KB5079473 — March 2026 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Overview

KB5079473 is a comprehensive cumulative update released on March 11, 2026, for Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. This update addresses multiple critical security vulnerabilities, improves system performance, and resolves compatibility issues with modern hardware platforms. The update is part of Microsoft's regular Patch Tuesday release cycle and includes both security and non-security fixes.

Security Improvements

This update addresses three critical security vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise system security:

CVE-2026-0847: Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege

A critical vulnerability in the Windows kernel that could allow an attacker with limited user privileges to gain administrative access to the system. The vulnerability exists in the way Windows handles certain kernel objects and memory allocations. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.

CVE-2026-0851: Windows Graphics Component Remote Code Execution

A remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows Graphics Component that could be exploited through specially crafted image files or web content. The vulnerability affects the DirectX graphics subsystem and could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.

Related: KB5075899 — March 2026 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 and

Related: KB5075904 — March 2026 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 and

Related: KB5078883 — March 2026 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 and

CVE-2026-0853: Windows NTLM Authentication Bypass

An authentication bypass vulnerability in the Windows NTLM implementation that could allow unauthorized access to network resources. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments using NTLM authentication protocols.

Performance and Compatibility Enhancements

Windows Search Optimization

The update includes significant improvements to the Windows Search indexing engine, particularly for systems equipped with NVMe solid-state drives. Previous versions of Windows Search could consume excessive CPU resources during indexing operations, impacting overall system performance. The optimized indexing algorithms reduce CPU usage by up to 40% while maintaining search accuracy and speed.

Modern Hardware Support

KB5079473 resolves compatibility issues with the latest processor architectures from Intel and AMD. Systems with Intel 14th generation Core processors (Raptor Lake Refresh) and AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors (Phoenix architecture) experienced stability issues due to inadequate power management support. The update includes:

• Updated CPU microcode handling routines
• Improved power state management for advanced CPU features
• Enhanced thermal management algorithms
• Better support for hybrid CPU architectures

Application Stability Improvements

The update addresses stability issues in the Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime, which serves as the foundation for many modern desktop applications. Applications built using Electron framework, including Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio Code, Discord, and Spotify, may have experienced crashes or performance issues prior to this update.

Installation Process

KB5079473 follows Microsoft's standard cumulative update installation process. The update is delivered automatically through Windows Update for consumer systems and can be deployed through enterprise management tools for business environments.

Automatic Installation

For most users, KB5079473 will be installed automatically during the next scheduled Windows Update cycle. The update is classified as Important, meaning it will be downloaded and installed without user intervention on systems with automatic updates enabled.

Manual Installation

Users who prefer manual control over updates can download KB5079473 from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The standalone installer allows for immediate installation without waiting for the automatic update cycle.

Enterprise Deployment

Enterprise administrators can deploy KB5079473 through established update management infrastructure including WSUS, SCCM, and Microsoft Intune. The update supports standard deployment scenarios including staged rollouts and testing groups.

System Requirements and Prerequisites

Before installing KB5079473, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 version 22H2 (build 19045.4046 or later) or Windows 11 version 22H2/23H2/24H2 (build 22621.3155 or later)
• Prerequisite Updates: February 2026 servicing stack update (KB5078901) must be installed
• Disk Space: Minimum 2 GB free space on the system drive
• Memory: At least 4 GB RAM for Windows 10, 8 GB RAM recommended for Windows 11
• Network: Internet connection required for download and activation verification

Post-Installation Verification

After installing KB5079473, verify the installation was successful by checking the installed updates list:

Get-HotFix -Id KB5079473

The command should return installation details including the installation date and description. Additionally, check the Windows Update history in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.

Impact on System Performance

KB5079473 is designed to improve overall system performance, particularly in the following areas:

• Search Performance: Reduced CPU usage during indexing operations
• Graphics Performance: Improved stability and performance in graphics-intensive applications
• Power Management: Better battery life on laptops with modern processors
• Application Responsiveness: Reduced crashes and improved stability in Electron-based applications

Rollback Considerations

While KB5079473 can be uninstalled if necessary, Microsoft recommends keeping the update installed due to the critical security fixes it contains. If system issues occur after installation, consider updating device drivers or contacting hardware manufacturers for compatibility updates before removing the update.

To uninstall KB5079473 if absolutely necessary:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
2. Click "View update history"
3. Click "Uninstall updates"
4. Select KB5079473 and click "Uninstall"
5. Restart the system when prompted