Microsoft has commenced the rollout of its latest non-security updates for Windows 11, designated under KB5044380. This update encompasses both the Enterprise and Education versions of Windows 11 version 22H2, as well as all editions of Windows 11 version 23H2, featuring build numbers 22621.4391 and 22631.4391. Among the enhancements are the ability to configure the Windows 11 Copilot key, the introduction of a gaming-oriented keyboard, and additional features aimed at improving user experience.
Update Access and Features
To access these updates, users should navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The updates can be found in the Optional updates available section.
Highlights:
Gradual Rollout: The updates will be made available gradually, meaning not all users will receive them simultaneously.
- [Gamepad keyboard] New! This update introduces a Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, allowing users to navigate and type using an Xbox controller. The layout features button accelerators, such as the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar, with keys aligned vertically for improved movement.
- [Notifications] New! Users can now disable suggestions for turning off notifications from specific apps by selecting the ellipses (…) in the notification or by adjusting settings in Settings > System > Notifications.
- [Start menu] New! The “All apps” section has been renamed simply to “All.”
[Narrator]
- New! A new shortcut has been added for the Narrator: pressing the Narrator key + Ctrl + X will copy the last spoken content to the clipboard, facilitating quick access to codes or numbers.
- New! The Narrator will now automatically read the contents of email messages in the new Outlook, mirroring the functionality of the classic version.
Normal Rollout:
- [Copilot key settings] New! Users can now configure the Copilot key on their keyboards. On new devices, this key opens the Copilot app, while signing in with a Microsoft Entra ID opens the M365 app. The key can be customized to open different apps or initiate a search, provided the app is in a signed MSIX package.
- [Battery use] Fixed: An issue causing excessive battery drain during Modern Standby has been addressed.
- [Microsoft Teams] Fixed: A problem preventing users from joining Teams meetings via Outlook meeting reminders has been resolved.
- [Product activation phone numbers] Fixed: New phone numbers for various regions have been added.
- [Multi-Function Printer (MFP)] Fixed: An issue where specific network command text was printed when connected via USB has been corrected.
Improvements:
Windows 11, version 23H2
- Important: Users should utilize EKB KB5027397 to update to Windows 11, version 23H2.
This non-security update includes quality improvements, encapsulating all enhancements from Windows 11, version 22H2, with no additional issues documented for this release.
Windows 11, version 22H2: Enterprise and Education editions
This update also brings quality improvements, addressing key issues:
- [vmswitch] Fixed: A stop error triggered by a vmswitch when using Load Balancing and Failover (LBFO) teaming with two virtual switches on a VM has been resolved.
- [Collector sets] Fixed: Collector sets will now close properly when exceptions occur during startup or while active.
- [Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA)] Fixed: Profiles for certain mobile operators have been updated.
- [Windows Hello for Business] Fixed: The PIN reset functionality is now operational when selecting the “I forgot my PIN” link.
- [Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] Fixed: The list of drivers vulnerable to Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks has been updated.
- [WebView2 apps] Fixed: Input detection from Xbox 360 and Bluetooth controllers has been improved.
- [Bluetooth] Fixed: An app that previously stopped responding due to a memory leak has been addressed.
Windows 11 servicing stack update (KB5044620) – 22621.4383 and 22631.4383
This update enhances the servicing stack, the component responsible for installing Windows updates, ensuring a robust and reliable update experience.
Known issues in this update
Currently, Microsoft reports no known issues associated with this update.
For a comprehensive overview of the release notes, users can refer to the dedicated support page.