Windows 11 KB5060829 Update Enhances Performance, Accessibility, and User Experience

Microsoft has released the KB5060829 update (OS Build 26100.4484) for Windows 11 24H2, introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at improving user experience, accessibility, and system performance. This update is currently available as a preview in the Release Preview Channel, with a gradual rollout planned to ensure stability across devices.

Key Features and Improvements​

App Defaults in the European Economic Area (EEA)​

In compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Microsoft has implemented changes to the default browser settings for users in the EEA:

• Expanded File Associations: The "Set default" button in Settings > Apps > Default apps now assigns additional file and link types to the chosen default browser, provided the browser supports them.
• Automatic Pinning: Upon setting a new default browser, it will be pinned to both the Taskbar and Start menu by default. Users can opt out by unchecking the respective boxes during setup.
• PDF Handling: A new one-click option allows users to set the default browser as the handler for .pdf files, streamlining the process of managing PDF documents.

Taskbar Enhancements​

The update introduces intelligent taskbar behavior to optimize space and usability:

• Dynamic Icon Resizing: When the taskbar becomes crowded, app icons automatically shrink to maintain visibility. Users can customize this behavior with three settings:
• Always use small icons
• Never use small icons
• Shrink icons only when the taskbar is full

These options are accessible via Taskbar settings.

• Enhanced Indicators: The visual indicators beneath open apps have been widened for improved visibility, aiding users in quickly identifying active applications.

Accessibility Improvements​

Microsoft continues to prioritize accessibility with several notable additions:

• Screen Curtain in Narrator: This feature blacks out the screen while Narrator reads content aloud, enhancing privacy in public or shared spaces. To activate, press Ctrl + Windows + Enter to start Narrator, then Caps Lock + Ctrl + C to enable Screen Curtain.
• Narrator Feature Discovery: Upon launching Narrator, users are guided through new features and changes via prompts, facilitating easier adoption of updates.
• Voice Access Expansion: Voice Access now supports navigation, dictation, and interaction using voice commands in Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Additionally, users can add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary across all supported languages.

PC Migration Experience​

A new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced:

• Windows Backup Integration: Users will notice new landing and pairing pages in the Windows Backup app, offering a preview of the upcoming capability to transfer files and settings from an old PC to a new one during setup. Full support for this feature will be available in a future update.

Windows Share Enhancements​

The Windows Share experience has been refined to offer more control and clarity:

• Content Previews: When sharing links or web content, a visual preview of the content is displayed, allowing users to verify the information before sharing.
• Image Compression Options: Users can now select a compression level—High, Medium, or Low Quality—when editing and sharing images, replacing the previous 0–100 scale for more straightforward adjustments.

File Explorer Performance​

Performance improvements have been made to File Explorer:

• Enhanced Archive Extraction: The speed of extracting large archive files, particularly 7z and .rar formats, has been significantly improved, facilitating quicker access to compressed files.

Settings App Updates​

The Settings app has received updates to enhance user experience:

• Enterprise-Specific Cards: For PCs managed by IT administrators, the Settings homepage now includes cards tailored for enterprise use, such as "Recommended settings" and "Bluetooth devices," along with new cards for device information and accessibility preferences.
• Region Display: The country or region selected during device setup now appears under Settings > Time & language > Language & region, providing clear visibility of regional settings.

Quality Improvements and Bug Fixes​

This update also addresses several issues to enhance system stability and performance:

• Taskbar Reliability: Resolved an issue where the WIN + CTRL + Number shortcut failed to switch between windows of an open app in the taskbar.
• Graphics Enhancements: Made underlying changes to reduce screen flashing during certain display configuration transitions and eliminated unnecessary display resets.
• Input Method Stability: Fixed an issue where typing in Japanese with the touch keyboard might stop working after switching between English and Japanese keyboards.
• Printing Accuracy: Addressed a problem where printed lines appeared thicker than expected, ensuring more accurate print outputs.

Gradual Rollout and Availability​

Microsoft is implementing a gradual rollout for this update to ensure a smooth deployment. Users may receive the update at different times, and it might not be immediately available to all. To check the status of this feature, users can visit the Windows release health dashboard.
For those eager to access the update immediately, it can be downloaded and manually installed from the official Microsoft Update Catalog. Detailed instructions for manual installation are available in Microsoft's support documentation.

Conclusion​

The KB5060829 update for Windows 11 24H2 exemplifies Microsoft's commitment to refining the operating system with user-centric enhancements. From improved taskbar functionality and accessibility features to performance optimizations and new migration tools, this update addresses a broad spectrum of user needs. As the rollout progresses, users are encouraged to explore these new features and provide feedback to help shape the future of Windows 11.

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Source: thewincentral.com Windows 11 update KB5060829 changelog & download link - WinCentral