Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 Receive Optional Update with Notable Features

Microsoft has released an⁣ optional Windows ‌update for Windows 11 22H2 and‌ 23H2 users, featuring performance and stability improvements, along​ with​ new features for the taskbar, Start ​menu, and lock screen.

This update is particularly significant for ​Windows 11 22H2 users, as it is the last optional update for this version. Starting in October,‍ only security updates will be provided, and users will need⁢ to switch to 23H2 to continue receiving‌ feature updates.

Key‌ Features in ⁤Update KB5043145

• Taskbar: The search bar on⁤ the ‌taskbar now allows users to ‌share ‍local files directly from search results.
• Start Menu: Opening ​the ‌Start Menu now​ includes a “Sign Out” option for⁣ quicker access to account⁣ management. Users can also quickly switch to another user⁤ using⁤ the ellipses menu.
• Lock screen: A new⁣ media control panel ⁣is now ‌available at the bottom center of ​the⁣ lock screen, ‍allowing ⁣users to control media playback even when Windows⁢ is locked.
• Microsoft Outlook: Users will now be prompted to enter ​their password every time they open their ​encrypted email,​ even when using an encrypted ‌email ​app other⁢ than Outlook.
• Microsoft ‍Edge: A bug that sometimes caused ‍Edge to freeze when using Internet Explorer⁣ mode ‌has been​ fixed.

Additional minor features and fixes are also included‌ in the update. Users can refer to the ‌official release notes for more information.

Receiving Optional Updates

Update KB5043145 is currently available to the Windows Insider program via the Release ⁢Preview channel. ⁣The ‍update will be available to ‍all ⁢users on the next⁣ patch ⁤date in October. Users ⁣who are not ​part⁤ of ‌the ⁢Windows Insider⁤ program can download the files and manually apply the patches using a ‍third-party tool.