October 2024 Preview Update for Windows 11 Versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2

• Microsoft has released a preview of the October 2024 update for Windows 11.
• The Week “D”update is available for versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 via the Release Preview Channel.
• This non-security update introduces new features and numerous fixes for the operating system.
• The company has not disclosed the exact date for the final release of Windows 11 24H2.

Microsoft is currently testing the next Patch Tuesday Update for Windows 11 with the rollout of update KB5043178 for version 24H2 and update KB5043145 for versions 23H2 and 22H2, available through the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, ahead of the anticipated final release on October 8, 2024.

As detailed in the official changes published on September 23, 2024, the update KB5043178 upgrades the version number to build 26100.1876 for Windows 11 24H2, bringing various visual enhancements to the Start menu, Taskbar, Settings app, Lock screen, and battery management.

Update KB5043145, as per the announcement, also increases the version numbers for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 to 22621.4247 and 22631.4247, respectively, and includes similar enhancements for existing features as seen in version 24H2.

The primary difference lies in the specific fixes included in each update. For instance, the preview update for older versions addresses issues with IE Mode, TCP, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, while also resolving encryption issues with the Outlook app and updating COSA profiles for mobile network operators.

In contrast, the update for the latest feature version addresses challenges pertaining to open-source software, Input Method Editor (IME), and WebView2 applications.

Upcoming Features in Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2

Within the October 2024 update for Windows 11, Microsoft intends to enhance several features with visual updates.

Enhanced Start Menu Account Manager

With Windows 11 builds 26100.1876, 22621.4247, and 22631.4247, the Start menu now features a “Sign out” button directly within the menu, eliminating extra steps to access this option.

Additionally, the “More options” (…) submenu now conveniently displays other available users on the computer, streamlining the process of switching accounts, which previously required signing out and selecting from the Lock screen.

New Share Option in Search

Microsoft is enhancing file sharing capabilities, and in this update, a new option to share files appears in search results when accessed through the Taskbar.

New Media Controls on Lock Screen

The Lock screen will now display media controls at the bottom when playing audio or video from any app, showing a thumbnail, content name, and controls for playback.

Redesigned Settings App Interface

As part of this update, Microsoft is enhancing the Settings app with several improvements. The “Delivery Optimization” settings page will receive a design update that aligns more closely with the overall design language of the operating system.

The new design consolidates previously separate pages—“Advanced options” and “Activity monitor” —on the main “Delivery Optimization” page. Users will now encounter a collapsible “Download options” section to adjust both background and foreground limits. Furthermore, the augmented “Upload options” section will allow management of upload bandwidth and monthly upload caps.

Users can also view download and upload statistics in the “Activity Monitor” section.

Moreover, adjustments to the “Energy recommendations” settings will provide a new suggestion to disable HDR (high dynamic range) for improved battery life. Additionally, there’s a new system update that will prompt users to connect their devices to power when battery life drops to 20% while Energy Saver is set to “Always On.”

As part of the “Power & battery” changes, Microsoft is updating the “Power Mode” feature, enabling the selection of power modes (Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, Best Performance) regardless of whether the device is plugged in or running on battery.

Finally, under the “Mouse settings” page, users will now find options to modify the scrolling direction of the mouse wheel and to enable enhanced pointer precision.

It is significant to note that these updates are implemented progressively since Microsoft utilizes Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology for deploying new features.

Additionally, the developments for Windows 11 24H2 are accessible to all users within the Release Preview Channel. The expected release date for the feature update is October 8, 2024; should that not occur, these updates will remain exclusive to Copilot+ PCs for the time being.

How to Install Updates

To download and install these Windows 11 updates, you need to enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings located in the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll your computer in the program, you can check for and download the build via the “Windows Update” settings by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

Source