Windows 11 enthusiasts, take note—Microsoft has delivered a new optional update for Windows 11 24H2, officially labeled as patch KB5046740. While this update remains in the "preview" phase, it offers some intriguing enhancements to the user interface, promising to refine the experience on your desktop. Yet, this is still a preview release, so tread cautiously—it could include bugs as well as hotfixes.
Here's everything Microsoft packed in this optional update, as well as why some of its features may—or may not—be your cup of tea.
Why You Should Wait:
For now, whether you choose to embrace this update as a guinea pig or wait for the stable release depends on how much you value the latest tweaks versus system stability. But one thing's for certain—there’s no stopping the slow-but-steady morph of Windows into an increasingly user-focused ecosystem.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for more updates, patch analyses, and tips for making the most out of your Windows experience. You can also share your thoughts on these changes or report your experiences with KB5046740 below. Your insight is just as valuable when it comes to shaping our shared digital journey.
Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2 gets a more streamlined taskbar and some much-needed bug fixes in Microsoft’s latest update
Here's everything Microsoft packed in this optional update, as well as why some of its features may—or may not—be your cup of tea.
A Tidier Taskbar: Saving Space One Pixel at a Time
The most noticeable adjustment happens in the taskbar's system tray, commonly referred to as the notification area. This update focuses on a more efficient use of space:- Compact Date and Time Display: Instead of showing the year alongside the day and month (because, let’s be honest, do we really forget what year it is?), the clock section displays only the day and month in a concise square. This design minimizes clutter and gives your system tray a little breathing room.
- Revamped "Do Not Disturb" Icon: Previously, turning on "Do Not Disturb" mode kept a bell icon in the system tray. With KB5046740, this indicator is gone completely, but don’t worry—you can still quickly open your notifications panel by clicking the clock or date area.
- Taskbar Bug Fix: A pesky issue where the taskbar search box turned into a single icon (instead of remaining the expected search bar) whenever the taskbar was set to "auto-hide" has been patched.
Start Menu Gets Jump Lists
Another delightful addition is the integration of Jump Lists on pinned apps within the Start menu. Think of a Jump List as a productivity booster that offers:- Access to Frequently Used Functions: Quickly launch commands or tasks associated with the app, such as opening specific files, browsing previous work, or starting new projects.
- Saves Time and Clicks: If you're a frequent user of pinned apps, this feature eliminates the time spent wading through submenus or unrelated windows.
File Explorer Gets Functional (And Mobile-Friendly)
KB5046740 also delivers meaningful updates to File Explorer:- New "Phone Link" Integration: Right-clicking a file now offers an additional "Phone Link" option. This nifty new shortcut allows you to seamlessly transfer files to your smartphone in a few clicks. It's another step toward Microsoft's broader vision of unifying the Windows-PC-to-smartphone experience.
- Reduced Icon Spacing Bug: A curious bug that exaggerated the spacing between icons on the left panel of File Explorer has now been squashed, returning that pane to its intended compact, organized layout.
Bug Fixes Galore
While aesthetic tweaks take the spotlight, this update also delivers a range of essential fixes aimed at fine-tuning the Windows 11 experience:- Windows Update Reliability: Resolved an issue where Windows Update components were failing for some users.
- Clipboard History Woes: Addressed a glitch causing clipboard memory to reset to a blank slate unexpectedly.
- Additional Stability Patches: Generalized fixes across various app interactions to ensure fewer hiccups.
Should You Install It?
As enticing as these updates sound, it’s important to remember that KB5046740 is a preview patch—meaning it's still in testing. These updates are like a sneak peek into what's coming but are not entirely polished or bug-free.Why You Should Wait:
- Potential New Bugs: Preview updates often fix some issues while inadvertently introducing others.
- December Cumulative Incoming: Microsoft plans to roll these updates into the official December Patch Tuesday (December 10, 2024) release. If you're not desperate for these tweaks, you’ll see a polished version in just a couple of weeks.
- Inquisitive Beta Testers: If testing new features feels like unwrapping a tech gift, this update can be a fun experiment.
- Urgent Needs: If the specific bugs being fixed (e.g., clipboard history wipes) have plagued your workflow, it might be worth the preview risk.
What’s Next for Windows Updates?
As December approaches, Microsoft’s update roadmap winds down for the holiday season. They'll roll out the December cumulative update on December 10, as noted above, but don’t expect any additional preview updates for the remainder of the year. The next major rollout will occur in January, and it's likely to feature minor adjustments or maintenance patches.The Bigger Picture
Windows 11 continues to evolve, carving a balance between innovation and refinement. Updates like these remind us Microsoft's primary objective isn’t flipping the user experience on its head, but rather improving and polishing the edges. Small quality-of-life adjustments—like Jump Lists, reduced taskbar clutter, and streamlined phone integration—create a more efficient OS that subtly "gets out of your way."For now, whether you choose to embrace this update as a guinea pig or wait for the stable release depends on how much you value the latest tweaks versus system stability. But one thing's for certain—there’s no stopping the slow-but-steady morph of Windows into an increasingly user-focused ecosystem.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for more updates, patch analyses, and tips for making the most out of your Windows experience. You can also share your thoughts on these changes or report your experiences with KB5046740 below. Your insight is just as valuable when it comes to shaping our shared digital journey.
Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2 gets a more streamlined taskbar and some much-needed bug fixes in Microsoft’s latest update
