Windows 10 July Preview Update: Enhancements for Stability, Security, and User Experience

For users and IT professionals reliant on Windows 10, the latest developments from Microsoft’s update pipeline signal a focused effort to enhance system performance, security, and user experience ahead of the upcoming July Patchday. While the tech giant’s attention has shifted increasingly toward Windows 11 across consumer and enterprise environments, this round of preview updates demonstrates that Windows 10 remains a central pillar for millions of devices worldwide—and continues to receive meaningful refinement.

The Essence of the July Windows 10 Preview Update​

Microsoft’s most recent preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, offers a glimpse of changes slated for the July Patchday rollout. Unlike the traditional “Patch Tuesday” cycle, this preview is strictly a non-security update, giving IT admins, developers, and power users an early look—and a testing runway—before broad public deployment.
While this preview is currently exclusive to Windows 10, Microsoft has confirmed that similar updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 are imminent. According to Microsoft’s official communication, the changes for Windows 10 highlighted in the Windows Release Health Message Center are not merely cosmetic but target core usability, system stability, and compatibility wrinkles still present in the mature operating system.

Updating “curl” for Enhanced Secure Data Transfers​

A standout among the highlighted upgrades is the update to the built-in Windows “curl” tool, bumping its version to 8.13.0. Curl, long a staple in both Linux and Windows environments, is used for downloading files and transferring data across various internet protocols. This update ensures a more secure, robust, and feature-rich toolset for developers and professionals leveraging automated data transfers, especially as cybersecurity remains top-of-mind amid rising ransomware and phishing threats.
Version 8.13.0 of curl includes bug fixes and support for newer protocols, aligning Windows 10’s bundled toolset with current industry standards. This helps close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by outdated versions, ensuring tasks such as scripting, automation, and web-based application integration run without introducing unnecessary risk.

Fixes for Device Registration and Enterprise Integration​

Another important fix is targeted at organizations relying on centralized identity management solutions. Specifically, Microsoft has addressed a device registration error in the Entra ID Windows Account Manager (WAM) plugin. Device enrollment and single sign-on capabilities, core to cloud-connected business environments, benefit from this fix. IT administrators should see fewer issues synchronizing and managing Windows 10 endpoints within hybrid Azure AD/Entra ID setups.
This correction is particularly meaningful for enterprises in regulated sectors—such as healthcare, finance, and government—where device compliance and error-free account management underpin both daily productivity and regulatory adherence. Reliable device registration ensures smoother onboarding and less friction when deploying new security policies or software to fleets of machines.

Smart Housekeeping: Language Packs and “Feature on Demand” (FOD) Revamp​

Silent bloat has long been a source of frustration for Windows users, with outdated or unused language packs and feature-on-demand (FOD) components occupying valuable disk space. Microsoft’s preview update resolves a persistent issue: the incomplete removal of these packs, which previously led to wasted storage and longer update times.
By refining the cleanup process, Microsoft helps devices keep storage consumption in check, indirectly accelerating subsequent updates and minimizing maintenance overhead. For users with limited disk space—such as those on legacy hardware or low-end laptops—this seemingly small fix could be a quality-of-life improvement that keeps Windows 10 running smoothly without manual intervention.

Start Menu Jump List Restoration​

The Windows Start menu is the beating heart of daily interaction. One reported annoyance among power users and casuals alike was the disappearance of jump lists—contextual menus that allow rapid access to recent documents or app-specific tasks. This preview update includes a fix that restores jump list functionality, improving workflow efficiency and reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to preserving UI consistency in their flagship OS.
While subtle, this correction eliminates roadblocks for users with deep app ecosystems, particularly those juggling productivity suites or creative tools where recent file access is crucial.

