Grab your virtual cuppa, Windows fans! Microsoft is kicking off 2025 with a second cumulative update for Windows 11, and it's laden with features, fixes, and—of course—quirky surprises. Officially tagged with build number 26100.3037 (KB5050094), this update becomes the latest addition to the lineup of patches aimed at improving user experience. Let’s break down all the bits, dip into the tech weeds, and see why this update deserves your attention.
This optional update is a hearty buffet of performance boosts, feature polishes, and bug fixes. Here's a quick overview of its headlining acts:
First up, the taskbar. If you rely on its hovering app previews for multitasking, you’re in luck. KB5050094 refines the preview animations and visual clarity when you hover over taskbar icons. No more janky movements; instead, you’ll glide through your workspace like butter on a hot pan. Multitasking just got a bit classier.
If you’ve got a device wielding an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), this update introduces a convenient Windows Studio Effects system tray icon. This thing isn’t just for show; clicking it opens the Quick Settings menu, offering a peek into which apps are accessing your camera or tinkering with camera effects. Think of it as an AI-powered bouncer for your webcam. Handy, right?
Font nerds, rejoice! A fresh simplified Chinese font called Simsun-ExtG is now part of Windows 11. It supports Unicode Extensions G, H, and I, which translates to a whopping 9,753 ideographs—perfect for culturally rich idioms and, sure, inputting “Biangbiang noodles” character without breaking a sweat. However, keep in mind that some older apps might trip over these extensions.
Here’s a technical breakdown of the supported Unicode ranges, for those curious:
Microsoft’s always tinkering with File Explorer, and this update includes some nifty improvements:
Previously, changing the system time zone required admin privileges (cue a collective groan). But no more! Regular users can now update time zones via Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time without needing an admin intervention. Welcome to 2025, where the little things matter.
Mouse navigation on Windows 11 is smoother than ever, thanks to fixes in this update:
Pinyin IME users switching between English and Chinese input will finally escape the auto-language-change glitch when switching windows. No more awkward moments of typing gibberish because the keyboard forgot your preferred input setting.
Gamers using Auto HDR will be thrilled that this update addresses oversaturation issues. Now, your high-dynamic-range visuals won't look like they’ve been dunked in neon paint.
Audiophiles, breathe easy! If you've had trouble with USB audio devices (in particular DACs using the USB 1.0 standard), it’s likely fixed now. The dreaded "Code 10: This device cannot start" error and playback interruptions due to post-update bugs are being ironed out. Time to enjoy your tunes uninterrupted.
This update hints at Microsoft's continued dedication to refining Windows 11’s performance and user experience. NPUs are creeping more into day-to-day usability, implying Microsoft’s AI ambitions are just warming up. Plus, the addition of Unicode-rich fonts suggests more localization and cultural inclusion.
However, the rollout philosophy remains the same—phased and incremental. Some users won’t see this update immediately, depending on their system.
Here’s the TL;DR advice from this corner: If you're experiencing any of the issues fixed in KB5050094 or are craving those fancy taskbar upgrades, dive right into the update via Windows Update (just make sure optional updates are enabled). Otherwise, stick to your regular patch Tuesday routine.
Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite tweak in this January 2025 rollout? Was it the font, mouse fixes, or HDR fixes? It’s an exciting time to be a Windows user!
Source: Plaffo Disponibile un secondo aggiornamento cumulativo (Gennaio 2025) dedicato a Windows 11 | KB5050094 - Plaffo
Key Highlights at a Glance
This optional update is a hearty buffet of performance boosts, feature polishes, and bug fixes. Here's a quick overview of its headlining acts:- Taskbar Enhancements: Improved app previews and animations.
- Windows Studio Effects: Rollout of a system tray icon for devices with Neural Processing Units (NPUs).
- New Fonts: Introducing Simsun-ExtG, a fresh Chinese font with extensive Unicode support.
- Numerous File Explorer Fixes: From right-click menu tweaks to search accuracy, File Explorer gets plenty of love.
- Time Zone Adjustments: Non-admins can now change the time zone in Settings.
- Mouse Behavior Polished: Issues like disappearing cursors and stuttering movements are addressed.
- Pinyin IME Fixes: Improved language-switching behaviors for Chinese IME.
- HDR Optimization: Bug fixes for oversaturation in HDR gaming.
- USB Audio Device Fixes: Resolved issues with certain USB DACs and external audio devices.
