compatibility for high-resolution displays. It also facilitates native USB4 monitor connections and enhances the reliability of High Dynamic Range (HDR) features. These improvements indicate Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to delivering a premium visual experience, particularly for users with advanced display technology.

Furthermore, the update incorporates performance and reliability enhancements within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), specifically addressing issues encountered when running x64 apps on ARM64 devices. The update promises smoother operation and improved responsiveness of these applications. The update also improves the reliability of updates downloading when prompted within the Windows Settings app.

Design elements within the Settings app have been refined, particularly in the Accounts > Other users section, aligning visual design with the prevailing Windows aesthetic and supporting dark mode functionality. This emphasizes Microsoft’s strategy of bringing consistency and a modern user interface to the Windows 11 experience. The update also addresses known issues related to Windows Hello Fingerprint on certain devices and the dialog boxes used in Accounts.

Currently, Microsoft reports no identified issues related to KB5079391, further solidifying confidence in the preview update’s stability. The full release notes are accessible through a support bulletin, detailing all implemented changes and providing instructions for installation. While optional and non-security focused, KB5079391 underscores Microsoft’s dedication to continuous improvement and user-centric development within Windows 11, providing a glimpse into future patching strategies.