On this Patch Tuesday, Windows 11 users can anticipate a wealth of new features, albeit with the understanding that their rollout will be gradual. The cumulative updates KB5065426 are now available for both Windows 11 version 23H2 and version 24H2, bringing a host of enhancements that were previewed just two weeks prior.
Notable New Features
The updates introduce several key improvements, particularly for Copilot+ PCs:
- Recall improvements: Users will enjoy a revamped homepage experience featuring shortcuts to recent activities, frequently used apps, and popular websites. Enhanced filtering controls allow users to manage what Recall records, complemented by a new navigation bar linking to Home, Timeline, Feedback, and Settings.
- Click to Do enhancements: An interactive tutorial is now available upon first launch, with easy access later through the More options menu.
- Agent in Settings: This feature, previously exclusive to Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs, is now accessible on AMD- and Intel-based models, although it remains limited to English as the primary display language.
- Search improvements: The Taskbar search now employs a grid view for image results, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, a status pane will indicate if Windows 11 is still indexing search locations, and search results will clearly distinguish between local and cloud-stored files.
- Larger clock option in Notification center: Users can enable a larger clock in the Notification center, similar to the functionality in Windows 10, through the Date and Calendar settings.
- System dialog improvements: System dialogs now appear modally, dimming the desktop to emphasize the dialog.
- Lock screen widgets improvements: Users can now add, remove, and rearrange Lock screen widgets, which also support a new small sizing option.
- File Explorer enhancements: Minor visual changes have been made to the context menu in File Explorer for a more refined user experience.
- Windows Hello redesign: The Windows Hello interface has received a modern makeover, although it may feel slower and more complex. Users can now switch between various authentication methods, including passkeys and connected devices.
- Generative AI privacy and security settings: A new section in the Settings app allows users to see which third-party applications have recently utilized generative AI models, with options to manage and disable access as desired.
- Widgets enhancements: The Widgets board now supports multiple dashboards, along with a navigation bar for seamless switching between them and other views like the Discover feed, which has been made more organized and engaging.
- Task Manager updates: Task Manager now provides a more accurate display of CPU usage across all views, with an optional CPU Utility column available in the Details view.
In addition to these features, the updates also address various security and bug fixes across multiple areas, including ReFS, the Chinese (Simplified) Input Method Editor (IME), and Arm64 performance. As is customary, a reboot will be required to complete the installation of these updates.
