The January 23, 2024, Windows non-security preview update, identified as KB5034204, with OS Builds 22621.3085 and 22631.3085, is now accessible for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. This update brings essential improvements and fixes to enhance the user experience on these Windows versions.
Important Updates
- End of Non-Security Updates: The end date for non-security updates for Windows 11, version 22H2, has been revised. For the Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions of version 22H2, the new end date is June 24, 2025. However, the Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions will continue to receive non-security preview updates until June 26, 2024.
- Continuous Innovation: Based on user feedback, the initial date communicated for this change was February 27, 2024. This change aims to allow more customers to benefit from continuous innovations in Windows 11.
- Windows Update Terminology: For more insights on Windows update terminology, refer to the documentation on the types of Windows updates and the monthly quality update types.
- Windows Release Health Dashboard: To stay updated on new content releases, follow @WindowsUpdate for notifications on the Windows release health dashboard.
Highlights of the Update
The January 2024 update brings multiple fixes and enhancements, including:
1. Search Functionality: Resolving an issue that prevented search from functioning correctly on the Start menu for certain users.
2. Video Calls: Enhancing the reliability of video calls in Windows 11.
3. Device Responsiveness: Addressing an intermittent issue causing devices to become unresponsive after installing a print support app.
4. File Explorer: Fixing a bug in the File Explorer Gallery that prevented the closure of tooltips.
5. Bluetooth and Audio: Resolving issues affecting Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio earbuds and Bluetooth phone calls routing audio on PCs.
Improvements in Windows 11, version 23H2
- Quality Enhancements: The update includes all improvements from the previous version (22H2) and focuses on enhancing compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Compliance Rollout: Changes to ensure compliance with the DMA will gradually be implemented on Windows 11, version 23H2 PCs in the EEA by March 6, 2024.
Improvements in Windows 11, version 22H2
- Quality Enhancements: The non-security update addresses various issues including 7-Zip file visibility, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) issues, WMI caching problems, and OpenType font driver rendering.
- Protection Updates: Quarterly changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist and UEFI Secure Boot systems improvements are also included.
Known Issues and Updates Installation
- Known Issue: Windows devices using multiple monitors may face icon alignment issues when attempting to use Copilot in Windows. This issue is resolved in Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 with updates released on or after January 9, 2024.
- Installation Instructions: The update combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your OS with the latest cumulative update (LCU) for easy installation.
How to Obtain the Update
- Windows Update: Available through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Microsoft Update Catalog: Standalone package download is possible on the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- WSUS and Other Channels: Importing into WSUS manually or waiting for the next security update for Windows Update for Business are also options.
Removal and Additional Information
- Removal Instructions: The update can be removed using the DISM/Remove-Package command line option.
- File Information: Detailed information on the files in the update is available for review.
For further assistance or to explore more subscription benefits, training courses, and community interactions, visit the relevant sections on the Microsoft website.
Stay informed about the latest enhancements in Windows development by following @WindowsUpdate for ongoing updates on Windows release health.
Important Updates
- End of Non-Security Updates: The end date for non-security updates for Windows 11, version 22H2, has been revised. For the Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions of version 22H2, the new end date is June 24, 2025. However, the Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions will continue to receive non-security preview updates until June 26, 2024.
- Continuous Innovation: Based on user feedback, the initial date communicated for this change was February 27, 2024. This change aims to allow more customers to benefit from continuous innovations in Windows 11.
- Windows Update Terminology: For more insights on Windows update terminology, refer to the documentation on the types of Windows updates and the monthly quality update types.
- Windows Release Health Dashboard: To stay updated on new content releases, follow @WindowsUpdate for notifications on the Windows release health dashboard.
Highlights of the Update
The January 2024 update brings multiple fixes and enhancements, including:
1. Search Functionality: Resolving an issue that prevented search from functioning correctly on the Start menu for certain users.
2. Video Calls: Enhancing the reliability of video calls in Windows 11.
3. Device Responsiveness: Addressing an intermittent issue causing devices to become unresponsive after installing a print support app.
4. File Explorer: Fixing a bug in the File Explorer Gallery that prevented the closure of tooltips.
5. Bluetooth and Audio: Resolving issues affecting Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio earbuds and Bluetooth phone calls routing audio on PCs.
Improvements in Windows 11, version 23H2
- Quality Enhancements: The update includes all improvements from the previous version (22H2) and focuses on enhancing compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Compliance Rollout: Changes to ensure compliance with the DMA will gradually be implemented on Windows 11, version 23H2 PCs in the EEA by March 6, 2024.
Improvements in Windows 11, version 22H2
- Quality Enhancements: The non-security update addresses various issues including 7-Zip file visibility, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) issues, WMI caching problems, and OpenType font driver rendering.
- Protection Updates: Quarterly changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist and UEFI Secure Boot systems improvements are also included.
Known Issues and Updates Installation
- Known Issue: Windows devices using multiple monitors may face icon alignment issues when attempting to use Copilot in Windows. This issue is resolved in Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 with updates released on or after January 9, 2024.
- Installation Instructions: The update combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your OS with the latest cumulative update (LCU) for easy installation.
How to Obtain the Update
- Windows Update: Available through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Microsoft Update Catalog: Standalone package download is possible on the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- WSUS and Other Channels: Importing into WSUS manually or waiting for the next security update for Windows Update for Business are also options.
Removal and Additional Information
- Removal Instructions: The update can be removed using the DISM/Remove-Package command line option.
- File Information: Detailed information on the files in the update is available for review.
For further assistance or to explore more subscription benefits, training courses, and community interactions, visit the relevant sections on the Microsoft website.
Stay informed about the latest enhancements in Windows development by following @WindowsUpdate for ongoing updates on Windows release health.
