Microsoft has released KB5046740, a feature-rich update for Windows 11 users rocking version 24H2. While this is not a critical security update (it's safe to skip if you're cautious about non-essentials), it's packed with functional features, quality improvements, and fixes that add some serious polish to your Windows experience. Let’s unpack what KB5046740 has in store and why it might be worth your time to hit that "Update Now" button.
Jump lists on pinned apps in the Start menu have been upgraded. Right-click a pinned app, and voilà, a jump list appears—finally aligning with the productivity demands of power users. Want even more juiced-up functionality? Hold Shift + CTRL before clicking an item, and the selected program opens with administrative privileges. Say goodbye to right-clicking your way to "Run as Administrator."
2. Taskbar Tweaks for Better Control
Touchscreen enthusiasts, rejoice! A new edge gestures section in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch allows you to disable the left or right screen edge gestures. Yes, now your screen won’t betray you with unintended swipes during those high-octane Netflix-binge scenarios.
4. File Explorer Goes Android-Friendly
Microsoft is bridging the PC-mobile divide with improved Phone Link integration. The update allows direct sharing from File Explorer to Android devices. Configure Phone Link, and you’ll be breezing through file transfers without ever needing a third-party app. Superb if you’ve got a Samsung or a supported Android device.
5. Speech and Accessibility Upgrades
Whether you're a Narrator die-hard, leveraging live captions daily, or dabbling in voice-to-text, KB5046740 delivers updates ensuring smoother performance for speech-based features. However, it might ask you to manually update your language packs—check the Microsoft Store if prompted.
For those cringing every time white screens attack their retinas: KB5046740 embraces dark mode optimization, now extended to Disconnect and Logoff dialogs, along with text scaling improvements. Running diagnostics has never looked this stylish.
2. Windows Search in High-Security Mode
Enterprise admins and tech-savvy users will appreciate the upgrade for Windows Search. It now runs IFilters in Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC). If you’re wondering—think of LPACs as an overprotective version of app sandboxes. They strictly minimize access to sensitive system components, embracing Microsoft’s growing obsession with proactive security architectures.
3. PowerShell Fixes
Running into those frustrating fails with
If you’re someone who adores polishing their Windows setup and exploring cool, practical tweaks weekly, this is one hefty update to welcome. On the flip side, if you’re in no rush and eyeing only critical updates, feel free to skip—and wait until the fixes hit your PC through future cumulative updates.
Let us know your experience once you’ve tried out KB5046740; we’re dying to hear if this update makes using Windows 11 a smoother ride for you!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more
Fresh Features Across Your Windows Ecosystem
1. Jump Lists That Do More Than Just Sit ThereJump lists on pinned apps in the Start menu have been upgraded. Right-click a pinned app, and voilà, a jump list appears—finally aligning with the productivity demands of power users. Want even more juiced-up functionality? Hold Shift + CTRL before clicking an item, and the selected program opens with administrative privileges. Say goodbye to right-clicking your way to "Run as Administrator."
2. Taskbar Tweaks for Better Control
- The system tray now has a compact option for the date and time format. To toggle this, find it under Settings > Date and Time.
- Speaking of notifications, enabling Do Not Disturb (DND) hides that pesky bell icon—though you can still access notifications by clicking on the clock. Small but clean updates like this make a big difference in reducing visual clutter.
Touchscreen enthusiasts, rejoice! A new edge gestures section in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch allows you to disable the left or right screen edge gestures. Yes, now your screen won’t betray you with unintended swipes during those high-octane Netflix-binge scenarios.
4. File Explorer Goes Android-Friendly
Microsoft is bridging the PC-mobile divide with improved Phone Link integration. The update allows direct sharing from File Explorer to Android devices. Configure Phone Link, and you’ll be breezing through file transfers without ever needing a third-party app. Superb if you’ve got a Samsung or a supported Android device.
5. Speech and Accessibility Upgrades
Whether you're a Narrator die-hard, leveraging live captions daily, or dabbling in voice-to-text, KB5046740 delivers updates ensuring smoother performance for speech-based features. However, it might ask you to manually update your language packs—check the Microsoft Store if prompted.
Polished Fixes: Bye-Bye, Bugs
Beyond the shiny new features, Microsoft has been diligent in squashing bugs and ironing out creases. Here are a few highlights:- Taskbar Search: Still prefer the auto-hide taskbar? Previously, “autohide” made the search bar shrink awkwardly into an icon. Fixed.
- File Explorer Sizing: Narrower windows no longer lead to unintended truncation of search boxes. Great news if you're multitasking with cramped screen real estate.
- Dynamic Lighting: Not seeing compatible devices? You’ll now get clearer placeholders when there are no devices to control. Subtle but helps improve clarity.
Discover Advanced Tweaks for Power Users
1. Task Manager Joins the Dark Side (Literally)For those cringing every time white screens attack their retinas: KB5046740 embraces dark mode optimization, now extended to Disconnect and Logoff dialogs, along with text scaling improvements. Running diagnostics has never looked this stylish.
2. Windows Search in High-Security Mode
Enterprise admins and tech-savvy users will appreciate the upgrade for Windows Search. It now runs IFilters in Less Privileged App Containers (LPAC). If you’re wondering—think of LPACs as an overprotective version of app sandboxes. They strictly minimize access to sensitive system components, embracing Microsoft’s growing obsession with proactive security architectures.
3. PowerShell Fixes
Running into those frustrating fails with
Get-WindowsCapability? This update resolves the issue where a PC restart was the only cure. A smoother experience awaits PowerShell users post-KB5046740.Bug Fixes That Nerds Will Appreciate
Not everything here is shiny for the everyday user, but for digital tinkers and devs, these fixes shine bright:- Resolved GDI+ scaling errors when resizing images.
- Fixed stubborn image orientation issues in RAW photos—very niche, but vital for photo enthusiasts.
- Exporting charts to PDF or XLSX formats now works as intended without apps freezing.
Known Issues to Keep Track
Before you dive into installing, here's a catch for ARM-based device users:- Roblox Compatibility: Users can’t play Roblox from the Microsoft Store on ARM devices. But fear not, nostalgic gamers—you can still head to Roblox’s website for a workaround download. Until then, this hiccup lingers.
How to Install KB5046740
Options for this update? Take your pick:- Easily snag it through Windows Update.
- Or for the more hands-on crowd, grab the offline installer via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Final Thoughts: A Gamechanger or Minor Upgrade?
Sure, KB5046740 doesn’t secure your system from urgent cyber threats, but it beautifully refines your Windows journey—from smoother multitasking to connecting better with your devices. Whether it’s the enhanced speech features, File Explorer updates, or taskbar quality-of-life tweaks, there’s something in this package for every user, casual to professional.If you’re someone who adores polishing their Windows setup and exploring cool, practical tweaks weekly, this is one hefty update to welcome. On the flip side, if you’re in no rush and eyeing only critical updates, feel free to skip—and wait until the fixes hit your PC through future cumulative updates.
Let us know your experience once you’ve tried out KB5046740; we’re dying to hear if this update makes using Windows 11 a smoother ride for you!
Source: Neowin Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more