Windows 11 KB5052094 Update: Enhancements for File Explorer and Backup Features

Microsoft has unveiled a new Release Preview build for Windows 11 Insiders, identified as build 22631.4969 under KB5052094. This update addresses several enhancements, such as resolving a performance issue in File Explorer related to context menus, improving backup and lock screen functionalities, and fixing a DWM (Desktop Window Manager) bug, among other adjustments. Below is a detailed summary of the key improvements:

Gradual Rollout of New Features

Not all users may receive the following features at once due to a gradual rollout. Changes are specified in brackets for clarity.

[Taskbar] New! Users can now share files directly from a jump list by right-clicking any compatible app on the taskbar.

[Windows Spotlight] New! Discover more about your background images with an enhanced identification format. The Windows Spotlight feature is now easier to locate with a redesigned icon color and positioning, appearing on the lower right corner of your desktop.

[Lock Screen] New! Enhancements allow users to click the “Like” icon to gather more information about the lock screen image.

[Narrator] New! Several new functions have been introduced in Narrator scan mode, including the ability to navigate past links, jump to lists, and move quickly between items in large tables or long lists. To activate these functions, enable Narrator with the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter and then turn on scan mode using Caps lock + Spacebar.

[Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Subscribers] New! Some users may notice a referral card for a free trial of PC Game Pass on the Settings home page, visible only when sign-in through a Microsoft account.

[File Explorer]

New! Users can now snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder located in the File Explorer address bar, provided they are not currently backing up files.

Fixed: Addressed an issue where entering a URL in the address bar may not direct users properly.

Fixed: Resolved an issue where the address bar would overlap files in F11 full-screen mode.

Fixed: Improved loading times for context menus when right-clicking on cloud files.

Cloud file thumbnails will now display more consistently within search results.

[Start Menu] Fixed: Rectified color inaccuracies that appeared when opening the account manager flyout menu while using customized dark/light mode settings.

[Mouse] Fixed: Resolved color selection issues in the mouse settings, where chosen colors would revert to white after User Account Control (UAC) prompts.

Normal Rollout of Additional Improvements

This release also encompasses the following features rolling out as part of this updated build:

[File Explorer] Account-based content under Recent, Favorites, Details Pane, and Recommended options will now be disabled for Entra IDs in the European Economic Area (EEA).
[Daylight Saving Time (DST)] This update accommodates DST changes relevant to Paraguay.
[dwm.exe] Fixed: Addressed stability issues where the DWM service would become unresponsive.
[Country and Operator Settings Asset] Updated COSA profiles for selected mobile operators.
[Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) – Known Issue] Fixed: Resolved issues preventing the service from starting, obstructing SSH connections. Users must manually initiate the sshd.exe process due to the lack of detailed logging.