Brace yourselves, Windows aficionados! Microsoft has just dropped the January 2025 Windows non-security Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11, targeting versions 23H2 and 22H2. If you’re scratching your head wondering what this means for your device, we’ve rolled up our digital sleeves to break it all down for you. Get ready, because this update isn’t just here to patch things—it’s making bold moves with new features and a few hefty fixes!
This update is officially labeled KB5050092, with OS builds 22621.4830 and 22631.4830. Microsoft began rolling it out on January 29, 2025, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t appear instantly on your machine—it’s part of a gradual rollout. Expect it to show up in waves, ensuring a smoother transition.
Target Audience:
This is a non-security update, meaning you won’t find vulnerabilities being addressed here. Instead, it brings quality improvements and new features to make your life a little bit better. Let’s dive into the headline features:
This subtle but clever addition ensures better control for AI-assisted features!
Say goodbye to email attachments and fumbling between devices. This requires:
Unicode Ranges for Font Geeks:
The update also brings a laundry list of fixes, including for old quirks like:
Because let’s be real—no update is flawless, right?
Want to snag this update? Here’s how:
Planning to update? Or have concerns about compatibility? Share your experiences on WindowsForum.com. Whether you spot your favorite enhancements or find a bug that leaves you scratching your head, we’re here for the conversation!
Source: Microsoft Announcements https://support.microsoft.com/help/5050092
The Basics
This update is officially labeled KB5050092, with OS builds 22621.4830 and 22631.4830. Microsoft began rolling it out on January 29, 2025, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t appear instantly on your machine—it’s part of a gradual rollout. Expect it to show up in waves, ensuring a smoother transition.Target Audience:
- Windows 11, version 23H2 (all editions)
- Windows 11, version 22H2 (Enterprise and Education editions)
Highlights & What’s New in KB5050092
This is a non-security update, meaning you won’t find vulnerabilities being addressed here. Instead, it brings quality improvements and new features to make your life a little bit better. Let’s dive into the headline features:1. Enhanced Taskbar Previews
When hovering over taskbar icons, the previews you see of open apps now have smoother animations and refined designs. Expect a modern, aesthetically pleasing experience as Microsoft polishes one of Windows' most iconic features.2. Windows Studio Effects Update (For Devices with NPUs)
If your PC sports a Neural Processing Unit (NPU)—the AI-driven brains behind things like background blur or voice focus during video calls—a new icon will appear in the system tray whenever an app is utilizing Windows Studio Effects. Hovering over the icon shows useful information, and clicking it takes you to the Studio Effects settings in Quick Settings.This subtle but clever addition ensures better control for AI-assisted features!
3. Continuity for Working Across Devices (OneDrive Sync Magic!)
Have you ever started editing a file on your iOS or Android phone via OneDrive but felt the pain of resuming it on your PC? This update brings harmony—a feature allowing you to continue where you left off, directly on your PC, even if it was locked. You just have to sign in within five minutes, and voilà—your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files are ready to go! Say goodbye to email attachments and fumbling between devices. This requires:- Same Microsoft account (no work/school accounts, unfortunately)
- OneDrive access through your default browser.
4. New Fonts for Chinese Characters
Introducing Simsun-ExtG, a font specifically designed to support 9,753 Chinese ideographs (Unicode Extensions G, H, and I). Fun fact—it even includes the complex Biangbiang noodles character! Multilingual users rejoice, although some apps may struggle with these new extension characters for now.Unicode Ranges for Font Geeks:
- G: 30000–3134A (4,939 chars)
- H: 31350–323AF (4,192 chars)
- I: 2EBF0–2EE5D (622 chars)
5. Refined File Explorer
Microsoft continues to turn File Explorer into a precision tool for power users:- Easier folder management: You can now create folders directly via right-click in the left pane.
- Search glitches begone: Fixed the bug where searches repeated unnecessarily.
- Date and time correction: File properties no longer act rogue after copying.
- Dark/light mode fixes: Icons now consistently update when switching themes.
- Typing frustration resolved: The search box doesn’t lose focus anymore while you type.
6. Improved Sharing Features
Directly share files via apps from File Explorer or the desktop. This simplifies workflows for integrated apps that utilize sharing, making collaboration less clunky.7. Magnifier App Makeover
New shortcuts and features empower visually impaired users:- Use
CTRL+ALT+Minusto toggle zoom levels between 1X and your preferred view. - Reset zoom easily with new buttons for screen-fit adjustments or returning to custom zoom settings.
8. Fixes to the Snipping Tool
If you run multi-monitor setups with different scaling (no judgment—productivity hustlers unite!), the Snipping Tool will no longer distort your screenshots. A win for clarity and professional screenshots!
Fixes Galore in KB5050092
The update also brings a laundry list of fixes, including for old quirks like:- IME Language Glitches: No more switching randomly from Chinese to English when toggling apps.
- USB Issues: Fixed playback halts caused by USB Digital/Analog Converter (DAC) drivers utilizing USB 1.0.
- Code 10 Errors: USB audio devices now behave themselves.
- Camera Detection: Cameras will now register properly if they’re online, post-January security updates.
Known Issues (And Workarounds)
Because let’s be real—no update is flawless, right?1. OpenSSH Fails Post-October 2024 Update
If you rely on SSH connections, note that OpenSSH may refuse to start, citing no errors. For temporary relief:- Update permissions for
C:\ProgramData\sshand corresponding logs via PowerShell. - Delay updating if this is mission-critical.
2. Citrix Component Drama
If you’re part of an enterprise using Citrix Session Recording Agent (version 2411), prepare for installation hiccups during the update. The system may roll back changes. Citrix has issued a workaround.
How to Get This Update
Want to snag this update? Here’s how:- Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Check under "Optional Updates" for the download link.
- Microsoft Update Catalog: Download the standalone package directly.
- WSUS (Windows Server Update Services): IT admins can manually import it.
- These enhancements are purely quality improvements—security fixes will arrive with the next Patch Tuesday (hint: February 2025 updates).
- If you're unhappy, uninstalling this update isn’t simple because it comes bundled with the SSU (Servicing Stack Update).
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about shiny features—it’s a roadmap to Microsoft's evolving vision for enhanced productivity, seamless cross-device integration, and robust accessibility tools. From enterprise-level task flows to improving accessibility, the January 2025 preview is a sneak peek into the smarter Windows ecosystem.Planning to update? Or have concerns about compatibility? Share your experiences on WindowsForum.com. Whether you spot your favorite enhancements or find a bug that leaves you scratching your head, we’re here for the conversation!
Source: Microsoft Announcements https://support.microsoft.com/help/5050092
