Windows Latest https://www.windowslatest.com/ Your source for all things Microsoft Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:56:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Windows 11’s new Outlook to get “None” color category design update https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/19/windows-11s-new-outlook-to-get-none-color-category-design-update/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/19/windows-11s-new-outlook-to-get-none-color-category-design-update/#comments Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:44:29 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77078 Windows 11's new Outlook to get "None" color category design update the option to send email as attachment on Android and iOS.

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The new Outlook app lets you use color-coded categories for emails, notes, and more items. It helps in the easy identification and sorting of the items. Soon, you’ll see a None option and the default items in the Category context menu. It’s part of the company’s efforts to bring Windows 11 email app closer to the Mail & Calendar.

Windows Latest spotted this change on the official Roadmap page for Microsoft 365. It lists a new developmental feature called the “None” color category for Mail and Calendar in the New Outlook for Windows and Web.

This option will help you create and use a category without color. We like this idea, as having tens of color categories can get confusing to view and use. The rollout will start in December 2024, and we won’t see it in the stable version of the app until 2025.

categories context menu in new Outlook app

The above image is the screenshot of the existing “Categorize” feature in the new Outlook. The “None” option, which would force Outlook to use one colour, is currently missing. It was available in the retired Mail & Calendar app.

Thankfully, it’s making a return in the next update.

Email as an attachment in Outlook for mobile

Windows Latest spotted another feature listed on the Roadmap page for Outlook.

Until now, you could add an email as an attachment in Outlook and Outlook web app while sending a new mail. The same functionality will now arrive on the iOS and Android app for Outlook in the coming months.

This feature’s rollout also begins in December 2024, which will help you share complete email as an attachment to a contact.

If you don’t know how to send an email as an attachment on the Outlook web app, simply open a mail and click the ellipses icon next to the Forward button.

Select Other reply actions > Forward as attachment option. After that, enter the receiver’s email and other details and hit Send.

Forward as attachment option in new Outlook

If you aren’t using the new Outlook app on Windows, Microsoft has a detailed document describing its “great” features and how it is better than the old Mail and calendar app. Also, the end of the Mail & calendar is near.

Mail & calendar will retire in 2024

December 31, 2024, marks the end of the Mail and Calendar app we had become accustomed to.

Microsoft implemented forced migration and complicated the use of the old app. The new Outlook has several shortcomings but Microsoft assures it will fix them soon and add new features.

Like us, many users hate Microsoft’s idea of shoveling a new web wrapper into Windows 11. If you use Mail and Calendar, migrate your data to the new app as soon as possible. It will switch to read-only mode starting January 1, 2025.

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Windows 11 24H2 KB5046617 is causing new issues, including installation errors https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/18/windows-11-24h2-kb5046617-is-causing-new-issues-including-installation-errors/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/18/windows-11-24h2-kb5046617-is-causing-new-issues-including-installation-errors/#comments Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:08:43 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77069 Windows 11 24H2 is supposed to get better with the new cumulative updates, but that’s not the case. Many users have flagged that Windows 11 KB5046617 (24H2) fails to install due to 0x80070003, 0x800f0922 and 0x800f0991. However, even if you manage to install the November 2024 Patch Tuesday update, you might run into major issues. […]

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Windows 11 24H2 is supposed to get better with the new cumulative updates, but that’s not the case. Many users have flagged that Windows 11 KB5046617 (24H2) fails to install due to 0x80070003, 0x800f0922 and 0x800f0991. However, even if you manage to install the November 2024 Patch Tuesday update, you might run into major issues.

Windows Latest has already reported an issue where some people come across “Get a newer version of Windows” error in Windows 11 23H2 after KB5046633. While that issue was limited to Windows 11 23H2, Windows 11 24H2 has its own share of problems after KB5046617.

Windows 11 KB5046617 installation fails most of the time due to 0x800f0991 and 0x800f0922 errors, which do not tell us what went wrong. But that’s not all. In addition to installation errors, Windows updates could stop going beyond 37% or 40% and fail with one of the errors.

“I am unable to install the update KB5046617 for Windows 11 24H2. The installation consistently fails at 35% with the error code 0x800f0922. I have tried multiple troubleshooting step,” one of the users told Windows Latest.

Other users told Windows Latest that they’re running into 0x80070003 and purging Windows Update cache, running DISM or SFC does not work.

