Microsoft has released the KB5044384 update for Windows 11 version 24H2, bringing a host of improvements and bug fixes to improve user experience and system stability. This optional preview update addresses several known issues and introduces new features that aim to streamline various aspects of the operating system.
New features that will rollout gradually
Some of the updates in KB5044384 are being rolled out gradually and might not be immediately available to all users. These include improvements to notifications, Wi-Fi password dialogs, Narrator functionality, gamepad keyboard layout, Start menu changes, and fixes for specific issues.
Improved Notification Suggestions
You can now disable suggestions to turn off notifications from certain apps directly from the notification. By selecting the ellipsis (...) in the notification, you can choose to turn off these suggestions. Alternatively, go to Settings > System > Notifications and look for "Notification Suggestions" in the list of senders to manage this setting.
Updated Wi-Fi Password Dialog
The Wi-Fi password dialog box has been redesigned to align with the Windows 11 visual style. Access this new design by navigating to Settings > Network & internet.
Narrator Enhancements
Two new features have been added to Narrator:
- A new keyboard shortcut (
Narrator + Ctrl + X) copies the last spoken phrase to the clipboard, facilitating easy retrieval of recent information. - Narrator now automatically reads the content of email messages in the new Outlook app, mirroring the behavior in the classic Outlook.
Gamepad Keyboard Layout
A new gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard is being introduced. This layout allows you to use your Xbox controller to navigate the screen and type. Button accelerators are included, such as the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. The keyboard keys are aligned vertically for improved navigation.
Start Menu Update
The "All apps" label in the Start menu has been renamed to "All" for a more streamlined appearance.
ALT + Tab Issue Fix
A fix has been implemented for an issue where the screen would go black for a few seconds when switching between certain windows using ALT + Tab.
Scanning Apps Detection Fix
Scanning applications now correctly detect connected scanners, resolving an issue where some scanners were not recognized despite being connected.
Improvements for All Users
The KB5044384 update also brings several improvements and fixes that are immediately available to all users.
Web Sign-in Screen Fix
An issue preventing users from signing into their accounts via the web due to an unresponsive screen has been resolved.
Copilot Key Configuration
You can now configure the Copilot key on your keyboard to open a different app or the Search function. To customize the Copilot key:
- Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Text input.
- Select the desired action for the Copilot key. Note that to assign a different app, it must be packaged in a signed MSIX package to meet security and privacy standards.
If your keyboard does not have a Copilot key, changing this setting will have no effect.
Disk Cleanup App accuracy improvement
The Windows Disk Cleanup app has been improved to provide more accurate estimates of free space. This addresses issues where the app displayed incorrect amounts of recoverable disk space, particularly in the 'Windows Update Cleanup' category.
Additional Improvements
The update includes several other enhancements and fixes to improve system functionality.
Virtual Hard Disk Detachment
A new button to detach virtual hard disks (VHD/VHDx) has been added to the Settings app. To detach a VHD or VHDx:
- Go to Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes.
- Select the VHD or VHDx you wish to detach.
- Click on Properties, then click the Detach button.
This feature is rolling out gradually and may not be available to all users immediately.
Netsh Command Enhancement
The netsh wlan show networks command has been updated to read SSIDs encoded using UTF-8. This allows Wi-Fi network names containing Unicode characters, such as emojis, to display correctly in the command output. This improvement is also rolling out gradually.
Windows Sandbox Client Preview
A preview of the Windows Sandbox Client has been added, introducing new features such as:
- Runtime clipboard redirection
- Audio and video input control
- Runtime folder sharing with the host
These features can be accessed by selecting the ellipsis (...) at the upper right corner of the app. Command-line support is also included, though commands may change over time. Use wsb.exe –help to learn more. Updates for the app can be found in the Microsoft Store. This feature is rolling out gradually.
User Interface Visibility Fix
An issue causing certain parts of the user interface to be invisible when running specific applications has been fixed.
Other Fixes
The update also addresses the following issues:
- Inclusion of HTML Applications (HTA) optional components in ARM64 Windows PE.
- Prevention of unwanted live kernel debug files created by
win32kbase.sys. - Resolution of a stop error occurring during system shutdown.
- Expansion of the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to include drivers at risk of Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
- Correction of errors encountered when running the
sfc /scannowcommand. - Fix for authentication issues using Service for User to Self (S4U2self) when Credential Guard is off and the device is connected to an Active Directory domain that does not allow the RC4 cipher.
- Resolution of issues using DirectAccess after a clean install or in-place upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2.
Known Issues
Microsoft is aware of an issue where players on ARM devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. As a workaround, players can download the game directly from www.Roblox.com.
How to Get the Update
Before installing the KB5044384 update, ensure that your device is up to date with the latest servicing stack updates (SSU). Microsoft combines the latest SSU with the latest cumulative update (LCU) to simplify deployment.
Installing the Update
You can install the KB5044384 update through:
- Windows Update: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. In the optional updates section, you will find the link to download and install the update.
- Microsoft Update Catalog: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website to download the standalone package for the update. When installing multiple MSU files, ensure they are placed in the same folder and use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe) tool to install them.
Note that after installing the combined SSU and LCU package, you cannot remove the SSU from the system.
The KB5044384 update for Windows 11 version 24H2 brings valuable improvements and critical fixes that improve system performance and reliability. Users are encouraged to install the update to benefit from the latest enhancements.
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