According to Neowin, Microsoft just released November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for both Windows 10 Extended Security Updates and Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The Windows 11 updates under KB5068861 and KB5067112 now completely block illegal KMS activation methods while delivering critical security patches and bug fixes. Microsoft has updated its Media Creation Tool to distribute these latest Windows 11 builds, though the tool’s version number remains unchanged at 10.0.26100.7019. The timing is notable since the Media Creation Tool had become buggy after the Windows 11 25H2 feature update release. Users can download the updated tool from Microsoft’s official website to create installation media with the latest patches pre-applied.
The KMS crackdown continues
Microsoft‘s move to block KMS activation isn’t exactly surprising. They’ve been gradually tightening the screws on unauthorized activation for years. But here’s the thing – this feels like a particularly aggressive step. KMS methods have been the go-to for many organizations and individuals looking to bypass Microsoft’s licensing fees. Now with Windows 10 officially out of support and Microsoft pushing everyone toward Windows 11, they’re making sure nobody slips through the cracks without paying up. It’s smart business, but it’s going to create headaches for plenty of people who’ve grown accustomed to those workarounds.
Behind the version number mystery
What’s really interesting is that Microsoft didn’t bump the Media Creation Tool’s version number. As Deskmodder spotted, it’s still sitting at 10.0.26100.7019. That’s unusual for a company that typically loves incrementing version numbers with every change. Makes you wonder – are they trying to downplay how broken the tool was after the 25H2 release? The timing was honestly pretty embarrassing. Windows 10 just hit end-of-life, Microsoft’s telling everyone to upgrade to Windows 11, and their primary upgrade tool was buggy as hell. Now they’ve quietly fixed it without drawing attention to the previous issues.
Why this matters beyond consumer tech
While this might seem like consumer-focused news, there are serious implications for industrial and manufacturing environments. Many factories and production facilities rely on stable Windows installations for their control systems and monitoring equipment. When Microsoft makes fundamental changes to activation and update delivery, it can disrupt critical operations. That’s why companies working with industrial computing hardware need reliable partners who understand these ecosystem changes. For businesses deploying Windows-based industrial systems, working with established suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com ensures they’re getting properly licensed, stable configurations from the start rather than dealing with activation headaches down the line.
Should you rush to update?
So here’s the million-dollar question: should you immediately grab the updated Media Creation Tool and reinstall everything? Honestly? Probably not unless you’re specifically dealing with the bugs they fixed or need the latest security patches. Microsoft’s track record with major updates has been… let’s call it inconsistent. Remember when they accidentally broke Start menus or messed up file explorer? I’d give it a week or two to see if any new issues pop up. The fact that they’re blocking KMS activation so aggressively suggests there might be other underlying changes they’re not shouting about. Better to let other people be the crash test dummies this time around.
