Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 get KB5046732 with File Explorer, Start menu improvements, and more

If you’re navigating the world of Windows 11 and haven’t yet upgraded to version 24H2, there’s good news on the horizon. The latest non-security update, designated as KB5046732, is now available for users on versions 23H2 and 22H2 (specifically for Enterprise and Education editions). This update, which carries build numbers 22621.4541 and 22631.4541, is packed with enhancements and fixes, even though it does not include mandatory security patches.

New Features and Fixes

The rollout of KB5046732 introduces a variety of changes that enhance user experience:

  • [Settings] New! The feature formerly known as Tailored Experiences has been rebranded to Personalized Offers in the out-of-box experience (OOBE). You can access this by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security, where you also have the option to disable data sharing to improve Windows functionality.
  • [Taskbar]

    • New! The system tray now displays a shortened date and time. If the notification bell icon is absent due to the “Do not disturb” setting being activated, simply click on the date and time to access your notifications. To revert to the full date and time display, adjust your settings accordingly.
  • Fixed: The search box now appears as an icon when the taskbar is set to automatically hide.
  • [Input Method Editor (IME)] New! The IME toolbar will now automatically hide when applications are in full-screen mode, specifically when typing in Chinese or Japanese.
  • [Start Menu] New! Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu will now reveal jump lists for those applications.
  • [File Explorer]

    • New! You can now share content directly to an Android device from the context menu in File Explorer, provided you have Phone Link installed and configured.
    • Fixed: Resolved an issue where excessive space appeared between items in the left pane.
    • Fixed: The search box is no longer cut off in smaller File Explorer windows.
  • [Touchscreen] New! A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added, allowing users to disable left or right screen edge touch gestures.
  • [Mouse] New! Users can now turn off enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust the scrolling direction in the mouse settings.
  • [Dynamic Lighting Settings Page]

    • New! A placeholder message will appear when no compatible device is connected, with brightness and effects controls turned off.
    • New! The Wave effect now includes additional directional options, enhancing customization.
  • [Jump Lists] New! Holding Shift and CTRL while clicking a jump list item will now open it with administrative privileges.

Normal Rollout Changes

<pFor users experiencing issues, the following fixes are now available:

  • [Bluetooth LE Audio] Fixed: Resolved streaming issues with certain devices, including hearing aids.
  • [Mouse and Game Bar] Fixed: Addressed the problem of the mouse unlocking from the game window when using multiple monitors.

Additional Improvements

KB5046732 also brings a host of other enhancements:

  • [IFilters] New! Windows Search now operates IFilters within Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC), enhancing security by limiting access to sensitive system components.
  • [Task Manager]

    • New! The Disconnect and Logoff dialogs now support dark mode and text scaling.
    • New! The Performance section now displays the type for each disk.
  • [Motherboard Replacement] Fixed: Windows will now activate correctly after a motherboard replacement.
  • [Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA)] Fixed: Mobile operator profiles have been updated.
  • [Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) Printer] Fixed: Resolved issues causing Windows to become unresponsive when using an IPP USB printer.

Users can download KB5046732 via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. It’s worth noting that optional updates for Windows 10 and 11 will be paused in December due to reduced operations during the holiday season, with the next non-security update anticipated in January 2025.

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Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 get KB5046732 with File Explorer, Start menu improvements, and more