Microsoft has unveiled the KB5044380 update for Windows 11, offering a preview of enhancements set to be widely available next Patch Tuesday. This update brings a variety of features, including the much-anticipated ability to remap the Copilot key on newer keyboards, catering to users who prefer alternative functionalities.
Key Fixes and Features
While this preview update does not include security fixes, it addresses several notable issues affecting multi-function printers, Microsoft Teams, and excessive battery consumption. Users who install the KB5044380 update can immediately benefit from numerous tweaks and fixes, although some features will be rolled out gradually.
For those opting to disable Copilot, the remapping feature for the dedicated key is particularly advantageous. Users wishing to assign a different application to this key must ensure that the app is packaged in a signed MSIX format. Alternatively, the key can be configured to open the Search function.
Among the fixes included in this update are:
- [Battery use] Fixed: Reduces excessive battery consumption during Modern Standby.
- [Microsoft Teams] Fixed: Resolves issues preventing users from joining Teams meetings via Outlook reminders.
- [Product activation phone numbers] Fixed: Introduces new phone numbers for various regions.
- [Multi-Function Printer (MFP)] Fixed: Corrects printing of unintended network command text when connected via USB.
Microsoft has chosen to stagger the rollout of some features introduced in the KB5044380 update. The following items will be gradually made available:
- [Gamepad keyboard] New! A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard allows users to navigate and type using an Xbox controller. Button accelerators are included, with the X button functioning as backspace and the Y button as the spacebar. The keyboard keys are aligned vertically for improved movement.
- [Notifications] New! Users can now disable suggestions to turn off notifications from specific apps. This can be done by selecting the ellipses (…) in the notification or through Settings > System > Notifications, where “Notification Suggestions” can be managed.
- [Start menu] New! The “All apps” section has been renamed to simply “All.”
- [Narrator]
- New! A new shortcut has been added: 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 functionality from the classic version.
For those interested in exploring the update, manual searching for updates or utilizing the Microsoft Update Catalog will be necessary.
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