Microsoft is back at it with another Beta Channel update, and this one may be more exciting than it looks at first glance. On January 21, 2025, the tech giant rolled out the Windows 11 KB5050085 update, accompanied by a slew of hidden gems designed to make your Windows experience cleaner, smarter, and more dynamic. Let’s dive deep into what this update brings to the table, ranging from visual refinements to ambitious AI-driven features.
The humble File Explorer has been a Windows staple since time immemorial, and if you thought it was destined to stay boring forever, think again. With the KB5050085 update, File Explorer sees significant usability changes, addressing one of its much-criticized quirks.
If you’re someone who organizes their apps and Start Menu meticulously, you’ll love this: Microsoft has introduced two new layouts for your All Apps section—Grid View and Category Layouts. While a Grid View makes apps visually easier to locate, the star is the Category Layout.
Consider this a quiet pushback against complaints that the Start Menu isn’t nearly as navigable as it used to be. This update ensures that finding apps on your system is a no-brainer, even if you’ve amassed dozens over time.
One of the least glamorous—but undeniably important—parts of your PC is the Settings app. Nestled inside is the “About” section, but historically, it’s been too bare-bones for many users hoping to quickly skim system specs. Now, Microsoft has rolled out card-based UI redesigns for this page.
Special shout-out to users in the EEA! Microsoft is rolling out an experimental feature allowing web developers to craft dynamic, interactive widgets using existing web content. Though the company hasn’t yet elaborated on how this will directly impact the typical end-user, this opens the door for custom widgets that adapt to real-time information.
Think along the lines of stock tickers, news feeds, sports updates, or even more advanced IoT integrations becoming widgetized. Developers should start putting their creative caps on because this might be the bridge between web services and desktop widgets.
While these updates are currently in the Beta Channel, it’s always wise to test them carefully to gauge potential compatibility issues with niche software. For typical users, the future of Windows looks bright—and it’s powered by a mix of thoughtful UX tweaks and innovative AI.
What are your thoughts on the KB5050085 update? Excited about the AI search features or happy to finally see accessibility fixes addressed? If you’ve tried the Beta, share your experiences in the comments on WindowsForum.com! 
Source: ExtremeTech https://www.extremetech.com/computing/microsoft-releases-windows-11-kb5050085-update-with-hidden-features
File Explorer Gets Some Love and Attention
The humble File Explorer has been a Windows staple since time immemorial, and if you thought it was destined to stay boring forever, think again. With the KB5050085 update, File Explorer sees significant usability changes, addressing one of its much-criticized quirks.Fixing Dialogue Box Text Scaling
You know how some Microsoft dialog boxes (like Copy and Save) suddenly decide they don't care about your OS's text scaling settings, resulting in unpleasant UI inconsistencies? That’s finally been patched! Now, these boxes automatically adjust to your system’s accessibility settings. No more squinting at minuscule text or wondering why your meticulously configured scaling options aren't respected.Recommended Cards Now for Everyone
Previously reserved for select conditions, the Home View in File Explorer now showcases “Recommended Cards” to all users, whether you’re tied to your local PC or rocking a Microsoft account. These cards aim to offer a personalized file experience, showing documents and folders that are most relevant to you.AI-Powered Search on Copilot+ PCs
For those lucky enough to own Copilot+ PCs—essentially PCs preloaded with Microsoft’s deeper AI integration—you’re in for a treat! Microsoft has improved file search capabilities, allowing you to locate files using natural language input. For example, searching for “the PDF I worked on last Monday” could surface the correct file without requiring you to remember intricate file names or locations. Microsoft is clearly doubling down on the AI strategy it introduced, aiming to make your computer feel more like a personal assistant than a glorified folder organizer.
Start Menu Upgrades You Didn’t See Coming
If you’re someone who organizes their apps and Start Menu meticulously, you’ll love this: Microsoft has introduced two new layouts for your All Apps section—Grid View and Category Layouts. While a Grid View makes apps visually easier to locate, the star is the Category Layout.Enhanced Category View
Here’s the kicker: Clicking on category icons (like Games or Productivity) now expands their subcategories neatly, displaying app icons in an organized manner. It’s a blissful combo of usability and aesthetics.Consider this a quiet pushback against complaints that the Start Menu isn’t nearly as navigable as it used to be. This update ensures that finding apps on your system is a no-brainer, even if you’ve amassed dozens over time.
Settings Gets Smarter with A New ‘About’ Page Layout
One of the least glamorous—but undeniably important—parts of your PC is the Settings app. Nestled inside is the “About” section, but historically, it’s been too bare-bones for many users hoping to quickly skim system specs. Now, Microsoft has rolled out card-based UI redesigns for this page.Components at a Glance
The updated About page breaks down key PC info into individual cards, highlighting components like:- Storage
- GPU
- RAM
- CPU
European Economic Area (EEA) Gets Widgets Upgrade
Special shout-out to users in the EEA! Microsoft is rolling out an experimental feature allowing web developers to craft dynamic, interactive widgets using existing web content. Though the company hasn’t yet elaborated on how this will directly impact the typical end-user, this opens the door for custom widgets that adapt to real-time information.Think along the lines of stock tickers, news feeds, sports updates, or even more advanced IoT integrations becoming widgetized. Developers should start putting their creative caps on because this might be the bridge between web services and desktop widgets.
Why This Matters for Windows 11 Users
For a seemingly incremental patch hiding under the banner of “KB5050085,” this update touches some critical aspects of Windows 11. Here are the broader implications:- Consistency & Accessibility: Fixing text scaling issues in File Explorer isn’t headline-worthy, yet it’s a sigh of relief for anyone using Windows with accessibility features. As Microsoft sharpens its focus on seamless design, long-ignored quirks are finally getting the axe.
- AI Woven Into Everyday Tasks: Natural language search in File Explorer is not just a gimmick—it’s a glimpse into how AI can simplify mundane PC tasks. Such features hint that AI on Windows 11 will be foundational rather than optional in the years to come.
- Widgets as Miniature Web Apps?: The EEA’s widget-enhancing tools signal a future where the web and desktop coexist more harmoniously. (P.S.: If you’re someone who misses Live Tiles, this feature might scratch that itch!)
- Gamified Start Menu Navigation: The ability to organize apps in Grid or Category layouts introduces much-needed control. Say goodbye to endless scrolling when hunting for that one obscure app you downloaded months ago.
Wrapping Up
Windows 11 KB5050085 may not headline flashy features like a new interface overhaul, but it subtly and effectively addresses real frustrations while laying the groundwork for bigger integrations. Whether it's the promise of AI-led productivity through natural language file search or the sheer convenience of smarter UI designs, these updates are building blocks for a more intuitive Windows ecosystem.While these updates are currently in the Beta Channel, it’s always wise to test them carefully to gauge potential compatibility issues with niche software. For typical users, the future of Windows looks bright—and it’s powered by a mix of thoughtful UX tweaks and innovative AI.
Let’s Discuss!
What are your thoughts on the KB5050085 update? Excited about the AI search features or happy to finally see accessibility fixes addressed? If you’ve tried the Beta, share your experiences in the comments on WindowsForum.com! Source: ExtremeTech https://www.extremetech.com/computing/microsoft-releases-windows-11-kb5050085-update-with-hidden-features
