Introduction: Why Preview Updates Matter
Microsoft releases cumulative updates every second Tuesday of the month — a tradition known as Patch Tuesday. These updates include security fixes, stability improvements, and new features. But savvy users know that a few weeks prior, Microsoft often releases preview (C-release) updates that hint at what’s coming next.
This article covers the latest preview updates from late June 2025, helping you prepare for the upcoming July 9 Patch Tuesday. We’ll also explore trends in AI integration, accessibility improvements, and security vulnerabilities based on recent releases.
Preview Updates Released in Late June 2025
Here are the non-security preview updates that were published at the end of June:
| Windows Version | Update ID | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | KB5060829 | Preview (Non-security) |
| Windows 11 23H2 / 22H2 | KB5060826 | Preview (Non-security) |
| Windows 10 22H2 | KB5061087 | Preview (Non-security) |
These updates are optional and must be manually triggered via Windows Update. They are mainly intended for testing upcoming features and fixes before the official rollout.
Taskbar Improvements: Three Display Modes Now Available
With KB5060829 for Windows 11 24H2, the taskbar now supports three size/display modes:
- Normal size
- Small size
- Small size without app labels
This change is especially helpful for users with smaller screens or those who prefer minimalist interfaces. You can customize these options via:
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors
Copilot Integration: Ask Questions Directly from the Taskbar
A major addition this month is the new right-click option on the Copilot icon:
“Ask Copilot.”
This shortcut allows users to directly engage with AI from anywhere on the desktop. Microsoft is also testing further Copilot integrations across settings menus and apps — especially for Copilot+ PCs.
Note: Copilot+ PCs require supported hardware and may not be available in all regions yet.
Enhanced Windows Share: Link Sharing with Visual Previews
When sharing a link using Windows Share, recipients now see a visual thumbnail preview, making the sharing process more informative and user-friendly. This feature aligns with Microsoft’s goal of enhancing productivity across workflows like Teams, email, and OneDrive.
Accessibility UI Redesign: Easier to Understand and Use
Accessibility settings under Settings > Accessibility have been reorganized. The updated layout now groups features more clearly (vision, hearing, mobility) and includes improved descriptions and guidance.
This change benefits all users, not just those with disabilities, by making the system more inclusive and approachable.
New PC Migration Experience Now Rolling Out
Microsoft is gradually rolling out an updated experience for migrating between PCs. Using a Microsoft account and OneDrive, users can now more easily transfer:
- Desktop layout and personalization
- Installed apps and pinned items
- Accessibility and language settings
This makes PC upgrades or replacements much less stressful — especially for non-technical users.
Security Focus: What We Learned from April 2025
Although July’s official security bulletins have not yet dropped, the April 2025 Patch Tuesday gave us a glimpse into Microsoft’s priorities:
- 134 vulnerabilities were addressed (1 zero-day: CVE-2025-29824 in CLFS)
- Focus areas included:
- Elevation of privilege
- Remote code execution (RCE)
- Information disclosure
- Kernel-level and driver-related vulnerabilities are still common
Expect similar security targets for July — including deeper attention on drivers, kernel APIs, and privilege boundaries.
What Might Happen on July 9 (Predictions)
Based on current preview updates, here’s what could be coming in the July Patch Tuesday:
- Expansion of Copilot integration across more menus and apps
- Further improvements to taskbar behavior and customization
- Security patches for SMB, Windows Defender, and core components
- Smart App Control enhancements to tighten app trust verification
These predictions are speculative but based on consistent trends over recent months.
Before You Update: 3 Smart Preparations
To avoid problems after updating, here are 3 steps you should take:
- Create a System Restore Point
Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection and create a restore point manually. - Clean Up Temporary Files
Run Disk Cleanup or use Storage Sense to free up space and reduce update errors. - Temporarily Pause Security Tools or VPNs
Some third-party antivirus tools can interfere with the update process. Temporarily disable them if needed (and if safe).
Common Questions
Q: Should I always install Patch Tuesday updates?
A: Yes, especially for home users. These updates include security fixes. Business users may delay until compatibility testing is done.
Q: What if the update breaks something?
A: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates. You can also use a restore point to revert.
Q: Why can’t I see Copilot?
A: You may not have a supported device or it might be disabled. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar to check.
Summary
July 2025’s Patch Tuesday is shaping up to deliver more than just security fixes:
- Copilot is becoming deeply embedded into the OS.
- Accessibility and user experience continue to improve.
- Security remains a high priority, especially around kernel and drivers.
If you’re managing multiple PCs or just curious about what’s next in Windows, preview updates like KB5060829 offer valuable early insights.
✔️You might also find these helpful:
▶︎How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0922
▶︎Fix Windows Error 0x80040154 “Class Not Registered”
💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.
