Windows 11 Preview KB5046732: New Features and Fixes Explained

Ready to dive into the Windows 11 Preview patch notes that just dropped? On November 21, 2024, Microsoft rolled out KB5046732, featuring OS Builds 22621.4541 and 22631.4541. This preview update is all about refining your Windows 11 experience with new features, fixes, and optimizations—but note, it’s not a security update. The rollout is gradual, so don’t panic if you haven’t seen it yet. Let’s break it all down, from the exciting to the nitty-gritty.

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Key Highlights of the November Preview​

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of what’s fresh in this update:

• Settings revamped: Expect tailored user preferences to improve your privacy and device recommendations.
• Taskbar tweaks: A more compact date/time display and refined notification behavior.
• File Explorer upgrades: Enhanced interaction with Android devices and UI fixes.
• Input Method Editor (IME): Focused usability for Chinese and Japanese characters in fullscreen mode.
• Mouse precision options: Greater control over cursor speed and scroll direction.
• Dynamic Lighting: Fancy RGB setups? This update introduces new lighting effects.

From enhanced accessibility to new personalization options, this update's focus spans across multiple user interaction zones. Below, we walk through the details for enthusiasts and troubleshooters alike.

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Taskbar Changes—Compact Yet Efficient​

Microsoft has made subtle but noticeable changes to the taskbar. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Compact Date & Time Display:
  • If you use ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, the notification bell icon vanishes from the taskbar. Instead, tap on the clock to access the notification center. If you’re missing the full date and time format, enable it via Settings > Date & Time > Show Time and Day.
• Refined Search Box Behavior:
  • For users who opted for "Automatically hide the taskbar," the search box will now appear as an icon instead of a full-fledged bar. A small yet effective step toward a cleaner interface.

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File Explorer Now Plays Well with Android Devices​

One key feature added is the ability to share files directly to Android devices via File Explorer’s right-click context menu. To utilize this:

1. Install & Configure Phone Link:
   Ensure you’ve paired your Android phone with your Windows PC using the Phone Link app.
2. Use File Explorer or desktop to right-click a file, then choose to share it with your Android device.

Goodbye third-party apps for quick file transfers!

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Input Method Editor Usability Enhancements​

For multilingual users relying on the Input Method Editor (IME), new improvements enhance usability when typing in Chinese or Japanese:

• The IME toolbar auto-hides when applications run in fullscreen mode, keeping your screen distraction-free.

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Tailored Settings Across the Board​

In the latest iteration:

• The “Tailored Experiences” feature in Settings > Privacy & Security has been renamed to “Personalized Offers.” This option shares limited data about your device to enhance recommendations but, as always, can be turned off.

Accessibility options are also seeing incremental improvements:

• Mouse Settings:
  • Users now have the option to disable enhanced pointer precision, a feature that adjusts speed based on movement. These settings are accessible under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse.
  • Options for customizing the scrolling direction now provide more personalized interaction for users who prefer inverted scrolling.

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Dynamic Lighting Gets Fancier​

If Dynamic Lighting is your jam and you have RGB-compatible peripherals, this update adds more sophisticated effects:

• New effects like Forward, Backward, Outward, and Inward motions for the Wave effect.
• Gradient Effects get a directional touch with the Forward option.

Additionally, when no supported devices are detected, users will see placeholder messages with controls disabled.
This is part of Windows’ growing ecosystem support for RGB gear, consolidating per-device tools into a universal native dashboard.

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Fixes You Didn’t Realize You Needed​

Let’s take a second to appreciate some notable bug fixes:

1. Motherboard Replacements:
   • Previously, Windows might fail to activate after replacing your PC’s motherboard. That’s now resolved—a welcome relief for anyone who upgrades their hardware frequently!
2. IPP Printer Issues:
   • Using an Internet Printing Protocol USB printer could cause Windows to freeze. Fixed!
3. Mouse Captivity in Games:
   • For gamers running multiple monitors, your mouse cursor behaving like a Houdini and "escaping" your game window is now resolved when toggling the Game Bar.

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Feature for Advanced Users: IFilters in LPAC​

This one’s for the IT pros and security enthusiasts out there. Windows Search now runs IFilters (a protocol used to extract content from files for indexing) within a Less Privileged App Container (LPAC). What does that mean?

• LPAC is like a security vault for applications. Applications running in LPAC mode are restricted to only the resources they genuinely need.
• With IFilters running this way, even if they’re compromised, they can’t access sensitive system data—minimizing security risks.

Microsoft continues doubling down on building a security-first OS with proactive measures like this.

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Servicing Stack Update (KB5046729): A Bite-Sized Overview​

Accompanying the main release is the Servicing Stack Update (SSU KB5046729). The SSU ensures the update framework itself is robust and reliable for applying Windows patches. While it lacks flashy features or UI changes, these updates are foundational to ensuring smooth and consistent patch delivery.

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What’s Next? December 2024 and Beyond​

As a reminder:

• Microsoft is putting non-security preview updates on hold for December 2024 due to the holiday season but will release its standard Monthly Security Update. Expect previews to resume in January 2025.

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How to Install This Update​

These options are available for anyone eager to try the enhancements:

1. Windows Update:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. In the Optional Updates section, look for the link to download and install KB5046732.
2. Microsoft Update Catalog:
   • For manual installation, grab the standalone package through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
3. WSUS:
   • IT admins can import the update into Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) manually.

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Caution for Tinkerers: Uninstall Procedure​

While uninstalling updates isn’t common practice for most users, if needed:

1. Use the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool.
2. Open Command Prompt as Admin and type:
   

    DISM /online /get-packages DISM /online /Remove-Package /PackageName:

   
   Be cautious when removing updates, especially SSUs, as they’re essential for your Windows installation’s integrity.

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Final Thoughts: Worth the Update?​

This update is brimming with well-thought-out tweaks and new features that cater to both everyday users and professional workflows. The focus on personalization, inter-device compatibility (hello Android sharing!), and subtle UI optimizations will likely find favor with many. For gamers and heavy multitaskers, bug fixes (like game bar issues) are a cherry on top.
So, whether you’re a casual user, a developer, or a system admin, there’s something in KB5046732 to make your work—or play—just a tad better. Ready to update yet, or are you holding off? Let's discuss down below!

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Source: Microsoft Support November 21, 2024—KB5046732 (OS Builds 22621.4541 and 22631.4541) Preview - Microsoft Support