Download Windows 11 KB5048685 23H2 Features Update Directly as .msu
The update Windows 11 KB5048685 delivers the final security enhancement of 2024 for 23H2 devices. As part of this Patch Tuesday release, Microsoft has incorporated a range of exciting new features for various components including File Explorer, the Start Menu, the Taskbar, and mouse functionality.
Although KB5048685 is designed to download and install automatically on your system, you can manually check its availability within the Settings app. To do this, navigate to Settings > Windows Update and look for the update.
Alternatively, you have the option to download the offline update installer files (.msu) from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
One noteworthy enhancement that users are likely to enjoy is the new compact date and time layout. This feature optimizes space in your system tray and allows you to hide the notification bell icon, which is seldom useful.
This new date and time format is enabled by default, but you can modify it by accessing Settings > Date and Time and toggling the Show abbreviated time and date setting.
If you prefer to keep the notification bell icon visible in the system tray, you can enable it through Settings > System > Notifications by selecting the Show notification bell icon option.
You will find the 2024-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5048685) listed in the Settings app. Upon successful installation, your PC will update to build 22631.4602.
Before we delve into the other new features and bug fixes, let’s first cover the links to download the offline update installer files.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5048685
Here are the direct download links for Windows 11 KB5048685: 64-bit and ARM-64 | Microsoft Update Catalog.
If the update is not appearing in your Settings app, you can download the installer file and execute it on your device. Please note that the installation process may take some time, so it’s advisable to close all running applications before proceeding.
What’s New in Windows 11 Build 22631.4602?
The features introduced in KB5048685 are part of a progressive rollout, which means they may not all be immediately accessible after installation. We previously highlighted the updates relating to the system tray and Taskbar, but another significant Taskbar enhancement allows you to launch any jump list item with administrative privileges.
For those unfamiliar with jump lists, these are the context menus that appear when you right-click on a Taskbar icon. After opening a jump list, simply hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys while clicking on your desired item to launch it as an administrator. You will see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appear, where you can click ‘Yes’ to proceed. Quite handy, isn’t it?
Additionally, within the Start Menu, users will find expanded options in jump lists by right-clicking on any app icon. For instance, selecting the Snipping Tool offers more capture settings and timer functionalities.
Mouse settings have also been refined in this update. The Enhanced pointer precision feature is now accessible directly from the Mouse settings app page, eliminating the need for older utilities. Users can also adjust the scrolling direction of the mouse wheel via the Scrolling direction setting.
Furthermore, you can now share files seamlessly with your Android phone directly from File Explorer or your Desktop, negating the need for USB cables for smaller file transfers. This update even permits wireless access to mobile storage.
On devices with touch screens, users can now manage edge touch gestures through the settings menu.
The Dynamic Lighting page has received handy minor updates as well. If you do not possess compatible devices, a banner will inform you, and it will also lock the Brightness and Effects controls.
In terms of lighting effects, both the Wave and Gradient options now feature additional direction settings. The Wave effect provides options for Forward, Backward, Outward, and Inward movements, while the Gradient effect now includes a Forward option.
This update introduces an option that allows you to prevent your PC from sending diagnostic data to Microsoft, found under the Tailored Experiences section.
A variety of fixes are also part of this update, addressing issues with Bluetooth audio streaming and inconsistencies in File Explorer’s user interface. Fortunately, no major issues have been reported with this update.
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