On the second Tuesday of April, Microsoft has once again rolled out its anticipated Patch Tuesday updates, a time when users can expect a host of software enhancements, including crucial security patches and bug fixes. For those utilizing Windows 11 24H2, a particularly vexing issue with the File Explorer menu—where the menu would open in the opposite direction—has finally been addressed in this latest update.
Windows 11 24H2’s KB5055523: Enhancements and Fixes
The KB5055523 patch, deemed essential for security, encompasses all the improvements from the earlier KB5053656 build released on March 27, 2025. This previous patch was initially offered as a Preview build and is now officially available. Users familiar with File Explorer will appreciate the resolution of the glitch that caused the three dots (…) menu to malfunction, making it difficult to access advanced settings. This fix is a welcome relief for many.
As with any update, the rollout may not be instantaneous for all users, so patience is advised. Additionally, the April 2025 update addresses a critical issue that previously led to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when devices woke from sleep. Task Manager has also received an upgrade, now displaying standardized CPU usage metrics across all pages.
For Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon chips, the update introduces exciting enhancements, including AI-driven Windows Search capabilities. The Live Captions feature has also been improved, now supporting real-time translation in over 44 languages on these devices.
The update is rich with features and improvements, some of which will be gradually rolled out. Here’s a detailed overview of what KB5053656 brings:
New Features (Gradual Rollout)
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[Improved Windows Search]
- New! Enhanced search functionality on Copilot+ PCs allows users to find documents, photos, and settings more intuitively. This improvement leverages semantic indexing, making it easier to locate files without needing exact names or keywords.
- New! Users can now search for cloud-stored photos using descriptive terms, integrating local and cloud results seamlessly.
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[Input]
- New! A Gamepad keyboard layout is now available for the touch keyboard, enhancing navigation for gaming.
- New! A new system tray icon will improve the discoverability of emoji and other panels.
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[Live Captions]
- New! Live captions now support real-time translation for over 44 languages, enhancing communication during video calls and streamed content.
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[Settings]
New! “Top cards” in the Settings menu provide a quick overview of key specifications, such as processor and RAM.
Improvements
Gradual Rollout
- [Task Manager] The Task Manager will now present CPU usage in a standardized manner across various pages, aligning with industry standards.
Normal Rollout
- [Cryptography] This update resolves issues affecting Credential Roaming, ensuring certificates and keys are correctly managed.
As noted, KB5055523 is a mandatory security update, and older versions of Windows 10 have also received updates. Users can check the Microsoft Update Catalog for a comprehensive list of updates available for their systems.