Addressing USB Scanner Compatibility and Remote COM Activation Glitches​

Multifunction printers—especially those connected via USB with dual-protocol support—often represent a support headache. The updated KB5061087 patch renews Microsoft’s efforts to address scanner functions that were previously inaccessible. Scanning remains an essential part of office workflows, from digitizing records to submitting forms, and incomplete compatibility has been a lingering concern reported by many business customers.
In parallel, the KB5061087 update details that while some underlying errors during remote Component Object Model (COM) activations (notably error code 0x8001011) still exist, they are documented transparently. COM is foundational to many Windows application integrations, and reliable remote activation is critical for distributed or virtualized environments.
Fixes in these areas aim to reduce manual troubleshooting, improve device uptime, and provide IT support teams with clear guidance should issues arise. However, users relying on remote COM functions should maintain a cautious outlook until subsequent updates fully close these reported loopholes.

The New Windows Build: 19045.6036​

Post-update, Windows 10 advances to build 19045.6036. This numerical progression is more than symbolic—it serves as a clear marker for system administrators and end users alike to verify that their machines are current with the most recent bug fixes and improvements. Microsoft’s cadence with such updates reassures organizations that Windows 10 is still evolving in response to customer feedback and operational realities, even as Windows 11 adoption accelerates globally.

Corporate AI Enhancements and Copilot/Click to Do​

Of note, Microsoft also made recent modifications to the Copilot AI and “Click to do” features as part of prior update previews. While not central in this round, these additions reflect a broader push to integrate AI-driven productivity tools into the Windows ecosystem. AI helps users streamline research, automate routine tasks, and receive contextual recommendations—all while learning from individual and organizational patterns. The ongoing refinement of these features signals Microsoft’s aim to make next-generation computing not merely possible, but intuitive on both Windows 10 and 11 platforms.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Limitations​

Strengths​

• Focused Bug Fixes: By targeting specific pain points—like device registration, language pack management, and jump list behavior—Microsoft delivers updates that directly address user-reported friction and enterprise IT challenges. This responsiveness fosters user trust, particularly among those who have not yet migrated to Windows 11.
• Security and Protocol Parity: Updating core utilities such as curl closes gaps between Windows and other modern operating systems. This proactive approach is increasingly vital as cyberattacks evolve to exploit inconsistencies or lagging component versions.
• Enterprise Readiness: Fixes to Entra ID integration and device management support the complex needs of modern hybrid/cloud infrastructures. These refinements are essential for organizations that span on-premises and public cloud environments, or rely on seamless device onboarding.
• Lean Footprint: The corrected handling of language and FOD packs demonstrates a commitment to efficiency, crucial when many users still operate devices with constrained disk space or in bandwidth-challenged scenarios.

Limitations and Risks​

• Delayed Feature Parity: While Windows 11 continues to receive a rapid cadence of new features—including improved AI and UI experiences—Windows 10 preview updates focus primarily on maintenance and bug squashing. Users interested in revolutionary features will inevitably find the older OS lagging behind.
• Partial Fixes: The ongoing documentation of unresolved COM activation errors reveals Microsoft’s commitment to transparency but highlights that solutions remain a work in progress. Organizations with mission-critical apps dependent on flawless remote COM activation should monitor updates closely and test preview builds in isolated environments before broad deployment.
• Device-Specific Bugs: Though efforts have been made to improve USB-connected scanner functionality, variability in hardware and driver support may mean some edge cases persist. IT admins should validate performance with their unique hardware fleet prior to updating en masse.
• Patch Preview Model: The decision to roll out non-security previews exclusively to Windows 10 first—while deferring comparable updates for Windows 11—could introduce complexity for enterprises running mixed environments. This staggered approach requires careful staging of updates to ensure interoperability and minimize disruption.

Broader Context: Windows 10’s Ongoing Support​

Despite Windows 11’s incremental rise in market share and Microsoft’s strategic encouragement for users to upgrade, the robust update roadmap for Windows 10 underscores its continued relevance. Support for Windows 10 remains in place until October 2025, giving organizations and consumers a generous—yet finite—window to plan migrations, conduct compatibility testing, and weigh the cost/benefit of adoption. These maintenance updates are not simply about stability or bug removal; they’re about sustaining trust in Microsoft’s commitment to software longevity for environments that, by necessity or preference, are not yet ready for the leap to the new generation.
IT departments, meanwhile, should seize this period to enforce best practices: routine update testing, phased deployments, and comprehensive endpoint management. Using Microsoft’s Windows Release Health Message Center as a resource can help organizations stay abreast of known issues, mitigation steps, and new features as they are rolled out.
From a security perspective, remaining on an actively supported build—such as Windows 10 22H2, post-KB5061087—is the bare minimum for organizations looking to minimize exposure to exploits or emerging threats. Unpatched systems have repeatedly proven to be easy prey for cybercriminals, as demonstrated by high-profile ransomware waves and supply-chain attacks over recent years.

