Microsoft has unveiled the August 2024 preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, addressing critical issues that have been causing system freezes and memory leaks. The optional cumulative update, designated as KB5041582, serves as a maintenance release, allowing Windows administrators to evaluate fixes and enhancements to ensure a smoother experience for end users ahead of the mandatory September 2024 Patch Tuesday update cycle.
This update specifically targets memory leaks affecting the Input Method Editor (IME) and Bluetooth devices, resolves problems that lead to system freezes and hinder restarts, and refreshes Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for select mobile operators.
To install the update, users can navigate to the Settings app, select ‘Windows Update,’ and click on ‘Check for Updates.’ As this is an optional update, users will be prompted to confirm their desire to install it by clicking the ‘Download and install’ link. Alternatively, Windows 10 users have the option to manually download and install KB5041582 from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
More highlights in Windows 10 KB5041582
Upon installation, this preview release will elevate Windows 10 22H2 systems to build 19045.4842. The comprehensive list of fixes and changes included in this month’s non-security preview update features:
- [Input Method Editor (IME)] A memory leak may occur when closing a window with a combo box in focus.
- [Country and Operator Settings Asset] COSA profiles are updated for specific mobile operators.
- [Bluetooth] An application may become unresponsive due to a memory leak in a Bluetooth device.
- [Bind Filter Driver] The system might stop responding when accessing symbolic links.
- [Unified Write Filter (UWF) and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)] An SCCM task to re-enable UWF may fail due to a deadlock, preventing expected device restarts.
For those operating on Windows 10 versions 2004, 20H2, 21H1, or 21H2, an upgrade to Windows 10 version 22H2 is available through the KB5015684 enablement package, which activates dormant features of Windows 10 22H2.
Microsoft has noted two known issues with this update: one that prevents users from changing their account profile picture and another that causes booting problems for Linux on dual-boot systems, with a workaround provided for affected users.
In a notable development, Microsoft reopened the Windows 10 beta channel in early June, introducing the first Windows 10 Beta build since 2021—three years after the last build was released to Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview channels. Just last week, Redmond rolled out the second Windows 10 22H2 beta build since June, which includes fixes for the Unified Write Filter (UWF) and Bind Filter Driver.
