Share this article

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

KB5041587 makes a massive change to Windows 11’s taskbar

You can get the patch now.

2 min. read

Updated onAugust 29, 2024

updated onAugust 29, 2024

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Windows 11 was updated with a new patch, KB5041587, rolling out for versions 22H2 and 23H2. While optional, it’s full of improvements, changes, and enhancements that will make the operating system faster and more stable.

First, the patch massively changes Windows 11’s taskbar. Remember when we told you that the Redmond-based tech giant was considering changing the layout of the taskbar in Windows 11 and previewing the change in the Insider Program?

Well, that change is now live. According to Windows enthusiast,@phantomofearth, installing KB5041587 also sets up the new layout, where the widgets taskbar position is moved next to the system tray, as you can see in the post below.

The latest optional update for Windows 11 v23H2/22H2 (KB5041587) enables the new widgets taskbar button position – next to the system tray – on taskbars with left aligned icons. First update released outside of the Insider Program to do so, it seems.pic.twitter.com/dkq9lmF54t

The patch also brings dozens of improvements to File Explorer. Pressing Ctrl + F to start a search should no longer crash; the navigation pane will also work. This update aims to smooth out these kinks, making your file navigation experience as smooth as silk.

For those who love sharing content between devices, something is exciting, too. You can now share content directly to your Android device from the Windows Share window. Just make sure your devices are paired, and you’re good to go.

For the visually impaired, the KB5041587 update makes scan mode in Narrator respond quicker, which is a boon when reading large documents or browsing the web with Microsoft Edge. Voice access gets a boost, too, with faster dictation and more editing commands.

Similar to the update for Windows 11 24H2, KB5041587 also focuses on the Widgets Board. It’s getting an update to enhance security and the APIs for creating widgets and feeds, especially for users in the EEA regions.

Some of these changes are rolling out gradually, so don’t fret if you don’t see them immediately after updating.

For the tech-savvy, there are under-the-hood improvements and fixes, from addressing memory leaks with the Input Method Editor (IME) to updating COSA profiles for mobile operators. For those using Bluetooth or dealing with hibernate stop errors, this update has something for you, too.

It’s worth mentioning that KB5041587 contains a known issue regarding dual-boot configurations with Linux that might give you a headache. However, there’s a workaround available.

To get this update, go to Settings > Windows Update and check for the latest updates. Alternatively, you can download it directly from theMicrosoft Update Catalog.

You can also readKB5041587’s full changeloghere.

More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Update

Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

He’s always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft’s products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that’s always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

KB5041587 makes a massive change to Windows 11’s taskbar#