Windows 11: A guide to the updates

A Windows launch isn’t the tip a course of — it’s actually only the start. As with Windows 10, Microsoft frequently works on enhancing Windows 11 by fixing bugs, releasing safety patches, and sometimes including new options.In this story we summarize what you must learn about every replace launched to the general public for the newest model of Windows 11. For every construct, we’ve included the date of its launch and a hyperlink to Microsoft’s announcement about it. The most up-to-date updates seem first.The best approach to set up updates is by way of Windows Update. Not certain how? See “How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates” for full directions. Note that Windows 11 model 22H2 is being launched as a phased rollout and is probably not obtainable to you in Windows Update but.If you’re nonetheless utilizing Windows 10, see “Windows 10: A guide to the updates.” And in case you’re searching for details about Insider Program previews for upcoming function releases of Windows 11, see “Windows 11 Insider Previews: What’s in the latest build?”KB5028254 (OS Build 22621.2070) PreviewRelease date: July 26, 2023This replace makes brightness settings extra correct and fixes all kinds of bugs, together with one wherein the Defender Firewall Profile didn’t routinely change from a trusted LAN to a public community. Another repair makes the connection between the consumer and the Windows Push Notification Services (WNS) server extra dependable. There is one recognized problem on this replace, relevant to IT admins, wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5028254 Preview.) KB5028185 (OS Build 22621.1992)Release date: July 13, 2023This construct introduces all kinds of latest options, together with improved sharing of a neighborhood file in File Explorer with Microsoft Outlook contacts, the rollout of notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu, and new textual content choice and enhancing voice entry instructions, corresponding to for choosing a spread of textual content in a textual content field and deleting all textual content in a textual content field. It additionally provides a “USB4 hubs and devices” Settings web page at Settings > Bluetooth & gadgets > USB > USB4 Hubs and Devices.The construct additionally consists of all kinds of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and July 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace. There is one recognized problem on this replace, wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5028185.)KB5027303 (OS Build 22621.1928) PreviewRelease date: June 27, 2023This replace improves the sharing of a neighborhood file in File Explorer with Microsoft Outlook contacts. You now have the choice to rapidly e mail the file to your self. In addition, loading your contacts from Outlook has been made less complicated. This function is just not obtainable for information saved in Microsoft OneDrive folders; OneDrive has its personal sharing performance. The construct additionally provides a VPN standing icon, a small defend, to the system tray. It shows if you end up related to a acknowledged VPN profile. The VPN icon shall be overlayed in your system’s accent shade over the lively community connection.It additionally provides new options and enhancements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. For extra data, see Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It additionally allows you to authenticate throughout Microsoft clouds. This function additionally satisfies Conditional Access checks if they’re wanted.A wide range of bugs have been mounted, together with one wherein Narrator learn the fallacious state once you canceled the number of an possibility button, and one other that stopped Teams from alerting you about missed calls or messages.There is one recognized problem on this replace, relevant to IT admins, wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5027303 Preview.)KB5027231 (OS Build 22621.1848)Release date: June 13, 2023The replace fixes a number of bugs, together with one which impacts 32-bit apps which can be massive handle conscious and use the CopyFile API. You might need points once you save, copy, or connect information. If you utilize some business or enterprise safety software program that makes use of prolonged file attributes, this problem will seemingly have an effect on you. For Microsoft Office apps, this problem solely impacts the 32-bit variations. You may obtain the error, “Document not saved.”This construct additionally consists of all kinds of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and June 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace.There is one recognized problem on this replace, wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5027231.)KB5026446 (OS Build 22621.1778) PreviewRelease date: May 24, 2023This replace reveals the total quantity of storage capability of all of your Microsoft OneDrive subscriptions on the Accounts web page within the Settings app. It additionally provides Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, which improves audio constancy and battery life once you pair your system with Bluetooth LE Audio earbuds and headphones. To use the function, your system must assist Bluetooth LE Audio.A wide range of bugs have been mounted, together with one which didn’t allow you to entry the Server Message Block (SMB) shared folder and one other wherein the Windows Firewall dropped all connections to the IP handle of a captive portal once you selected the Captive Portal Addresses possibility.There is one recognized problem on this replace, relevant to IT admins, wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.Get extra information about KB5026446 Preview.)KB5026372 (OS Build 22621.1702)Release date: May 9, 2023This replace provides a brand new toggle management on the Settings > Windows Update web page. When you flip it on, your system shall be prioritized to get the newest non-security updates and enhancements when they’re obtainable in your system. For managed gadgets, the toggle is disabled by default.The replace additionally fixes a number of bugs, together with a race situation within the Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) wherein the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) stopped responding when the system processed a number of native account operations on the similar time.It consists of all kinds of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and May 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace.There are two recognized points on this replace, one wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated, and one other wherein some apps might need intermittent points with speech recognition, expressive enter, and handwriting when utilizing Chinese or Japanese languages.