“Have tried stopping the services and renaming the Windows Update folders and restarting the services and retrying, also tired and failed again after running the Windows Update Automated Diagnostic which found a problem and tried to fix but it failed again. The update progresses to 35% and then fails with the error 0x800f0922,” another user noted.

According to Feedback Hub reports, some users also noticed that the updates do install, but when they go to settings, the Windows Update page says the updates have failed.

As I mentioned above, what’s particularly annoying with these errors is that it’s impossible to figure out what went wrong and what you can be done to install the November 2024 Patch Tuesday, which is mandatory for everyone.

Windows Update will continue to attempt the installation whether you like it or not. While you do have the option to pause updates, it’s not recommended.

In our tests, we have observed that updates do install manually when we use .msu from Microsoft Update Catalog. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Go to Microsoft Update Catalog and search for KB5046617.
  2. From there, click Download next to the listed update.
  3. Open the .msu link in a new tab, and download the file.
  4. Double-tap the .msu file to install the patch.

If nothing works, we recommend using the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, or you can use the built-in recovery method to reinstall the operating system. This will work for everyone, but it takes longer than usual.

Issues in Windows 11 KB5046617

KB5046617 was supposed to fix the long-standing Alt-Tab issue in Windows 11 24H2? That doesn’t appear to be the case, at least for some users.

In our tests, Windows Latest observed that Alt-Tab no longer shows a black or blank screen when switching between apps or games, but in some cases, you might still run into the issue.

Then there are also reports of issues with HDR in games, where colours appear overly bright or have a reddish tint. Another notable but isolated issue in Windows 11’s 24H2 November Patch is that some systems crash randomly, especially when playing games.

Here’s the full list of issues flagged in Windows 11 KB5046617 by some users, but remember that these are some isolated cases only, and we don’t think they’re widespread:

  • Random performance issues and BSODs.
  • Taskbar icons disappearing after waking the system from sleep or restart. Windows Latest was able to confirm this issue, and another bug where File Explorer menu opens in a opposite direction is still not patched.
  • USB devices connected via hubs suddenly stop working after updates.
  • Some Lenovo laptops had issues with keyboards and touchpads after updates, fixed by disabling Fast Startup.
  • Icons in File Explorer and desktop are resized incorrectly.

There are other bugs, too, but Windows Latest understands that the ones in the above list affect more users than other problems.

How is Windows 11’s November patch doing for you? Let us know in the comments below.

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Windows 11 KB5046716 experiments with new Snap Layouts features https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/17/windows-11-kb5046716-experiments-with-new-snap-layouts-features/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/17/windows-11-kb5046716-experiments-with-new-snap-layouts-features/#comments Sat, 16 Nov 2024 20:44:08 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77053 Windows 11 KB5046716 experiments with Snap Layouts labels to clarify its purpose to all the users and add support for gamepad.

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Snap layouts are probably the most used Windows 11 feature, at least on my PC. I can quickly snap multiple windows in a pre-suggested layout without manually adjusting them. However, Microsoft wants to improve the feature slightly more so that you can understand its purpose.

When you press the Win + Z key to open Snap Layouts, you see multiple layout suggestions. But there is no label to describe its purpose. In the latest Beta build 22635.4510 (KB5046716), Microsoft is trying new label ideas for the feature.

As noticed by Phantomofearth and confirmed by Windows Latest, this hidden change is available with KB5046716 and Microsoft is experimenting with hidden label ideas. Windows Latest was able to test the feature, and we can confirm that Microsoft has four label ideas for the snap assist flyout:

  • Choose where to move this window
  • Choose where to arrange this window
  • Choose where to snap this window
  • Choose an app layout for your screen

Windows Latest force turned on the feature and we tested all the variants one by one.

As shown in the screenshot gallery below, the label appears above the layout suggestions and mentions the keyboard shortcut to use the feature. It’s not a monumental change, but we like it because it clarifies the intent.

Previously, Microsoft improved the suggestions for the snap layout, which now displays the open app icons inside them. So it’s easy to understand which app will open in a specific part of the layout.

File Explorer also included labels for commonly used actions like copy, paste, delete, etc, making it clear that labels cannot be ignored.

