Relatively late in the month, Microsoft has finally released the promised but optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2. Patch KB5040529 brings the operating system to build version 26100.1297 and introduces numerous features that have long been requested by testers.
These improvements include positive changes to the lock screen, Start menu, and File Explorer. Microsoft has also made changes to widgets, emojis, and the Task Manager. At this point, the future of Windows 11 looks brighter than ever.
Right now, the update is only available to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, but everyone else will have access to 24H2 when it’s officially released in the fall. Here’s what to expect from this update.
Lock screen personalization
One important change is the redesign of the lock screen. Previously, a new Weather widget on the lock screen that couldn’t be personalized was annoying many users. But now? Widgets can finally be customized in the settings under Personalization.
You can now set whether additional information about the weather, traffic, sports, or even finances should be displayed on your lock screen. You can have everything at a glance before you even log in; if you don’t want any information, you can deactivate the feature completely.
Start menu and Taskbar changes
The Start menu in Windows 11 has also been revised. The new account manager section gives you an overview of the benefits of your Microsoft account and quick access to your account settings.
You can also pin apps to the Taskbar again. This was already possible in previous versions of Windows, but Windows 11 did not have this option until now (to the chagrin of numerous users). You can simply drag applications from the Start menu to the Taskbar and pin them there.
The widget icons in the Taskbar also look slightly different thanks to the update. The display is more detailed and there are more animated icons available. Small but important steps forward.
Task Manager gets a major upgrade
The Task Manager is also getting a major overhaul. When you open it post-update, it displays the performance of the working memory in MHz to MT/s. This is a much better, more accurate indication of which applications are using the most memory.
In addition, it’s now much easier to adjust the size of the window. Accessibility has also been improved, for example through better scaling of the text. A known problem where USB devices could not be safely removed while the Task Manager was open has also been fixed.
Improved security
In favor of better account security, users can enter an email address to restore their accounts—and there’s an extra button for this now. (This function was previously tested in some beta versions of Windows 11.)
We’re also familiar with the option of saving sound settings and backing them up for future restoration, as well as the overview for linked devices from other versions (see update KB5037853 for Windows 11).
Other notable new features
In File Explorer, users can drag files with the mouse between the breadcrumbs in the address bar, making navigation much faster.
In addition, the Windows sharing window has been revised and enhanced with the option to directly create QR codes for sharing files. You can also send emails to yourself and copy files directly from the sharing window.
Last but not least, Windows 11 now supports the new 15.1 emoji standard, which not only includes new symbols but a better display.
All of these new features are tentatively planned for Windows 11 version 24H2, but it’s all subject to change before official release. Incidentally, the Windows 11 update process itself is getting a revamp and will be much faster and more intelligent going forward.
Note: Despite lots of additions, Windows 11 version 24H2 will also be removing several apps and features. Just be sure you don’t need any of them before you dive into this optional update.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.