KB5044384: Microsoft resolves Windows 11 24H2 UI issues and SFC, DirectAccess bugs with 8.63GB update

Microsoft has rolled out a fresh update for Windows 11 on version 24H2 systems. Designated as KB5044384 and build 26100.2161, this update addresses a range of bugs, including issues linked to the user interface, an 8.63GB unremovable upgrade data problem, DirectAccess connectivity issues, and errors with the SFC scannow command, among others.

Below is the detailed changelog:

Key Updates

Gradual Deployment

Please note that not all users may receive these updates immediately as they will be rolled out progressively.

[Notifications] New! Users can now disable notification suggestions from specific applications. Simply click the ellipses (…) in the notification to disable it, or go to Settings > System > Notifications to manage it. Only notifications will appear in the list after they have been received.

[Wi-Fi Password Prompt] New! The password dialog now reflects the modern Windows 11 visual style. Access this feature via Settings > Network & Internet.

[Narrator]

New! A new shortcut has been integrated for the Narrator. Press the Narrator key + Ctrl + X to copy the last spoken text to the clipboard, which is particularly useful for copying codes or numerical information.

New! The Narrator now automatically reads aloud the contents of emails received in the new Outlook, similar to functionalities in the classic version of Outlook.

[Gamepad Keyboard] New! This update introduces a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, allowing users to navigate and input text using an Xbox controller. The layout includes button accelerators, such as X for backspace and Y for the spacebar. The layout improves navigation by aligning keyboard keys vertically.

[Start Menu] New! The section previously known as “All apps”is now simply labeled “All.”

[ALT + Tab] Resolved: Some users experienced a black screen for a few seconds when switching between certain windows.

[Scanning Applications] Resolved: Certain scanners were not being recognized even when properly connected.

Standard Rollout

[Web Sign-In] Resolved: Issues preventing users from logging into their accounts via web browsers due to unresponsive screens.

[Copilot Key Settings] New! Configuration options for the Copilot key on the keyboard have been added. On newly launched devices, this key will directly open the Copilot application. For users signed in with a Microsoft Entra ID, the key will launch the M365 app. Users have the option to assign the key to launch different applications or perform searches. To customize this key, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Text Input. It’s important to note that the application must be part of a signed MSIX package to ensure compliance with security and privacy standards. Changing this setting will not have any effect if the keyboard lacks a Copilot key.

[Windows Disk Cleanup Application] Resolved: Following the use of this application, the displayed amount of disk space that can be released in the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ category was incorrect.

Enhancements

This update brings quality improvements without compromising security. Below is a summary of notable issues it addresses upon installation of KB5044384. New features, if present, are also noted, with the bold text indicating the specific items or areas affected.

[Virtual Hard Disk (VHD/VHDx)] New! The update now allows users to detach virtual hard disks via a new button in the Settings. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes to find this feature, though it might not be immediately visible to all users as it will gradually roll out.

[Networking] New! The netsh wlan show networks command can now display SSIDs encoded with UTF-8, enhancing the visibility of Wi-Fi networks containing Unicode characters, such as emojis. This feature will also be progressively made available.

[Windows Sandbox Client Preview] New! This update introduces the Windows Sandbox Client Preview, which includes:

Clipboard redirection during runtime

Control of audio and video inputs

Runtime folder sharing with the host machine

To access these functionalities, click the ellipses (…) in the upper right corner of the application. Additionally, this preview features a version of command-line support, with commands that may evolve over time. For more details, utilize the wsb.exe –help command. Users can get new updates for this app through the Microsoft Store, with gradual availability planned.

[User Interface (UI)] Resolved: Some users were unable to see specific UI elements while running certain applications.

[HTML Applications (HTA)] Resolved: Optional components for HTA are now compatible with ARM64 Windows PE.

[Live Kernel Debug Files (Dumps)] Resolved: Issues with win32kbase.sys generating live kernel debug files inappropriately have been addressed.

[Winlogon] Resolved: A stop error that occurred during the shutdown process has been fixed.

[Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] New entries have been added to the blocklist of drivers at risk of Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

[sfc /scannow Command] Resolved: Users faced errors each time they executed this command; the issue has been addressed.

[Service for User to Self (S4U2self)] Resolved: Devices encountered difficulties authenticating using S4U2self, particularly if Credential Guard was disabled and the device was integrated into an Active Directory domain that disallowed the RC4 cipher.

[DirectAccess (Known Issue)] Resolved: Users performing a clean installation or an in-place upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2, may have encountered issues with DirectAccess, where connections remained in a ‘connecting’ state and did not complete successfully.

For further details, the official support article can be found here on Microsoft’s website. Additionally, the update can be manually downloaded from here.

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