Windows 11 Insider Preview Updates: KB5046745 & KB5046746 Features Explained

As the digital world revolves around incessant improvements and updates, Windows 11 continues its journey with two new preview updates aimed at enhancing your experience—specifically for versions 23H2 and 24H2. These updates bear the designations KB5046745 and KB5046746, respectively, and are tucked neatly into their respective channels as invites to the Beta and Dev circles of the Insider Program. Let’s delve deeper into what these updates have in store for you.

What's New in Windows 11 23H2 and 24H2​

KB5046745 for Windows 11 23H2​

Users enrolled in the Beta Channel are welcomed to the new KB5046745 update, which not only brings a slew of bug fixes but also some much-anticipated features.

• New Folder Shortcut: One of the highlight features is the inclusion of the 'New Folder' option directly in the navigation pane of File Explorer. This makes folder creation more intuitive. Previously, users had to jump through hoops to add a new folder—this enhancement brings it to the forefront for easier access.
• File Attributes Fixes: It addresses the frustrating bug where the date or time of files would erroneously change upon copying them from one location to another. Such discrepancies can lead to hours of confusion, making this fix invaluable.
• Context Menu Performance: The update also improves the performance of the context menu, ensuring that right-click options appear more swiftly.
• Usability Enhancements: Additional fixes help mitigate issues such as a black flash appearing in Explorer when duplicating tabs and the notorious performance bug affecting File Explorer's search feature.

Here’s a brief recap of notable fixes in KB5046745:

• Resolved icon color issues when toggling between dark and light mode.
• Improved Explorer’s overall stability, leading to fewer crashes.

KB5046746 for Windows 11 24H2​

For those fortunate enough to reside in the Dev Channel, KB5046746 ushers in fresh features and fixes tailored for version 24H2.

• Dropdown Menu Restoration: This update triumphantly resolves the troublesome bug where dropdown menus in File Explorer would go rogue and render off-screen. A small yet serious annoyance, its fix is expected to be warmly welcomed by many.
• Jump List Shortcuts: Users will soon enjoy a nifty shortcut for jump list items on the Start menu and taskbar. By holding Shift+CTRL while selecting an item from the jump list, you can now launch applications like Command Prompt as an administrator more conveniently.
• Bug Fix Highlights: Other improvements include resolving mouse issues linked with Game Bar and preventing windows from relocating unexpectedly post-sleep mode.

Potential Release Timeline​

As is the norm with these preview updates, all these enhancements are slated to emerge in stable builds of both the 23H2 and 24H2 channels, likely making their official debuts in the upcoming patches of January 2025 or even bundled with December’s updates.

Implications for Users​

While these improvements might seem incremental, they represent Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining the Windows experience. With the user interface becoming more responsive and intuitive, coupled with better accessibility features, mean less frustration for users and improved workflows.
As always, the Windows community should keep an eye on the upcoming optional update in November, which might just surprise with these delightful fixes.

Engaging with the Updates​

Are you in the Insider Program? Have you noticed the differences these updates bring, or are there other features you believe Microsoft should prioritize? Feel free to share your experiences or thoughts; we would love to hear from our fellow Windows enthusiasts on how these updates have shaped your own workflow!
In the rapidly evolving world of Windows, staying current on updates not only enhances your operating experience but also keeps your system secure from burgeoning cybersecurity threats. Happy updating!

---

Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2, 23H2 preview Explorer fixes, features with KB5046746, KB5046745