Microsoft has unveiled the September 2024 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, specifically targeting versions 23H2 and 22H2. This update, identified as KB5043145, introduces a suite of 13 enhancements and fixes aimed at resolving various issues, including notable freezes in Microsoft Edge and the task manager.
Designed as a monthly optional update, KB5043145 serves as a testing ground for Windows administrators, allowing them to evaluate bug fixes, new features, and improvements that are set to be included in the upcoming October 2024 Patch Tuesday release.
Among the noteworthy additions in this preview update is a streamlined method for sharing local files directly from search results, which will now appear on the taskbar when utilizing the Search box. Additionally, the update modifies the Windows Share window by removing the search box and repositioning the “Sign out” option within the account manager accessible from the Start menu. Users will now find a list of system accounts, with the ability to switch between them via an ellipses (…) control.
KB5043145 also addresses several freeze-related issues, including one that causes Microsoft Edge to become unresponsive while in IE mode, as well as another that affects the task manager when transitioning from a high-contrast theme to a standard theme.
To install this preview update, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update and select “Check for Updates.” As this is an optional update, users will need to click on the “Download and install” link to proceed. Alternatively, KB5043145 can be manually downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 11 KB5043145 highlights
Upon installation, this preview release will elevate Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 systems to builds 22621.4249 and 22631.4249, respectively. This month’s non-security preview update also encompasses additional fixes and enhancements, including:
- [Windows identity protection] Users will now only need to enter their credentials once for Outlook or other encrypted email applications, with a single prompt for their PIN.
- [Copilot Pro subscription] A new feature allows users to manage their Copilot Pro subscription directly within Settings. Users can sign in to their Microsoft account and navigate to Settings > Accounts.
- [Outlook and other encrypted email apps] This update resolves an issue that previously required users to enter their PIN each time they opened an encrypted email.
- [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint] Fixes an issue where Work Folders files would fail to sync when Defender for Endpoint was enabled.
Microsoft has reiterated that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 will reach their end of service on October 8th, 2024, ceasing to receive monthly security and preview updates. In contrast, support for the Enterprise and Education editions will continue beyond this date. The company encourages users to upgrade to the latest version of Windows to ensure ongoing updates.
The latest update, Windows 11 23H2 (the Windows 11 2023 Update), was released on October 31st as an enablement package following its rollout last September as a Release Preview Insider build for enterprise testing. It entered broad deployment on July 18th and is now accessible to all users on eligible systems. Since February, Microsoft has been proactively installing this update on eligible systems nearing their end-of-service date.