(Get extra information about KB5026372.)KB5025305 (OS Build 22621.1635) PreviewRelease date: April 25, 2023This replace allows you to configure software group guidelines for firewall settings. It additionally provides a brand new toggle management on the Settings > Windows Update web page. When you flip it on, your system shall be prioritized to get the newest non-security updates and enhancements when they’re obtainable. For managed gadgets, the toggle is disabled by default.A wide range of bugs have been mounted, together with one which stopped cell system administration prospects from printing, and one other wherein the Tab Window Manager stopped responding in IE mode.There are two recognized points on this replace, each of that are relevant to IT admins: one wherein copying massive a number of gigabyte information may take longer than anticipated to complete, and one other wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5025305 Preview.)KB5025239 (OS Build 22621.1555)Release date: April 11, 2023This construct consists of all kinds of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and April 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace.There are three recognized points on this replace, two of that are relevant to IT admins: one wherein copying massive a number of gigabyte information may take longer than anticipated to complete, and one other wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5025239.)KB5023778 (OS Build 22621.1485) PreviewRelease date: March 28, 2023This construct consists of a number of new options, together with one wherein notifications for Microsoft accounts are actually on the Start menu. (Note that this function is on the market to solely a small variety of individuals and can roll out to extra within the subsequent a number of months.) The construct additionally provides quite a lot of new options and enhancements in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint — go right here for particulars.A wide range of bugs have been mounted, together with one wherein USB printers had been labeled as multimedia gadgets although they aren’t, and one other wherein Microsoft PowerPoint stopped responding once you used accessibility instruments.There are 4 recognized points on this replace, three of that are relevant to IT admins, together with one wherein copying massive a number of gigabyte (GB) information may take longer than anticipated to complete, and one other wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5023778 Preview.)Updates to Windows 11 model 22H2KB5023706 (OS Build 22621.1413)Release date: March 14, 2023This construct implements section three of Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) hardening. After you put in this replace, you can not flip off the adjustments utilizing the registry key. See KB5004442 for particulars. It additionally fixes a bug wherein attempting to affix an Active Directory area when reusing an current pc account failed. See KB5020276 for particulars.It additionally consists of all kinds of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and March 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace.There are 4 recognized points on this replace, three of that are relevant to IT admins, together with one wherein copying massive a number of gigabyte (GB) information may take longer than anticipated to complete, and one other wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5023706.)KB5022913 (OS Build 22621.1344) PreviewRelease date: February 28, 2023This construct, Micorosoft’s second “moments” construct, introduces all kinds of latest options, together with an improved search field. As you sort within the search field, search outcomes now seem in a search flyout pane. And those that have preview entry to Bing’s AI-powered search can now carry out searches instantly from the search field. (You can join get entry to Bing’s AI-powered search.)There are quite a lot of different new options as properly, together with the flexibility to hyperlink iPhone gadgets to Windows 11 PCs utilizing a brand new preview of Phone Link for iOS. The replace additionally allows you to modify Windows Studio Effects settings instantly from fast settings within the taskbar. You can modify background blur, eye contact, and automated framing and apply them to your communications purposes, with integration into Microsoft Teams. You may open Quick Assist instantly from the Start menu. The replace additionally consists of new widgets for Phone Link, Xbox Game Pass, and Spotify. In addition, the Snipping Tool has been given the flexibility to seize video, and Notepad will get tabs.Windows 11 Pro gadgets and better which can be Azure Active Directory (AAD) joined can now get AI-powered really helpful content material on the Start menu, and contact gadgets get quite a lot of new methods to work together by way of contact. The Quick Assist app has been redesigned and could be opened instantly from the Start menu. Windows will now provide power suggestions to enhance the power effectivity of your PC and scale back your carbon footprint. Task Manager will get quite a lot of enhancements, together with with the ability to filter processes utilizing the binary identify, PID, or writer identify.For extra details about these adjustments, see Microsoft’s weblog submit asserting at the moment’s launch.A wide range of bugs have been mounted, together with one wherein provisioning packages on Windows 11 failed to use in sure circumstances when elevation was required, and one other that precipitated reliability points in Task View.(Get extra information about KB5022913 Preview.)KB5022845 (OS Build 22621.1265)Release date: February 14, 2023This construct consists of huge number of safety updates. For particulars, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and February 2023 Security Updates.What IT must know: Because it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, verify for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears properly, apply the replace.There are three recognized points on this replace, every relevant to IT admins, together with one wherein copying massive a number of gigabyte (GB) information may take longer than anticipated to complete, and one other wherein utilizing provisioning packages may not work as anticipated.(Get extra information about KB5022845.)