Windows 11 Update KB5046740: Features, Fixes, and Future Plans

The latest non-security preview update for Windows 11, known as KB5046740 (OS Build 26100.2454), rolled out on November 21, 2024, bringing a robust suite of improvements, changes, and brand-new features to Windows 11, version 24H2. As the year winds down, Microsoft has noted that there will be no non-security preview update in December 2024, citing reduced operations during the Western holiday season and New Year period. However, you can still expect the usual security release for December, with full servicing resuming in January 2025.
For Windows enthusiasts eagerly diving into this update, here’s a detailed breakdown of all the standouts, what’s improved, and what’s fixed in this release.

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New Features, Enhancements, and Fixes​

1. Taskbar Tweaks​

• New Date and Time Options:
  The system tray now displays a shortened format for date and time, enhancing minimalistic aesthetics. If "Do Not Disturb" is toggled on, the notification bell icon will disappear. Want the old expanded time back? Just head over to Settings > Date and Time and enable the long format toggle.
• Bug Fixes for Hidden Taskbar Search Box:
  The taskbar no longer erroneously displays a full search box when hidden. Now, only the icon shows when auto-hiding is enabled.

2. Start Menu Upgrades​

• App Jump Lists Enhanced:
  Right-click on pinned apps in the Start menu to see their jump lists—this is perfect for accessing recent files or quick actions.

3. Improved Touch Gestures​

• Customizable Edge Gestures for Touchscreens:
  Hate unwanted accidental activations? You can now customize or entirely disable left or right touchscreen edge gestures in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch.

4. Input Method Editor (IME) for Multilingual Users​

• Full-Screen Friendly IME Toolbar:
  When typing in Chinese or Japanese, the IME toolbar will now automatically hide in full-screen mode, reducing distractions during immersive tasks such as gaming or video playback.

5. File Explorer Innovations​

• Cross-Platform Sharing with Android:
  Windows 11 now supports content sharing directly to Android devices via the context menu in File Explorer or on the desktop. Pair this feature with Phone Link for seamless integration between your PC and mobile device.
• Redesigned Dynamic Lighting Page:
  For PCs equipped with RGB peripherals, the Dynamic Lighting page now shows placeholders when no device is connected, alongside options for customizing new wave and gradient effects.

6. Accessibility and Speech Improvements​

• Better Speech Interaction Tools:
  Voice-activated features like Narrator, Live Captions, and Voice Typing get fine-tuned with this update, including manual language file updates via the Microsoft Store.

7. Tweaks for Mouse Users​

• Resolved an issue where the mouse pointer location feature (CTRL + click method) displayed tiny circles on high-resolution displays or ultra-wide screens.

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Quality of Life Improvements Across Key Windows Systems​

This update isn’t just about shiny new features; many under-the-hood enhancements focus on user experience, performance, and stability. Below are some of the standout fixes:

Task Manager​

• Dark Mode in Pop-Ups:
  The Disconnect and Logoff dialogs in Task Manager now support Dark Mode and scale well with text.
• Disk Performance Details:
  The Task Manager’s performance section now succinctly lists drive types (SSD, HDD).

File and Graphics Handling​

• GDI+ and RAW Image Fixes:
  Issues with image properties and resizing using GDI+, along with incorrect RAW image orientations, have been addressed.
• Clipboard Stability:
  The clipboard history (Windows logo key + V) bug, where it displayed no content despite being active, is resolved.

Game Performance​

• Addressed issues where the mouse could leave the game window unexpectedly on multi-monitor setups during Game Bar usage.

Display Refinements​

• Mica Material Bug:
  Fixed instances of inconsistent Mica effect rendering, especially when slideshow wallpapers were applied.
• Secondary Display Reliability:
  Reduced lag and screen tearing on secondary monitors when an app is in fullscreen mode.

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Security Considerations and Prerequisites​

Microsoft reminds users about the importance of the servicing stack update (SSU), ensuring a stable servicing infrastructure for future Windows updates. The included KB5048295 SSU (build 26100.2447) reinforces the ability to install cumulative updates without hiccups.
For IT admins, this is an FYI: removing updates through standard methods won’t work if the non-removable SSU is bundled. Make sure to use the DISM command-line tools correctly where necessary.

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Known Issues​

As with any Windows update, there’s always the possibility of lingering bugs. Here's one confirmed issue:

• Roblox on ARM Devices:
  Users with ARM-based PCs cannot download or play Roblox via the Microsoft Store. However, the game remains functional when downloaded directly from Roblox's official website.

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How to Install This Update​

Steps for General Users​

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Go to Optional Updates Available to find and install KB5046740.

For IT Administrators​

• All MSU Files required for the update can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Use DISM commands like:
  

  powershell DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"path-to-package"

For creating updated Windows installation media, refer to Microsoft's official Dynamic Update guides.

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Looking Ahead: Windows Updates in 2025​

Given the pause in non-security updates for December, this particular patch sets the tone for a solid start to 2025. New features like customizable touch inputs, Android-PC synergy, enhanced accessibility, and performance improvements in File Explorer signal Microsoft’s commitment to refining Windows 11 with user-centric creativity and compatibility in mind.
For detailed technical documentation and an exhaustive file list, visit Microsoft’s official update history page for 24H2 releases.

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Over to You​

What are your thoughts on KB5046740? Excited about the Android sharing feature or the tweaks for gamers and power users? We’d love to hear your feedback and experiences with this update. Comment below to join the discussion!

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Source: Microsoft Announcements The November 2024 Windows non-security preview update is now available