Other improvements in Beta build 22635.4510

After adding share support to the Start menu, you can directly share files from the Taskbar jump lists. Whenever you right-click on any icon on the Taskbar, you’ll see a share icon alongside a file. E.g., the screenshot below shows the option to share a previously opened file in the Notepad app jump list.

Other feature upgrades include a new gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard. After selecting it, you can use your Xbox controller to navigate and type quickly.

Gamepad on screen keyboard in Windows 11 KB5044384

There are some new Narrator improvements to skip past links in a text document and directly go to any included list or table of contents section.

Microsoft is also experimenting with small taskbar for Windows 11 and we understand that the bigger changes will begin rolling out to everyone early next year. Some of the new features are planned for the November 2024 optional update.

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Microsoft explains why Windows 11’s new Outlook is better than Mail & Calendar https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/15/microsoft-explains-why-windows-11s-new-outlook-is-better-than-mail-calendar/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/15/microsoft-explains-why-windows-11s-new-outlook-is-better-than-mail-calendar/#comments Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:52:11 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77047 Microsoft explains why Windows 11's new Outlook is better than Mail & Calendar but the reasons aren't convincing enough.

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This year, we saw Microsoft’s growing impatience over the old Mail & Calendar app, which led to the new Outlook app, a web wrapper. Microsoft announced that the old Mail & calendar app will reach the end of support on 31st December 2024, forcing people to migrate to the new app.

According to a support document seen by Windows Latest, Microsoft has given some reasons justifying what makes new Outlook better than Mail & Calendar apps.

It starts by describing how the new Outlook is supercharged with AI features that can help you write emails with a few prompts (as if writing emails is a surmounting task for those who do it daily). We don’t see it as a huge selling point, and the option to remind you to follow up on important conversations isn’t something you cannot live without.

Other “great” features include accessing all the emails in one place. The rest are gibberish features promoting Microsoft 365, and some mention the security features built into the app.

A few months back, there was a comparison table for Outlook web, Outlook, and Mail & calendar. I can’t find that now. There’s only a new table with the Outlook web and Outlook.

Why do users hate the new Outlook app?

Microsoft introduced the new app as subtle hints, followed by ads and forcibly migrating users to the new Outlook. It didn’t let anyone decide to stay on the Mail & Calendar app and wanted everyone to like the new app.

If you ask us, we’re happy about the new UI and a few features, but converting the app into a web wrapper is an added burden.

Another pain point is the lack of some features that Microsoft plans to add slowly in the future. Still, the ads are the biggest pain point of the new web Outlook.

The UWP Mail and calendar didn’t have ads, and Microsoft will change that with the new Outlook. We previously reported that the weather app is getting more ads, and Outlook is no exception.

Microsoft isn’t satisfied with making money only through OS licenses and loves to burden its users with app ads. However, there’s no choice for you, and you must migrate to the new app and move your data before the end of the support date.

From January 1, 2025, Mail & calendar will function and only serve as an old mail opening tool. It won’t be able to send or receive new mail.

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Microsoft is killing off Windows 11 Store’s no-download Instant Games (Arcade) https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/13/microsoft-is-killing-off-windows-11-stores-no-download-instant-games-arcade/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/13/microsoft-is-killing-off-windows-11-stores-no-download-instant-games-arcade/#comments Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:38:53 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77041 In September 2023, Microsoft announced the Windows 11 2023 Update and Surface upgrades, introducing "Instant Games" in the Microsoft Store. This feature allows users to play games without downloading them. It started rolling out in February 2024 and will be discontinued on November 14, 2024.

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In September 2023, Microsoft announced the Windows 11 2023 Update and Surface upgrades, along with new features for the Microsoft Store, like “Instant Games.” This feature lets you play games directly from the Microsoft Store without downloading them. It began rolling out in February 2024, and now it’s going away on November 14, 2024.

We covered the roll out of Instant Games in February 2024, and while we liked the idea,  we rightly pointed out that the new feature took longer than usual to begin rolling out to everyone.

Although announced in September 2023, Instant Games feature wasn’t available in the Microsoft Store for anyone until February 2024. Worse, wider roll out began much later.

It turns out that there weren’t too many people interacting with these Instant Games, which were more or less limited to Arcade category. In a statement, Microsoft confirmed “Instant Games” are going away starting November 14, 2024. This means you won’t be able to play these games without downloading them.