Technical Verification and Industry Voices​

Independent technical verification illustrates Microsoft’s stated upgrade to curl version 8.13.0 as consistent with open-source release notes, which highlight security and protocol improvements covering HTTP/3 and enhanced TLS support. Experts in the cybersecurity community have cautioned against deferring such updates, citing documented exploits targeting previous versions of curl’s security handling functions.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s documentation about Entra ID and WAM plugins aligns well with enterprise case studies detailing headaches around device registration at scale. The OpenID Foundation and industry analysts widely agree that reliable device enrollment is foundational for secure cloud integration and zero-trust architectures.
That said, ongoing issues with remote COM activation are familiar territory for veteran Windows administrators. Industry fora—ranging from TechNet to third-party vendor support sites—are replete with threads chronicling quirks and workarounds required for distributed application management, especially where legacy app stacks intersect with modern Windows security models.

What Comes Next: The Road to July Patchday and Beyond​

Microsoft’s approach to rolling out preview updates ahead of July Patchday represents not just a service to IT professionals seeking predictability and control, but also a public beta strategy: issues flagged during this preview window can be rapidly addressed in the formal mid-July Patch Tuesday release.
For Windows 11 users, the promise of imminent update previews covering the three major release trains (24H2, 23H2, and 22H2) underscores Microsoft’s dual-track commitment. As ecosystem fragmentation persists—with a sizable user base on both operating systems—update parity and consistency remain a challenge that Microsoft appears prepared to meet head-on.

Key Recommendations for IT and End Users​

For IT Administrators​

• Test the KB5061087 Preview: Deploy in controlled environments and verify that all mission-critical workflows—particularly those involving COM objects, USB-connected peripherals, and device enrollment—function as intended.
• Leverage Windows Release Health Resources: Stay up to date with official announcements, bug trackers, and mitigation strategies; participate in feedback programs to flag any showstopper issues before general release.
• Plan Transition Roadmaps: Even as Windows 10 receives meaningful updates today, the clock is ticking on its extended support window. Use this maintenance period to inventory applications, map device upgrade eligibility, and budget migration efforts as October 2025 approaches.

For End Users​

• Keep Systems Updated: Regularly check for and install preview and cumulative updates to benefit from the latest fixes and performance improvements.
• Report Bugs Proactively: Leverage Windows’ built-in feedback tools to highlight any recurring glitches—these reports are instrumental in shaping future updates.

For Developers​

• Update Automation Scripts: Ensure any scripts or integrations that leverage built-in curl take advantage of v8.13.0’s capabilities. Validate system interoperability, especially where cross-platform code or automation is concerned.

Conclusion: Windows 10’s Resilience and Microsoft’s Responsibility​

As the July Patchday nears, this preview update for Windows 10 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to stability and usability for millions of existing customers. Key fixes, like the curl upgrade and language pack cleanup, may seem technical or incremental, but in aggregate, they signal a mature, responsive approach to operating system stewardship.
Yet, lurking just beneath the surface is the ever-approaching reality of Windows 10’s end of support. Each successive update is both a reassurance and a reminder: Windows 10 will soon become legacy, and the time to prepare for what comes next is now.
In the meantime, Windows 10 users can rest a bit easier knowing that—at least for now—their essential systems and workflows are not being left behind. With transparent communication, focused bug fixes, and ongoing channel updates, Microsoft is balancing the demands of innovation and legacy in a landscape marked by rapid technological change and relentless security threats.
The July preview proves once again that in the world of operating systems, meaningful change is rarely headline-grabbing, but absolutely essential. Windows 10’s continued evolution is a chapter not yet closed—and for millions, that’s good news worth reading.

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Source: heise online Windows update preview for Windows 10 only for the time being