Microsoft has unveiled its latest optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, following closely on the heels of similar updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, as well as Windows 10. This timely release, identified as KB5044384, introduces a suite of new features that not only enhance the latest version of Windows 11 but also echo improvements made in earlier iterations of the operating system.
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For those interested in maximizing their productivity, Microsoft is inviting users to sign up for a complimentary newsletter that delivers three time-saving tips every Friday. As an added incentive, subscribers will receive free copies of Paul Thurrott’s Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10, typically valued at .99, as a special welcome gift.
The October optional update brings several noteworthy enhancements:
- Copilot key settings: Users with a dedicated Copilot key can now customize its functionality to launch a different application. This option can be found under Settings > Personalization > Text input.
- Notifications suggestions: The update allows users to easily disable notification suggestions from specific apps directly from the notification itself or by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications.
- Gamepad keyboard: A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard is being rolled out, aligning with the design used on Xbox consoles. This feature can be operated using an Xbox controller, enhancing the gaming experience on Windows.
- Narrator improvements: A new shortcut for the Narrator feature enables users to copy the last spoken text to the clipboard by pressing the Narrator key + Ctrl + X. Additionally, the Narrator can now automatically read the contents of an email in the new Outlook for Windows app.
In a shift towards controlled feature rollouts (CFRs), Microsoft is gradually deploying these new functionalities. Users who wish to receive updates promptly are encouraged to enable the “Get the latest update as soon as they’re available” option within Windows Update settings.
