Windows 11 KB5055627 Update: New Features, Fixes, and Enhancements

Microsoft has recently rolled out the KB5055627 update for Windows 11, introducing a suite of enhancements and fixes aimed at refining user experience and system performance. This optional cumulative update is part of Microsoft's monthly non-security preview releases, allowing users to test upcoming features and improvements before they become part of the standard Patch Tuesday updates.

Key Features and Enhancements​

Taskbar Improvements
The update brings notable changes to the taskbar, including enhanced previews that display when hovering over app icons. These previews now feature improved animations, providing a more fluid and responsive user experience. Additionally, an icon for Windows Studio Effects has been added to the system tray, appearing when compatible applications are in use. This feature is particularly beneficial for devices equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU), as it allows users to access the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings directly from the system tray. (xda-developers.com)
File Explorer Enhancements
File Explorer has received several updates to improve functionality and user interaction:

• Context Menu Additions: A "New Folder" command is now available in the context menu when right-clicking items in the left pane, streamlining the process of organizing files.
• Session Restoration: Windows now restores all previously open tabs in each File Explorer window when the "Restore previous folder windows at logon" option is enabled, enhancing workflow continuity.
• Automatic Settings Activation: Specific File Explorer settings are automatically turned on when the "Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in" option is enabled, reducing manual configuration. (xda-developers.com)

Emoji Updates
The update introduces support for Emoji 15.1, adding new emojis such as horizontal and vertical head shakes, a phoenix, a lime, a brown mushroom, and a broken chain. Users can also select the direction for certain people emojis, offering greater personalization in digital communication. (windowscentral.com)
Windows Share Enhancements
Sharing files and content has become more intuitive with the following additions:

• Prevent Accidental Closures: The Windows share window now requires users to select the close button to dismiss it, preventing accidental closures when clicking outside the window.
• Microsoft Teams Integration: Users can share content directly to specific Microsoft Teams channels and group chats from the Windows share window, provided they are signed in with a Microsoft Entra ID.
• QR Code Generation: The ability to create QR codes for webpage URLs and cloud files has been added, facilitating easy sharing across devices.
• Self-Emailing Feature: A new option allows users to send emails to themselves directly from the Windows share window, streamlining the process of transferring information between devices. (windowscentral.com)

Settings and Account Management
The update enhances the Settings app with a new Game Pass recommendation card on the home page, appearing for users who actively play games on their PC. Additionally, a "Linked devices" page has been added under Settings > Accounts, enabling users to manage their PCs and Xbox consoles more efficiently. For users without a recovery email address associated with their Microsoft account, an "Add now" button has been introduced in Settings > Account to prompt the addition of this information, enhancing account security. (windowscentral.com)
Task Manager Improvements
Task Manager has been refined to offer better performance and accessibility:

• Process Handle Management: Task Manager now releases process handles more quickly when stopping a process, improving system responsiveness.
• Enhanced Reliability: Overall reliability has been improved, reducing the likelihood of crashes and errors.
• Sorting Performance: The performance of sorting processes has been enhanced, making it more efficient to manage running applications.
• Accessibility Features: Improvements include better keyboard focus, tab key navigation, text scaling, and screen reader compatibility, making Task Manager more accessible to all users. (windowscentral.com)

Bug Fixes and Known Issues​

The KB5055627 update addresses several issues reported by users:

• Audio Distortions: Fixed an issue where audio distortions occurred when recording videos using the Windows Snipping Tool.
• Touch Keyboard Functionality: Resolved a problem where the touch keyboard couldn't enter special characters when using the Japanese 106 keyboard.
• USB Device Ejection: Addressed an issue where ejecting USB devices using the Safely Remove Hardware option failed when Task Manager was open. (cyberinsider.com)

However, some known issues persist:

• Upgrade Failures: Users may experience failures when upgrading from Windows Pro to a valid Windows Enterprise subscription. Microsoft is aware of this issue and is working on a resolution for future updates. (cyberinsider.com)

Installation and Availability​

To install the KB5055627 update, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click on 'Check for Updates.' As this is an optional update, users will need to click the 'Download and install' link to initiate the process. Alternatively, the update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Conclusion​

The KB5055627 update for Windows 11 introduces a range of enhancements and fixes designed to improve user experience and system performance. From taskbar and File Explorer improvements to new emoji support and refined sharing capabilities, this update offers valuable features for users. While some issues remain, Microsoft's ongoing commitment to addressing user feedback and enhancing functionality is evident in this release.

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Source: BleepingComputer https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-kb5055627-update-released-with-30-new-changes-fixes/&ved=2ahUKEwjQsY3Mq_eMAxUAQzABHcsHMTQ4FBDF9AF6BAgDEAI&usg=AOvVaw2miV4_uSUU4CXdYl5HBclY/