Windows 11 Preview updates available : KB5044384, KB5044380, KB5045594

Microsoft released KB5044384 (OS Build 26100.2161) for Windows 11 Version 24H2 and KB5044380 (OS Builds 22621.4391 and 22631.4391) for version 22H2/23H2. Also, there is a new cumulative preview KB5045594 (OS Build 19045.5073) available for Windows 10 version 22H2 with few features and improvements. Both of these updates are optional, it won’t download or install automatically unless you manually do it. Windows 11 KB5044384, KB5044380 and Windows 10 KB5045594 offline installers are also available for download on Microsoft Update Catalog. Well if you skip the update, all the new features and improvements are bundled on next month’s patch Tuesday update scheduled for 12 November 2024.

Windows 11 KB5044384 and KB5044380, what’s new?

Installing today’s update KB5044384 advances to Windows 11 build 26100.2161, KB5044380 advance to windows 11 build 22631.4391. Todays build adds a new Narrator shortcut, Wi-Fi password dialog in Settings > Network & internet. It also brings some minor improvements to Scanning app, start menu, and sfc /scannow command.

Windows 11 KB5044384 and KB5044380 Release Summary

• KB Article:  KB5044384 and KB5044380
• OS Version: Windows 11 version 24H2/23H2/22H2
• Build: 26100.2161, 22621.4391 and 22631.4391
• Release Date: 24th October 2024

New Features

1. Notifications: You can now turn off app notification suggestions directly from the notification settings or through the ellipses menu in each notification.
2. Wi-Fi Password Dialog: Redesigned with the Windows 11 visual theme.
3. Narrator: New shortcut (Narrator key + Ctrl + X) to copy the last spoken content to the clipboard. Narrator will also auto-read emails in the new Outlook.
4. Copilot Key Customization: Configure the Copilot key to open different apps or features like Search, especially useful on Entra ID-connected devices.
5. Virtual Hard Disk (VHD/VHDx): A new “detach” option for VHDs and VHDxs in the settings menu under System > Storage > Disks & Volumes.
6. UTF-8 SSID Support: The netsh wlan show networks command now displays SSIDs with Unicode characters correctly.
7. Windows Sandbox Client Preview: Now includes runtime clipboard redirection, audio/video input control, and folder sharing. Command-line support is available.

Improvements and Fixes

1. Start Menu: “All apps” renamed to “All.”
2. ALT + Tab: Fixed screen blackout when switching between certain windows.
3. Scanning Apps: Addressed issues where apps didn’t detect connected scanners.
4. Web Sign-In: Fixed unresponsive screens during web account sign-in.
5. Disk Cleanup: Improved accuracy in calculating free space.
6. Networking (netsh): UTF-8 SSIDs are now readable in netsh wlan show networks.
7. DirectAccess: Addressed connectivity issues after upgrading to version 24H2.
8. Various UI Fixes: Resolved visibility issues in the UI across multiple apps.
9. System and Security Fixes: Updated the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, addressed the unintended creation of live kernel debug files, and fixed issues with the sfc /scannow command and Winlogon shutdown errors.

Microsoft also noted one known issue, where players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows..  We recommend read the complete changelog Microsoft’s official site here.

Windows 10 KB5045594 what’s new?

The latest Cumulative Update KB5045594 for Windows 10 advances the build number to 19045.5073 and brings several bug fixes and improvements.  

Windows 10 KB5041582 Release Summary

• KB Article:  KB5045594
• OS Version: Windows 10 version 22H2
• Build: 19045.5073
• Size: 659 MB (64-Bit), 373.5 MB (32-Bit)
• Release Date: 22 October 2024

This update addresses several key issues, including a fix for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) users who encountered a black screen when signing in. This fix ensures that users can sign in and out properly, avoiding an issue where the black screen would persist even after disconnecting and reconnecting. The application event log would previously display Event ID:1000 due to a fault in svchost.exe_AppXSvc, but this has now been addressed.

For Multi-Function Printers (MFPs), users will now notice smoother functionality when using USB connections. Two common issues were resolved: first, an issue where connecting the MFP via USB caused it to print unnecessary network command text, and second, a fix ensuring that the scanner driver installs correctly via USB.

In terms of virtual networking, there’s a fix for a vmswitch stop error that affected virtual machines using Load Balancing and Failover (LBFO) teaming with two virtual switches, one of which used SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization). This update helps stabilize virtual switch setups for these configurations.

When upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, a stop error 0x3B caused by a race condition has been fixed, improving reliability for users making the OS transition.

This update also improves product activation by adding updated phone support numbers for various regions, making it easier for users to get activation assistance if needed.

Updates to the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) ensure that profiles for specific mobile operators are now up to date, enhancing compatibility for users with these mobile providers.

For those using WebView2 applications, the update resolves input detection issues with Xbox 360 and Bluetooth controllers, improving control responsiveness across these applications.

Read the complete changelog Microsoft support site here.

Download Windows update

Windows updates are set to download and install automatically but Windows 11 KB5044384, KB5044380 and Windows 10 KB5045594 are optional updates not installed automatically unless you check for updates and manually trigger the install process.

Update Windows 11:

• Press the Windows key + X and select settings
• Go to Windows Update and hit the check for updates button,
• This patch is titled “2024-10 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5044384)”.
• Click on the download and install button, and wait a few minutes to get it from the Microsoft server, once done reboot your PC.

Update Windows 10:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings,
• Click Update & Security then Windows Update,
• Here you need to check for updates manually and then click on the ‘Download and install now’ link under optional updates.
• Once done restart your PC to apply the updates.

Windows 10 KB5045594 Update offline download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).

Windows 11 KB5044384 Update offline download  Links: 64-bit.

If you are looking for Windows 10 ISO image get it downloaded from here. For Windows 11 ISO download check this post.

If you face difficulty installing these updates, check our Windows update troubleshooting guide here.