Microsoft has rolled out its optional February updates for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, introducing a series of enhancements designed to improve user experience and system functionality. Among the noteworthy additions are a network speed tool, refined camera controls, and a built-in version of the System Monitor (Sysmon) tool.
Key Updates from February Release
For those keen on exploring the full scope of changes, the comprehensive list can be found in the KB5077241 patch notes. Here are the highlights:
- Network Speed Test Tool in Taskbar: Users can now conveniently access a new tool from the Wi-Fi or Cellular Quick Settings, or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. This tool opens in the default browser and allows users to measure the performance of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections.
- Camera Settings: The Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras page has been enhanced with new pan and tilt options for supported cameras, offering greater control over video quality.
- Built-in System Monitor (Sysmon): The popular Sysmon tool for monitoring and logging system activity is now available as an optional feature. Users can enable it via Settings > System > Optional features. Microsoft advises those who have previously installed Sysmon from Sysinternals to uninstall it before activating the new built-in version.
- Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) Improvements: This update introduces support for RSAT on Windows 11 Arm64 devices, enhancing remote management capabilities.
- Quick Machine Recovery: A new automatic recovery tool for Windows 11 PCs encountering critical errors is now enabled for Windows Professional devices that are not domain-joined and not enrolled in enterprise endpoint management.
- Desktop Background: Users can now personalize their desktop backgrounds with .webp images, expanding customization options.
- New Emoji: The Emoji 16.0 release brings a fresh batch of emoji, including a face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, and splatter, adding a touch of creativity to digital communication.
- BitLocker Improvements: Enhancements have been made to ensure that devices do not become unresponsive after entering a recovery key, streamlining the recovery process.
In a somewhat perplexing twist, Microsoft has also shared release notes for the optional update for Windows 11 version 26H1, which remains unavailable to the general public unless one is an Insider on the Canary Channel. This upcoming version is expected to debut on new devices powered by advanced silicon, likely including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 series chips, and possibly Nvidia or MediaTek options, as it is built on a different Windows core than its predecessors.
While today’s update (KB5077239) may seem less exciting, as it primarily reintroduces features already available in earlier versions of Windows 11, anticipation builds for further insights into the first devices running Windows 11 version 26H1.