“Starting from 14th November, 2024, Arcade will be removed from the Microsoft Store. You can continue to download your games, but instant play will no longer be available,” the company said.

First spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has now also updated the Windows Store description under the Arcade section to reflect its decision.

Microsoft Store instant games ended

If you have never tried Instant Games, you can still open the Arcade category in the Microsoft Store and try a few of them. These games would still be available, but you must download them to play. Right now, it’s possible to play Instant Games without downloading.

The idea of Instant games might remind you of old Flash games. They’re not of highest quality, but the games are fun to play, especially if you’re looking for time pass or just want to have fun.

Instant Games were supposed to make the Microsoft Store more engaging. In fact, Microsoft had worked with several game publishers to make Instant Games fun on Windows 11, and the company hoped “users [would] jump in and instantly play favorite casual game directly from the Microsoft Store”.

At the time of writing, Windows Latest noticed that there are up to 69 free-to-play acrade-themed games, including some that are pretty similar to Angry Birds.

I personally liked the idea of Instant Games, but it goes without saying that it had a slow roll out and it failed to gain traction because people do not use the Microsoft Store as frequently as they use Google Play.

Perhaps if some popular games were part of the Microsoft Store’s Instant Play catalogue, things would have been different.

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Windows 11 23H2 bug causes “end of service”, “get the newer version of Windows” alerts https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/13/windows-11-23h2-bug-causes-reached-the-end-of-service-get-the-newer-version-alerts/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/13/windows-11-23h2-bug-causes-reached-the-end-of-service-get-the-newer-version-alerts/#comments Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:58:06 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77030 Windows 11 KB5046633 (23H2) has a known issue that incorrectly warns users, "Your version of Windows has reached the end of service," suggesting they need to update.

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Windows 11 KB5046633 (23H2) has an issue where it could incorrectly warn that “Your version of Windows has reached the end of service” and you need to “Get the newer version of Windows to stay up to date“. You’ll see the following message when you go to the Windows Update page (I’m attaching a screenshot for your reference).

Windows 11 23H2 Your version of Windows has reached the end of service error

Microsoft support representative confirmed to Windows Latest that today’s end of support Windows update notification is a bug.

While Windows 11 24H2 is indeed the newest version, Windows 11 23H2 remains supported until November 11, 2025. Microsoft’s official documentation shows that support for Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, for Home and Pro. On the other hand, Enterprise and Education remains supported until Nov 10, 2026.

This means after that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or support for older PCs.

However, after installing Windows 11 23H2 Patch Tuesday KB5046633, which began rolling out on November 12’s morning, many users told Windows Latest that they were seeing alerts saying, “Get the newer version of Windows to stay up to date. Your version of Windows has reached the end of service.

“I’m on Windows 11 23H2, which is still supported, why do I suddenly see a message saying that this is End of Service,” one of the users noted in a post. “Installed KB5045935, KB5046633 now Windows Update says “Get the newer version of Windows to stay up to date,” another user noted.

Get the newer version of Windows to stay up to date. Your version of Windows has reached the end of service

This “warning” still has the “Check for updates” button, which is causing confusion for users who already have the latest version of Windows 11.

If you also see the error, you’re not alone. Thousands of users have the problem. Windows Latest was able to confirm this issue in our own tests and saw the same incorrect alerts, even on fully updated systems.

A Microsoft support representative confirmed to Windows Latest that Windows 11 23H2’s “Your version of Windows has reached the end of service” alert is a known issue currently being investigated and will be fixed automatically via a server-side update.

“This is just a reporting bug on our side”, a Microsoft support representative told Windows Latest.

I am told that the Windows Update error/warning will automatically disappear within the next few hours. However, logging out of your account or restarting your system may speed up the process.

KB5046633 is November 2024’s mandatory security update and it has tons of decent fixes, including fix for an issue that causes excessive battery power usage if you device has Modern Standby feature. It also added an option to change the Copilot key to do something else, such as open Windows Search.

It’s unclear how an update like KB5046633 caused Windows Update to incorrectly warn people, but you can safely ignore the alert and check back the Windows Update page later.

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Windows 10 KB5046613 adds Microsoft account manager (direct download .msu) https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-10-kb5046613-brings-the-account-manager-to-the-start-menu-direct-download-msu/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-10-kb5046613-brings-the-account-manager-to-the-start-menu-direct-download-msu/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:15:06 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77011 Windows 10 KB5046613 brings the Account Manager to the Start menu. Check out direct download links for the offline installer file.

