Microsoft has finally released the optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, bringing the OS to build version 26100.1297 with patch KB5040529. This update introduces numerous features that have long been requested by testers.
The update brings significant changes to the lock screen, Start menu, and File Explorer, along with updates to widgets, emojis, and the Task Manager. These improvements mark a bright future for Windows 11.
Currently, the update is available only to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. The general public will get access when 24H2 is officially released in the fall. Here’s a preview of what to expect.
Lock screen personalization One major change is the redesign of the lock screen. Previously, a new Weather widget on the lock screen couldn’t be personalized, annoying many users. Now, widgets can be customized in the settings under Personalization.
Users can choose whether additional information about the weather, traffic, sports, or finances should be displayed on the lock screen. 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 been revised. The new account manager section gives an overview of the benefits of your Microsoft account and provides quick access to your account settings.
You can also pin apps to the Taskbar again. This was possible in previous versions of Windows but was not available in Windows 11 until now, much to the chagrin of many users. Simply drag applications from the Start menu to the Taskbar to pin them there.
The widget icons in the Taskbar have also been updated. The display is more detailed, and there are more animated icons available. These are small but significant improvements.
Task Manager gets a major upgrade The Task Manager has undergone a major overhaul. Post-update, it displays the performance of the working memory in MHz to MT/s, providing a more accurate indication of which applications are using the most memory.
Additionally, adjusting the size of the Task Manager window is now easier. Accessibility has been improved, with better scaling of text. A known issue where USB devices couldn’t be safely removed while the Task Manager was open has also been fixed.
Improved security To enhance account security, users can now enter an email address to restore their accounts, with a new button for this feature. This function was previously tested in some beta versions of Windows 11.
There’s also an option to save sound settings and back them up for future restoration, along with an 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, speeding up navigation.
The Windows sharing window has been revised, now including the option to create QR codes for sharing files. Users can also send emails to themselves and copy files directly from the sharing window.
Lastly, Windows 11 now supports the new 15.1 emoji standard, which includes new symbols and improved display.
These features are planned for Windows 11 version 24H2, but changes could occur before the official release. Additionally, the Windows 11 update process is getting a revamp, promising to be faster and more intelligent.
Note: Windows 11 version 24H2 will also remove several apps and features, so make sure you don’t need any of them before installing this optional update.