Windows 11 Update KB5046756: Enhanced File Explorer, Passwordless Future & More

Microsoft has been busy tinkering behind the scenes on Windows 11, and the latest beta build (22635.4515) released under KB5046756 gives PC enthusiasts and Insiders on the Beta Channel some exciting features to chew on. If you’ve been frustrated with sluggish File Explorer performance or are intrigued by Microsoft’s push towards a passwordless future, this update is worth exploring in fine detail.
Let’s unpack what KB5046756 has to offer, feature by feature, and analyze the broader implications for Windows 11 users.

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Turbocharged File Explorer: It’s Muscle Time for the Context Menu​

• Performance Boosts: File Explorer has received what Microsoft describes as a significant performance boost, especially in how the context menu is launched for cloud-based files. Whether you’re managing files on OneDrive or browsing local folders, right-clicking on a file should now feel a lot snappier—an often-overlooked but essential user experience improvement.
• Bug Fixes Galore:
  • The address bar no longer has unexpected overlaps during full-screen mode (hallelujah).
  • Consistent thumbnail displays for cloud files in search results.
  • Fixes to prevent crashes when creating folders in certain locations.
  • Entering a path directly into the address bar won’t leave you stranded anymore.

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate these little things. Sure, they’re less glamorous than flashy new features, but solid File Explorer performance is the unsung hero of efficient workflows. With cloud storage integration becoming ever-more pivotal, every tweak matters.

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One Click to Rule All: Resuming OneDrive Files​

• This new functionality allows you to resume editing a OneDrive file right where you left off on your phone:
  • Lock your PC, access a file on your phone, then unlock your PC within five minutes to get a notification prompting you to continue what you started. Whether it's Word docs, Excel sheets, or even PDFs, this workflow bridges your mobile-PC divide seamlessly.

Key Conditions:

1. Both your PC and phone must share the same Microsoft account—this won’t work with work or school accounts, which some might find limiting.
2. Your PC needs to meet specific build requirements (22635.4515 or higher), and OneDrive integration must be set up in the browser.

While this feature might not cater to enterprise users yet, it’s an impressive convenience for personal and light professional use. It paints a picture of a future where device switching is truly seamless and file consistency is achieved effortlessly.

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Passwordless Enhancements: Say Goodbye to Password Memory Games​

Microsoft is doubling down on its “passwordless future” ambitions, and KB5046756 ushers in new upgrades to the WebAuthn APIs on Windows. Here’s the exciting part:

• Plugin Support for Third-Party Passkeys: Windows now supports plugins for third-party authenticator apps to handle passkeys, an alternative to the native Windows Hello experience.
• How It Works:
  • Third-party plugins can authenticate users via passkeys and leverage Windows Hello as a verification method.
  • This flexibility will allow users to send WebAuthn event messages through plugins without breaking the seamless Windows Hello experience.

For developers or security-conscious users, this is a monumental shift. It enables greater flexibility in choosing how you secure and authenticate your system. Plus, Microsoft’s updated APIs pave the way for a diverse ecosystem of passkey providers, creating competition and potentially revolutionary advancements in authentication tech.

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Small but Notable: Additional Features and Improvements​

• Start Menu Sharing Improvements: A new sharing option lets you right-click local files in the Start Menu’s Recommended section. This tiny tweak saves steps when sharing files directly from the Start interface.
• Magnifier Shortcut: For those relying on accessibility tools, a nifty keyboard shortcut (CTRL + ALT + Minus) offers quick toggling between 1X zoom and the current zoom setting.

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Developer’s Take: Encouraging Third-Party Integrations​

Microsoft hasn’t just crafted updates for the average user—they’ve also thrown a bone to developers. By engaging third-party vendors to build upon the new passkey capabilities, Microsoft is expanding the security ecosystem. This not only fortifies our digital defenses but democratizes the development of cutting-edge authentication tools.
Why This Matters: Every time a platform invites third parties to innovate, we see unexpected applications arise. Imagine niche passkey solutions tailored for fintech apps, gaming accounts, or creative suites—it opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities.

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Context and Broader Implications for Windows 11 Users​

The features in KB5046756 align with Microsoft’s broader roadmap for Windows 11:

1. Streamlining Everyday Actions: Be it through beefed-up File Explorer performance or easier OneDrive workflows, KB5046756 exemplifies Microsoft’s commitment to making daily interactions smoother and faster.
2. Becoming Password-Free: As the baking of advanced credentialing tech becomes mainstream, Microsoft is positioning Windows as a leader in hassle-free yet fortified identity management.
3. Beta Channel Methodology: This release is marked with gradual rollouts, giving Insiders an experimental playground for shaping upcoming features.

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Getting the Update—A Quick Guide​

If you’re on the Beta Channel and can’t wait to test these wins, ensure you’ve opted into the Windows Insider program and meet the following requirements:

1. Build 22635.4515 or later.
2. Access the update through the regular Settings > Update & Security interface.

Insiders who prefer a more stable experience should remember—Beta builds can always carry risks, so backup your system before installation.

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Closing Thoughts​

Windows 11 KB5046756 isn’t just a list of modest updates: it’s a launch pad for Microsoft’s long-term goals. Whether you’re relishing a smoother File Explorer, ditching pesky passwords for passkeys, or enjoying tighter OneDrive integration, this update is a fresh step in bridging convenience and cutting-edge technology for modern users.
So, what’s your verdict? Has Microsoft finally struck the perfect balance with these updates or are we just seeing incremental upgrades? Let’s discuss below!

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Source: Neowin KB5046756: Windows 11 gets some File Explorer performance boost, better Authenticator