Windows 10 has rolled out its October 2024 Patch, designated as KB5044273, which brings a wealth of bug fixes alongside intriguing user interface experiments. This update is being distributed through Windows Update, and users can also access direct download links for offline installation via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
As is customary with security updates, KB5044273 will automatically download and install on users’ systems in the coming hours. Upon installation, users will notice an upgrade in the Build number to either 19045.5011 or 19044.5011, depending on whether they are on the latest version or an older iteration.
The official release notes highlight “security improvements to internal OS functionality,” but the update encompasses more than just security enhancements. Observations from Windows Latest indicate that KB5044273 is experimenting with the placement of the profile picture icon within the Start menu, aiming to align more closely with the Microsoft account manager seen in Windows 11. This change is noteworthy, as the profile icon may shift from the bottom to the top of the Start menu, although not all users will experience this alteration immediately.
For those checking for updates today, the October 2024 Patch will appear as “2024-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5044273),” accompanied by a .NET Framework security patch labeled “2024-10 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5, 4.8 and 4.8.1 for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64 (KB5044091).” Users can expect these updates to display automatically when they check for updates, but offline installers are available should any issues arise.
Download Links for Windows 10 KB5044273
Windows 10 KB5044273 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).
What’s new in Windows 10 Build 19045.5011
The most prominent change in Windows 10 Build 19045.5011 revolves around the repositioning of the profile icon within the Start menu. Testing has revealed that the profile icon has migrated to the top left sidebar, also referred to as the navigation pane.
While KB5044273 does not yet introduce a comprehensive Microsoft account manager to Windows 10, indications suggest that such a feature is on the horizon. Previous builds have hinted at a fully integrated Microsoft account manager within the Start menu, similar to its Windows 11 counterpart, which emphasizes services like OneDrive, Copilot, and Microsoft 365.
Microsoft’s commitment to integrating a Microsoft account manager across its products is evident, particularly as it has already been deployed to users of Windows 11 24H2. In addition to the Start menu UI changes, KB5044273 addresses several bugs, including one that caused Microsoft Edge to malfunction when using Internet Explorer mode. This mode allows advanced users and businesses to revert to an Internet Explorer experience within Edge, albeit with some integration challenges.
Moreover, the update resolves an issue related to media playback, specifically for videos and audio files that would unexpectedly stop functioning when surround sound was activated. Another significant improvement is the reduction of single sign-on pop-ups in Windows 10, a long-standing annoyance for users, particularly in Europe, who faced frequent prompts to use or decline a Microsoft account.
Here’s a summary of additional improvements and fixes included in KB5044273:
- A bug fix for Windows server responsiveness when using Explorer.
- A new feature that delivers Windows update-related notifications post sign-in.
As for known issues, Microsoft currently reports no new bugs, aside from an existing problem that may trigger errors when attempting to change the local profile icon.
