Microsoft has made a significant stride in enhancing the user experience with the recent update to Windows 11 24H2. One notable change is the removal of a compatibility block that previously hindered systems utilizing USB scanners with the eSCL scan protocol from installing the update. This adjustment opens the door for a smoother upgrade process for many users.
Key Features of the KB5048667 Update
While the lifting of the scanner-related block is a welcome development, it is just one of several enhancements included in the KB5048667 update. The update also introduces a somewhat contentious alteration to the date format displayed on the taskbar, alongside a suite of critical security fixes aimed at bolstering system integrity.
Interestingly, Microsoft did not highlight the removal of the scanner block in the release notes for this update. However, the company has acknowledged this change in other communications. According to their entry regarding the compatibility hold for devices connected to USB scanners, they state:
This issue was resolved by Windows updates released December 10, 2024 (KB5048667), and later. We recommend you install the latest security update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one.
The safeguard hold associated with this issue (ID 54762729) will be lifted shortly. Users should note that after installing the update addressing this issue, it may take up to 48 hours for the Windows 11, version 24H2 update to be available through Windows Update. Restarting your device may help expedite this process.
Below are some highlights from the changelog for the KB5048667 update:
- [Settings] New! The “Tailored Experiences” feature has been rebranded as “Personalized offers” in the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Users can manage this setting under Settings > Privacy & security.
- [Taskbar]
- New! The system tray now displays a shortened date and time format. Users can revert to the traditional format by navigating to Settings > Date and Time and unchecking “Show abbreviated time and date.”
- Fixed: The search box will now correctly display as an icon when “Automatically hide the taskbar” is enabled.
- [Start Menu] New! Users can now access jump lists for pinned apps by right-clicking on them in the Start menu.
- [Touchscreen] New! A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added, allowing users to customize their experience under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch.
- [Input Method Editor (IME)] New! The IME toolbar will now hide when applications are in full-screen mode, specifically for users typing in Chinese or Japanese.
- [File Explorer]
- New! Users can share content directly to an Android device from File Explorer’s context menu, provided they have installed and configured Phone Link.
- Fixed: Addressed spacing issues in the left pane and corrected the display of the search box when the File Explorer window is minimized.
- [Dynamic Lighting Settings]
- New! A placeholder message will now appear when no compatible device is connected, with brightness and effects controls turned off.
- New! The update introduces new directional options for the Wave effect and adds a Forward direction option for the Gradient effect.
- [Speech in Windows] New! Enhancements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities, with users prompted to update their language files via the Microsoft Store.
- [Narrator] New! New functions have been added to Narrator scan mode, including the ability to skip past links and jump to lists, enhancing accessibility for users.
Users can access the KB5048667 update through Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
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