KB5046740: Major Update for Windows 11 24H2 with New Features

Microsoft has unveiled the optional cumulative update, KB5046740, for Windows 11 Version 24H2, and let’s just say it’s packed! This update isn’t your typical minor tune-up to fix bugs under the hood—it’s a game-changer, a celebration of new features and functionality. Whether you’re looking at the start menu, system tray, or even dialing in productivity with context menu improvements, KB5046740 has something in store for you.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this update such an essential milestone for Microsoft (and for you!).

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The KB5046740 Overview​

This update targets Windows 11 24H2 users and bumps the system to Build 26100.2454. While touted as “optional,” KB5046740 is a hefty update curious users may be keen to install immediately. By default, it won’t download or install unless you explicitly head over to:
Settings > Windows Update, and hit that shining Download & Install button.
Alternatively, if you want to sidestep waiting—and the automated December 10th rollout—you can grab the .msu installer directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Yes, convenience is the name of the game here for those who love living dangerously with optional previews.

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Big Things Come in Compact Packages: New System Tray​

One of the standout highlights of this update is how it reimagines the system tray.

• Shortened Date and Time:

Your taskbar’s date and time have received a tidy makeover, taking up less space and looking far more compact. Less clutter, more function, right? Whether you love multitasking or prefer a cleaner aesthetic, this change should earn applause.

• No More Bell Icon (Do Not Disturb Mode):

For those of you used to the bell icon disappearing under Do Not Disturb (DND), the situation might feel unsettling. You’ll need to adjust to this—notifications remain intact but only accessible by clicking the newly shrunk date/time. If the classic bell is your best friend, restoring it might be a task we’ll cover more below.
Quick Fix for Nostalgia:
Want your old interface back? Head to:

1. Settings > Date & Time and toggle Show time and day in the system tray ON.
2. For the bell icon: Go to Settings > System > Notifications and enable the setting.

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Start Menu & Context Menus Get Their Time in the Spotlight​

The Start Menu, that quintessential Windows element, has undergone a quiet but potent set of upgrades! Here’s what you’ll find redefining its behavior post-update:

• Shift+Ctrl Keyboard Shortcuts in Jump Lists:

You can now right-click on pinned apps in the Start menu, such as Terminal. The usual jump lists pop up, but with Shift+Ctrl held down, you can directly run commands like Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator. Good news for power users tired of extra steps—it’s your moment.

• Phone Link, at Your Fingertips:

A new Phone Link option steals the show on File Explorer’s right-click menu. Sharing documents, images, or other files with your linked Android device has never felt so effortless. Simply prepare your PC with the Phone Link app, right-click the file of choice, and voilà—your phone just got an instant dose of new content.
And what if you’re not big on Phone Link? Well, you’re stuck seeing it anyway—Microsoft clearly thinks this feature is too helpful to hide.

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How To Download the Update​

Direct Methods:​

• Windows Update: Go to your device settings and toggle “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” if you haven’t already.
• MSU Installer: For enthusiasts clamoring to fiddle with .msu files, grab them directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Important Note:
Optional updates like KB5046740 could also carry early-stage bugs. If patience is your virtue, you’ll receive the full patch bundled into the mandatory December 10th update.

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Does it Impact Gaming?​

While KB5046740 introduces plenty of quality-of-life features, other reports have noted that recent 24H2 updates have inadvertently disrupted some gaming features, such as audio fidelity in certain games. After installing KB5046740, it may be wise to fire up your favorite games to verify performance—it’s wise to be alert for sound glitches or similar hiccups the update might trigger. If you encounter problems, expect Microsoft to issue bug fixes or guidance in subsequent updates.

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The Downside: Still No Magical AI Features?​

Though whimsical features like Snap Layouts or Copilot AI have graced prior Windows 11 updates, this patch is less focused on such headline acts. Instead, it drills deep into user-friendliness, bug fixes, and aesthetic re-tweaks. While some users may wish for more groundbreaking features tied to AI or system optimization, it seems Microsoft is sticking to incremental but meaningful tweaks this round.

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TL;DR—What’s in It for You?​

Let’s recap why KB5046740 is worth your attention:

1. System Tray Refresh: Compact date/time design saves space; optional bell icon toggles.
2. Jump Lists Enhancements: Streamlined productivity via Shift+Ctrl shortcuts in Start menu items.
3. Phone Link Meets File Explorer: Empowered sharing between PC and Android right from your file manager.
4. Optional Yet Impactful: Download via Microsoft’s Update Catalog or Windows Update for early access.

Would we recommend installing it now?
Definitely—if you’re a tinkerer or someone eager to test out new interface features. Waiting until December's cumulative roll-out ensures you skip potential hiccups but means postponing all the good stuff for weeks.

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What do you think about this overhaul? Should Microsoft keep focusing on refining basics, or are you wishing they’d up their AI game for these updates? Let us know your perspective below in the comments. Your voices help shape how Microsoft polishes features for us all!
Grab that update, relish the fresh features, and happy computing, Windows friends!

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Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 KB5046740 24H2 adds many features (direct download .msu)