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Windows 10 KB5046613, the November 2024 security update for Windows 11 22H2, is available now. It will install automatically via Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update, but Microsoft has also published the offline installer file (.msu) links on the Microsoft update catalog site.

KB5046613 is a mandatory November 2024 Patch Tuesday update. The main highlight of this update is the new Account Manager in the Start menu that lets you check the currently active account, some key Microsoft service stats, and promotional stuff. We aren’t fans of the promotional stuff, but that’s just Microsoft putting in too much effort.

KB5046613 Windows Update
Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

As shown in the above screenshot, Windows Latest observed that Windows 10’s Start menu now has the same Microsoft account manager integration available in Windows 11. It’ll likely get better in an upcoming release, but it’s here to stay and you cannot remove it.

The rest of the changes are just fixes for the existing problems with Windows 10. One of the major fixes is for the Windows 11 upgrade issue. When a Windows 10 user tried to upgrade to Windows 11, the PC crashed with a BSOD error, but this has now been fixed.

If you check for updates today, you’ll see “2024-11 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5046613).”

Download Links for Windows 10 KB5046613

Windows 10 KB5046613 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).

If you don’t get the update or it fails to install, use the above offline installer file to install the November 2024 security update. It will advance your PC to Windows 10 Build 19045.5131.

What’s new in Windows 10 Build 19045.5131

Microsoft has fixed an issue where some games stopped responding after Windows 10 KB5044384. According to the company, a bug in a recent update caused DRM-based games to crash. This was due to a change made in the previous update, which is being reverted with today’s patch.

Due to a bug in Windows 10, some multifunction printers worked incorrectly and would print the command string without any request from the user. Even drivers failed to install while connecting to a multifunction printer via a USB cable.

This issue was present in Windows 11 as well and is now patched in both operating systems.

Here are the other noteworthy upgrades added in Windows 10 22H2 build 1904x.5131:

  • There’s a new product activation phone number that works in multiple regions.
  • Microsoft has fixed an issue where Vmswitch produced a stop error while managing and switching between two virtual machines.
  • A bug has been fixed where WebView2 apps couldn’t recognize the device when you connected an Xbox 360 or any other Bluetooth controller.
  • Some system apps like Windows Narrator failed to start for non-admin user profiles. This has been fixed.
  • Azure Virtual Desktop users faced a black screen issue after logging in and couldn’t sign in to office apps. Microsoft has also patched it.

All these features and improvements will become available after you install the Windows 10 KB5046613 update.

According to the release notes, Microsoft is still aware of an issue where some apps could fail to open. This issue affects apps such as Teams, Narrator and even Quick Assist.

Microsoft confirmed it has already started rolling out a fix for the issue, which will be automatically delivered via a server-side update.

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Windows 11 KB5046633 23H2 out with features (direct download .msu) links https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-11-kb5046633-23h2-out-with-features-direct-download-msu-links/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-11-kb5046633-23h2-out-with-features-direct-download-msu-links/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:13:31 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=77001 Windows 11 KB5046633 makes the Copilot key configurable, fixes Modern Standby. Find the direct download links here.

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Windows 11 KB5046633 is now available as the monthly November 2024 security patch for 23H2 users. While the update is rolling out via Windows Update, impatient users or those who own multiple PCs can use the direct download links for KB5046633 offline installer (.msu) available on the Microsoft Update Catalog.

KB5046633 is a mandatory security update and as is the case with Patch Tuesday updates, you get all the improvements that were a part of the last month’s optional update. Two features stand out among the long list of improvements, the ability to ditch the Copilot key and a slight change for the Start menu.

If you have a Windows 11 PC with a physical Copilot key, you can map it to another shortcut. We spotted it in a preview build a few months back, and the change is finally here in 23H2. Simply put, you can set it to launch any app of your choice or open the Windows search. The latter is useless because you can easily search for anything in the Start menu.

Adding an extra Copilot key was unnecessary, but it served Microsoft’s Copilot branding and is now useless because we have a vacant shortcut for Cortana. To change the key behavior, go to Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on the keyboard option and pick either Custom or Search option from the list.

change copilot key behavior in windows 11

For now, the setting appears on Windows 11 PC without a Copilot key. Tweaking it doesn’t have an impact because the PC doesn’t have a physical key.

