The year 2026 has begun with Microsoft releasing its first Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11. Update KB5074109 is now available through Windows Update for those using versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing with it several important fixes and improvements.
A key improvement in this week’s updates addresses a problem with certain PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Previously, these NPUs sometimes stayed on even when the computer wasn’t being used, draining the battery. This has now been resolved, and users should see improved battery life on affected PCs.
Besides fixing the NPU issue, Microsoft is now able to identify devices that can automatically get updated Secure Boot certificates. These devices will only receive the updates if they’ve reliably shown they can handle them successfully, allowing for a gradual and safe rollout.
The January security updates don’t seem to include any visible new features. Here’s a full list of changes in update KB5074109:
- [Compatibility] This update removes the following modem drivers: agrsm64.sys (x64), agrsm.sys (x86), smserl64.sys (x64) and smserial.sys (x86). Modem hardware dependent on these specific drivers will no longer work in Windows.
- [Networking (known issues)]
- [Power & Battery] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) might stay powered on when idle. This could affect power performance.
- [Secure Boot] Starting with this update, Windows quality updates include a subset of high confidence device targeting data that identifies devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices will receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, ensuring a safe and phased deployment.
- [Windows Deployment Services (WDS)] This update introduces a change in behavior in which WDS will stop supporting hands-free deployment functionality by default. Detailed guidance for IT administrators is available in Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Hands‑Free Deployment Hardening Guidance.
- [WinSqlite3.dll] Fixed: The Windows core component, WinSqlite3.dll, has been updated. Previously, some security software might have detected this component as vulnerable.
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2026-01-14 12:39