Microsoft has unveiled the KB5053656 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing a suite of 38 enhancements aimed at improving user experience. Among the notable features is the introduction of real-time translation capabilities on Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel, along with critical fixes addressing authentication issues and blue-screen errors.
This update is categorized under the company’s “optional non-security preview updates,” which are released at the end of each month. These updates allow Windows administrators to test various bug fixes, improvements, and features that are slated for the upcoming Patch Tuesday release. It is important to note that unlike the regular Patch Tuesday updates, these monthly non-security previews do not include any security updates.
For users operating on Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel CPUs, the KB5053656 update enhances accessibility by adding live captions and real-time translation support for over 44 languages into English. This feature is expected to significantly aid users who require multilingual support in their daily tasks.
The update also addresses several technical issues, including a fix for the PDCWATCHDOGTIMEOUT bug check, which could cause a blue screen when resuming from sleep. Additionally, it resolves problems that led to Kerberos and FIDO Cached Credential authentication failures in specific scenarios.
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 KB5053656 preview update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 11 KB5053656 highlights
Upon installation, this optional cumulative release will upgrade Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3624. The March 2025 preview update encompasses a range of fixes and improvements, with some key highlights detailed below:
- New! Enhanced Windows Search: Locating documents, photos, and settings across Windows 11 is now more intuitive on Copilot+ PCs, thanks to improved search capabilities driven by semantic indexing models alongside traditional lexical indexing.
- [Application installation] Fixed: The MsiCloseHandle API now executes more efficiently when managing MSI files containing numerous files.
- [Boot menu] Fixed: A resolution has been implemented to prevent unnecessary and non-functional boot menu entries when an update fails and rolls back. Users who have previously encountered this issue can manage extra boot entries through the Boot section of System Configuration (msconfig).
- The Location History feature, previously utilized by Cortana to access 24 hours of device history when location services were enabled, is being phased out. Consequently, location data will no longer be stored locally, and the related settings have been removed from the Settings > Privacy & security > Location page.
Microsoft has acknowledged two known issues associated with the KB5053656 update. The first issue affects certain Citrix components, which may impede the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update; a temporary workaround is available on the Citrix documentation page. The second issue impacts Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, preventing them from downloading the game from the Microsoft Store. As a workaround, users can download Roblox directly from www.roblox.com.
Windows 11 24H2 is currently undergoing broad deployment and is accessible to all users via Windows Update. Furthermore, Microsoft is in the process of rolling out the Windows 11 2024 Update to all eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs. In mid-January, the company began force-upgrading all eligible, non-managed systems running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2/23H2 to Windows 11 24H2.
