Are you ready for another round of tidying up in your Windows 11 experience? Microsoft's latest preview update for Windows 11 version 24H2 has arrived, and it’s not all glitter and bells—literally, the notification bell icon gets a rest! This optional update, KB5046740, offers a mix of intriguing tweaks to your user interface, along with much-needed stability buffs.
So, what’s in the box? Let’s dig into the details.
If you’re the type to pin your whole workspace on the Start menu, this small enhancement will make life's clicky moments a bit smoother.
Additionally, a couple of pesky issues with File Explorer didn’t escape the fix hammer. For example:
For those of you eager to test the waters, this could be a good opportunity to dive into these features early, help report bugs, and shape the final product.
The addition of Phone Link highlights the company’s drive to provide seamless multi-device workflows. This mirrors industry trends, as ecosystems like Apple’s Continuity and Google’s Phone Hub aim to marry desktop and mobile functionalities.
TL;DR Summary:
Source: ExtremeTech Windows 11 24H2's Latest Preview Delivers Taskbar, Interface Tweaks
So, what’s in the box? Let’s dig into the details.
Revamped Taskbar: New Look and Less Clutter
Taskbar tweaks often raise eyebrows in the Windows community. For KB5046740, Microsoft introduces subtle yet useful designs, particularly aimed at reducing the visual noise. Here’s what’s changed:- Compact Date and Time Display: Now shown in a smaller square format, this update tightens up the taskbar's system tray. Simplicity reigns supreme! But don’t worry—if you’re not feeling the minimalist aesthetic, you can revert to the classic layout. Flexibility for the win!
- Do Not Disturb Zen Master: When Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, the taskbar waves goodbye to the notifications bell icon entirely. This helps free up visual space and align with the "less is more" ideology. However, your notification center remains only a click away. Just hit the date and time section, and voilà!
Start Menu Gets Trouble-Free Right Clicks
Right-click fans, rejoice! The Start menu has learned a new trick. You can now right-click on pinned apps to call up Jump Lists. This streamlines navigation and offers fast access to tasks associated with your favorite apps.If you’re the type to pin your whole workspace on the Start menu, this small enhancement will make life's clicky moments a bit smoother.
File Explorer’s Sleek New Feature + Bug Busting
File Explorer also gets some love in this update. A new feature titled Phone Link has been added to its context menu, making file sharing between your PC and your smartphone super seamless. No more emailing files to yourself—finally, some dignified interoperability!Additionally, a couple of pesky issues with File Explorer didn’t escape the fix hammer. For example:
- Spacing Issue Resolved: Some users were battling excessive gaps between icons in the left sidebar. This has been patched to deliver a more visually balanced interface.
General Fixes: System Stability Gets Polished
Microsoft snuck in a variety of bug fixes with this update, including:- Clipboard History Preserved: No more unexpected deletions of your crucial clipboard history.
- Windows Update Reliability Improved: Certain cases where updates would fail are now resolved, giving a smoother experience for the patch-hungry among us.
Should You Install Now or Wait?
While this preview update offers a plethora of helpful changes, it’s worth noting that being part of a "preview" means it could technically carry some sneaky bugs of its own. Microsoft has penciled in the official rollout for December 10, 2024, so if you’re running Windows 11 on your primary device, it might be wise to sit tight until the polished version drops. After all, nobody likes surprises unless it’s cake or free hardware.For those of you eager to test the waters, this could be a good opportunity to dive into these features early, help report bugs, and shape the final product.
Beyond the Tweaks: The Bigger Windows Picture
This update aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine Windows 11 and make it comfortable for users coming from the Windows 10 ecosystem. By incorporating subtle design cues and addressing quality-of-life improvements, Microsoft remains laser-focused on completing the vision they started with Windows 11’s debut.The addition of Phone Link highlights the company’s drive to provide seamless multi-device workflows. This mirrors industry trends, as ecosystems like Apple’s Continuity and Google’s Phone Hub aim to marry desktop and mobile functionalities.
How to Install KB5046740 (Preview)?
In case you’re feeling brave and want to install the update today:- Open Settings: Hit
Startand type "Settings." - Navigate to Windows Update.
- Click on Check for Updates.
- Once KB5046740 appears under the "Optional Updates" section, select it and initiate the download.
TL;DR Summary:
- Windows 11 version 24H2 preview update KB5046740 simplifies the taskbar, boosts Start menu functionality, adds Phone Link for easier smartphone file sharing, and fixes various bugs.
- Compact date/time in the taskbar, right-click Jump Lists in Start, and clipboard plus update reliability boosts are the highlights.
- Official release set for December 10, 2024, but adventurous users can try it now.
Source: ExtremeTech Windows 11 24H2's Latest Preview Delivers Taskbar, Interface Tweaks