Windows 11 Update KB5053598 24H2 Introduces Ads in Settings

Comprehensive Overview of the Windows 11 KB5053598 Update

The latest February 2025 update for Windows 11, designated as KB5053598, has been officially released as part of the monthly routine known as Patch Tuesday. This update is rolling out to all users of Windows 11 24H2 and will be delivered automatically through the Settings app. Additionally, users can access direct download links for the KB5053598.msu format installers via the Microsoft Update Catalog, which we will discuss later.

As a reminder, updates that fall under Patch Tuesday, occurring on the second Tuesday of every month, are mandatory. The KB5053598 update is no exception; it will install automatically without the need for manual checking. Your system will periodically check for updates, and this particular release will be downloaded and installed to ensure you have the latest improvements.

Release Information for KB5053598

When you look up the update in March 2025, it will be labeled as 2025-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5053598). This version advances your operating system to Windows 11 Build 26100.3476, notable for its impressive enhancements, particularly in regards to File Explorer performance.

Enhancements in File Explorer

The most significant enhancement provided by this patch is the improved performance of File Explorer. It now navigates through folders containing large collections of media files much more efficiently. If you’ve ever dealt with sluggish loading times when opening folders with hundreds of files, this change will undoubtedly enhance your user experience.

Xbox advertisement in Windows 11 settings — Xbox Game Pass advertisement visible in Settings

New Features Within Windows 11 Build 26100.3476

Usage of Task Manager: Fixed a notable glitch where the Task Manager mistakenly classified HDDs as SSDs.
Taskbar Share Button: A new share button has been incorporated on the taskbar, allowing users to share files easily via jump lists, providing quick access to file sharing functionalities.
Spotlight Enhancements: The Spotlight feature now includes a hover menu that provides insights on the images used for wallpapers on both the desktop and lock screen.

Download Instructions for KB5053598

For those who prefer an offline installation, you can find the direct download links for Windows 11 KB5053598 here: Microsoft Update Catalog.

Note: The update is in the process of being rolled out, so it may not be immediately available for all users.

Addressing Common Issues

Several known bugs have been addressed with this update, including:

The prevention of File Explorer ignoring URLs entered directly into the address bar.
A fix for the issue that caused the address bar to overlap with files in full-screen mode.
The ability to disable OneDrive’s nagging prompts in the File Explorer address bar, a welcome enhancement for those who prefer not to use OneDrive.

File Explorer startup backup option — Option to disable OneDrive reminders

One fix users will appreciate is the resolution of the CPU reaching 100% usage upon waking the device from sleep mode, leading to smoother performance overall.

To download and install the March 2025 update, navigate to Settings > Windows Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What improvements are included in the Windows 11 KB5053598 update?

This update, KB5053598, primarily improves the performance of File Explorer, allowing it to open folders with a large number of media files faster. Additionally, it addresses several bugs, including issues with the Task Manager and the File Explorer interface.

2. How do I manually download the KB5053598 update?

You can manually download the KB5053598 update by visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog. There, you can find direct download links for both 64-bit and ARM-64 versions of the update.

3. Will the KB5053598 update remove ads from Settings?

No, the KB5053598 update introduces a continuous Xbox Game Pass advertisement in Settings, and there is currently no option available to toggle off these advertisements.

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