Taskbar: Polishing the Jewel of Multitasking
First up, the taskbar. If you rely on its hovering app previews for multitasking, you’re in luck. KB5050094 refines the preview animations and visual clarity when you hover over taskbar icons. No more janky movements; instead, you’ll glide through your workspace like butter on a hot pan. Multitasking just got a bit classier.
Windows Studio Effects: Smart AI Gets a Facelift
If you’ve got a device wielding an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), this update introduces a convenient Windows Studio Effects system tray icon. This thing isn’t just for show; clicking it opens the Quick Settings menu, offering a peek into which apps are accessing your camera or tinkering with camera effects. Think of it as an AI-powered bouncer for your webcam. Handy, right?
A New Font? Welcome Simsun-ExtG
Font nerds, rejoice! A fresh simplified Chinese font called Simsun-ExtG is now part of Windows 11. It supports Unicode Extensions G, H, and I, which translates to a whopping 9,753 ideographs—perfect for culturally rich idioms and, sure, inputting “Biangbiang noodles” character without breaking a sweat. However, keep in mind that some older apps might trip over these extensions.Here’s a technical breakdown of the supported Unicode ranges, for those curious:
- Unicode G: 30000–3134A (4,939 chars)
- Unicode H: 31350–323AF (4,192 chars)
- Unicode I: 2EBF0–2EE5D (622 chars)
File Explorer: Tweaks and Fixes Galore
Microsoft’s always tinkering with File Explorer, and this update includes some nifty improvements:- “New Folder” Shortcut: Right-clicking in the left pane now conveniently offers a "New Folder" command—no more fumbling around!
- Search Woes Resolved: That annoying bug where searches would repeat unexpectedly? Gone.
- File Properties and Details Pane Fixes: Date/time properties now behave properly during file copies. Plus, theme icons will now visually refresh as expected.
Non-Admin Time Zone Adjustments
Previously, changing the system time zone required admin privileges (cue a collective groan). But no more! Regular users can now update time zones via Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time without needing an admin intervention. Welcome to 2025, where the little things matter. Mouse Fixes for the Click-Happy
Mouse navigation on Windows 11 is smoother than ever, thanks to fixes in this update:- Cursor Vanishing Act: No more magic tricks. The cursor won’t disappear when hovering over text in certain apps.
- Pointer Trails Glitch: Fans of pointer trails (why?) will appreciate this fix that stops the cursor from becoming semi-transparent amidst black boxes.
- Jittery Movements: Cursor stutter during movements is fixed, even when system resources are chillin'.
Chinese Pinyin IME: Switching Simplified
Pinyin IME users switching between English and Chinese input will finally escape the auto-language-change glitch when switching windows. No more awkward moments of typing gibberish because the keyboard forgot your preferred input setting.
HDR Gaming: No More Oversaturation Drama
Gamers using Auto HDR will be thrilled that this update addresses oversaturation issues. Now, your high-dynamic-range visuals won't look like they’ve been dunked in neon paint.
USB Audio Devices: DAC Troubles Resolved
Audiophiles, breathe easy! If you've had trouble with USB audio devices (in particular DACs using the USB 1.0 standard), it’s likely fixed now. The dreaded "Code 10: This device cannot start" error and playback interruptions due to post-update bugs are being ironed out. Time to enjoy your tunes uninterrupted.
Bonus Fixes: From Snipping Tool to Excel 2016
- Snipping Tool Distortion: Screenshots taken on multi-monitor setups with varying scaling should now appear crispy, not squished.
- Microsoft Excel 2016: Files stuck at loading won’t outlast your patience anymore.
- Camera Detection: USB cameras now properly light up (literally) post-update.
What’s Next for Windows 11 in 2025?
This update hints at Microsoft's continued dedication to refining Windows 11’s performance and user experience. NPUs are creeping more into day-to-day usability, implying Microsoft’s AI ambitions are just warming up. Plus, the addition of Unicode-rich fonts suggests more localization and cultural inclusion.However, the rollout philosophy remains the same—phased and incremental. Some users won’t see this update immediately, depending on their system.
Should You Update?
Here’s the TL;DR advice from this corner: If you're experiencing any of the issues fixed in KB5050094 or are craving those fancy taskbar upgrades, dive right into the update via Windows Update (just make sure optional updates are enabled). Otherwise, stick to your regular patch Tuesday routine.Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite tweak in this January 2025 rollout? Was it the font, mouse fixes, or HDR fixes? It’s an exciting time to be a Windows user!
Source: Plaffo Disponibile un secondo aggiornamento cumulativo (Gennaio 2025) dedicato a Windows 11 | KB5050094 - Plaffo
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