Hello WindowsForum Community, Exciting news for Windows 10 users! Microsoft has released Windows 10 21H2 Build 19044.2192 (KB 5018482) to the Release Preview Channel. This update is packed with several fixes and improvements that enhance the overall performance and stability of the system.
Key Improvements and Fixes
Here's a rundown of the notable changes included in this build:- DCOM Authentication Hardening: The authentication level for all non-anonymous activation requests from DCOM clients is automatically raised to
RPC_C_AUTHN_LEVEL_PKT_INTEGRITYif it is below Packet Integrity. - RPC Service Fix: For the Remote Procedure Call Service (rpcss.exe), the authentication level is raised to
RPC_C_AUTHN_LEVEL_PKT_INTEGRITYinstead ofRPC_C_AUTHN_LEVEL_CONNECTifRPC_C_AUTHN_LEVEL_NONEis specified. - OS Upgrade Issues: Resolutions for issues causing OS upgrades to stop responding and eventually fail.
- Azure AD Proxy Connector: Fixes an issue that prevented the Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AAD) Application Proxy connector from retrieving a Kerberos ticket.
- Chinese Character Font Fix: Corrects the width size problem for three Chinese characters when formatted in bold.
- Direct3D 9 Games: Addresses graphics hardware issues in games that use Direct3D 9, particularly on hardware lacking a native Direct3D 9 driver.
- Microsoft Edge IE Mode: Resolves problems with pop-up window and tab titles, and also issues
preventing webpages from opening when Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG) is enabled without proper Network Isolation policies. - IME Issues: Fixes for input method editors (IMEs) from both Microsoft and third-party providers when they stop working upon closing the IME window.
- Miscellaneous Fixes: These include improvements for Miracast advertisements on Surface Hub, drivers' power consumption when playing DRM-protected content, .msi file handling by Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), and time zone issues in a remote desktop virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) scenario.
Implications for Users
For those on the Release Preview Channel, these updates mean a more robust and smooth experience. The
fixes targeting authentication, system upgrades, and compatibility issues among various components ensure that your system is secure and efficient. Gamers, in particular, will appreciate the Direct3D 9 fixes that enhance gameplay on older hardware.Staying Updated
To install this update, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Given the extensive list of improvements, it's beneficial to keep your system updated to avoid encountering any of these issues. For more detailed information, you can read the original announcement on the Windows Insider Blog. Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to discuss your
experiences with this build in the comments below! Thanks, The WindowsForum Team
