Microsoft has unveiled the November 2024 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, designated as KB5046740. This update introduces 14 enhancements and resolutions for various issues, particularly those affecting File Explorer, Clipboard history, and secondary displays.
This update is part of Microsoft’s optional non-security preview updates, which are released during the fourth week of each month. These updates allow Windows administrators to test bug fixes, new features, and improvements that will be available to all users in the following month’s Patch Tuesday release. It is important to note that, unlike the cumulative updates released on Patch Tuesday, these monthly previews do not include security updates.
Among the notable features of the latest preview update is a streamlined method for sharing content with Android devices via File Explorer and desktop context menus, contingent upon the installation of the Phone Link app. Additionally, enhancements have been made to Windows text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, benefiting users of the Narrator, voice access, live captions, live translations, and voice typing features.
The KB5046740 update addresses several technical concerns, including lag and screen tearing on secondary displays when windows are maximized. It also resolves an issue where Clipboard history may appear empty and corrects the problem of app windows shifting to the corner of a display after the device has entered sleep mode on multi-monitor setups.
To install the update, users can navigate to Settings, 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, the KB5046740 update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 11 KB5046740 highlights
Upon installation, this preview release will elevate Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.2454. The November 2024 non-security preview update also includes a variety of additional fixes and improvements, with some of the more significant ones outlined below:
- The system tray will now display a shortened date and time. Additionally, the notification bell icon may not appear if the “Do not disturb” toggle is activated.
- Tailored Experiences has been rebranded as Personalized offers in the out-of-box experience (OOBE), accessible on the Recommendations and offers page. Users can disable the option that sends device data by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security.
- [Jump lists] Users can now open a jump list item as an admin by holding Shift and CTRL while clicking the item.
- [Mouse] Fixed an issue where the pointer location circles were excessively small on some displays when using the “Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key” feature.
Microsoft has announced that due to limited operations during the Western holidays and the approaching new year, there will be no non-security preview release for December 2024. However, a monthly security release will be provided for that month, with normal servicing for both security and non-security preview releases set to resume in January 2025.
The company has acknowledged a known issue with the Windows 11 24H2 update that affects gamers using Windows Arm devices, which prevents them from downloading and playing Roblox through the Microsoft Store. Furthermore, a separate issue has been confirmed, wherein game audio unexpectedly escalates to full volume when utilizing certain USB DAC sound systems.
Windows 11, version 24H2 (the Windows 11 2024 Update) commenced its rollout in October, serving as a comprehensive OS upgrade for eligible devices currently operating on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.
