Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 receive KB5046732 with enhancements to File Explorer and Start menu

Update Available for Windows 11 Users: KB5046732 Released

Windows 11 users who have not yet upgraded to version 24H2, which recently received its November 2024 non-security update, can still benefit from various fixes and features. This month’s non-security update, known as a C-update, is now accessible for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 (available exclusively for Enterprise and Education users) under KB5046732, with build numbers 22621.4541 and 22631.4541.

It is important to note that KB5046732 does not contain any security patches, meaning it is optional and can be skipped if desired.

Notable Changes in This Update

The following enhancements are being rolled out gradually:

[Settings] Update: “Tailored Experiences”has been renamed to “Personalized Offers”in the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This can be adjusted in the Settings under Privacy & Security, allowing users to disable data sending to improve Windows.

[Taskbar]

New Feature: The system tray will display a condensed version of the date and time. If “Do not disturb”is enabled, the notification bell icon may not appear; however, users can click the date and time for access to the notification center. To revert to the expanded date and time format, navigate to Settings > Date and Time and enable “Show time and day in the system tray.”

Fixed Issue: When “Automatically hide the taskbar”is selected, the search function now appears as an icon instead of the traditional search box.

[Input Method Editor (IME)] New Feature: Following this update, the IME toolbar will automatically hide in full-screen applications when typing Chinese or Japanese characters.

[Start Menu] New Feature: Right-clicking on pinned apps in the Start menu now displays jump lists for applicable applications.

[File Explorer]

New Capability: Users can share content directly to Android devices via the context menu in File Explorer and on the desktop, provided they have installed and configured Phone Link on their PC.

Fixed Issue: Resolved excessive spacing between items in the left pane.

Fixed Issue: Addressed the problem of the search box being truncated in smaller File Explorer windows.

[Touchscreen] New Settings: A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added; go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch to enable or disable left or right screen edge gestures.

[Mouse] New Features: Enhanced mouse pointer precision can now be disabled via Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse. Additionally, users can customize the mouse scroll direction.

[Dynamic Lighting] Enhancements:

New Feature: A placeholder message will appear in the Dynamic Lighting Settings when no compatible device is connected. The brightness and effects controls will also be disabled.

New Options: The Wave effect now includes Forward, Backward, Outward, and Inward direction options, along with a new Forward direction for the Gradient effect.

[Jump Lists] New Feature: Holding Shift and CTRL while clicking a jump list item allows it to open as an administrator.

Immediate Rollout Fixes

The following issues have been fixed and are available immediately:

[Bluetooth LE Audio] Fix: Resolved streaming issues with certain devices, such as hearing aids.

[Mouse and Game Bar] Fix: Addressed bugs where the mouse would unlock from the game window when utilizing multiple monitors and the game bar.

Additional Improvements in KB5046732

Here are other enhancements included in this update:

Gradual Rollout:

[IFilters] New Feature: Windows Search now operates IFilters within Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC), enhancing security by limiting permissions and minimizing the risk of system compromise.

[Task Manager]

New Feature: The Disconnect and Logoff dialogs now support dark mode and offer text scaling.

New Capability: The Performance section now specifies the type of each disk.

Normal Rollout Fixes:

[Motherboard Replacement] Fix: Issue with Windows activation post-motherboard replacement has been resolved.

[COSA Fix: Profiles have been updated for specific mobile operators.

[Internet Printing Protocol Printer] Fix: Addressed a problem that caused Windows to halt when using an IPP USB printer.

To install KB5046732 for Windows 11 version 23H2, visit Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. It’s worth noting that there will be no optional updates for Windows 10 or 11 in December owing to reduced operations during the holiday period. Keep an eye out for the next non-security update, which is anticipated in January 2025.

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