This November security update changes the naming of the All Apps section to All. We don’t like the change because it’s more confusing. Also, we are still waiting for the Grid and Category layouts for the Start menu.

Download Links for Windows 11 KB5046633

Windows 11 KB5046633 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM | Microsoft Update Catalog.

Since Windows 11 KB5046633 is a mandatory security update, it’ll automatically install on your 23H2 PC. If the update fails to install or isn’t available, you can use the above direct download link to update your PC manually.

What’s new in Windows 11 Build 22631.4460

KB5046633 will bump up your PC’s build to Windows 11 Build 22631.4460. There are some improvements that are a part of the gradual rollout phase and will arrive a little late on your PC.

It includes a new Narrator shortcut key to help you copy its speech to the clipboard. Press the Narrator key + Ctrl + X combination to use the copy feature. Moreover, you can read emails in the new Outlook app, which wasn’t possible before.

This update patches a Microsoft Teams bug that stopped you from joining a meeting via Outlook reminders. It also fixes a Modern Standby bug that dranied more battery instead of conserving it.

Here’s a list of some problems patched in Windows 11 KB5046633:

  • The “I forgot my PIN” option didn’t work in Windows Hello mode.
  • The Xbox 360 and Bluetooth controller weren’t detected in the webview2 apps.
  • Bluetooth apps stopped working due to memory leaks.
  • Using vmswitch in a virtual machine triggered BSODs.

While the Patch Tuesday updates aim to fix bugs, they often introduce new ones, like the dual-boot bug for Linux. We’ll keep testing the build for any new troubles.

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Windows 11 KB5046617 (24H2) out with fixes (direct download .msu) https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-11-kb5046617-24h2-out-with-fixes-direct-download-msu/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/windows-11-kb5046617-24h2-out-with-fixes-direct-download-msu/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:12:55 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=76992 Windows 11 KB5046617 is now rolling to everyone with version 24H2, and it fixes most of the major issues. Like every patch, you can download it from Settings > Windows Update, but if you have multiple PCs or you prefer the manual route, Microsoft has also published direct download links for KB5046617 offline installers (.msu). […]

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Windows 11 KB5046617 is now rolling to everyone with version 24H2, and it fixes most of the major issues. Like every patch, you can download it from Settings > Windows Update, but if you have multiple PCs or you prefer the manual route, Microsoft has also published direct download links for KB5046617 offline installers (.msu).

KB5046617 is a mandatory security (Patch Tuesday) release, which means it’s supposed to download and install automatically in the coming hours. This is the second Patch Tuesday release for Windows 11 24H2 and the fourth if you own a Copilot+ PC. Since it’s still a new operating system version, there are tons of bug fixes.

My personal favourite change in Windows 11 24H2’s November 2024 Patch is a new setting that finally lets you block the “suggestions” to turn off notifications. With Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft added a feature that shows a notification suggesting you block alerts from apps you haven’t interacted with in a while.

Windows 11 Build 26100.2314 notification setting

Were you also seeing too many of these “Notification Suggestions”? Starting with November 12 update, you can click on (…) button, and turn it off. This can also be turned off with Settings > System > Notifications > “Notification Suggestions”.

Remember that you need to be on Windows 11 Build 26100.2314 or newer to see this toggle. If you’re on Windows 11 24H2, you’ll automatically see the following patch when you check for updates:

2024-11 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5046617)

2024-11 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5046617)

This will advance 24H2 to Windows 11 Build 26100.2314.

Microsoft has also published an update for the .NET framework 3.5 and 4.8.1. For those unaware, these .NET frameworks are updated every month on Patch Tuesday because they power popular Windows apps, and security patches are necessary.

Download Links for Windows 11 KB5046617

Windows 11 KB5046617 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64 | Microsoft Update Catalog.

In addition to Windows Update, these updates are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog, so you can open the above link and get the .msu files. To do this, you need to click on “Download” next to the listed patch for your PC (check for system details from Settings > System > About).

Finally, it will open a pop-up dialog with the link to the .msu file. Click on the link to save the .msu of November 12 Patch, and double-click it to begin installing the update without using Windows Update.

(A bug causes the Update Catalog to appear with incorrect language. Microsoft is investigating it).

What’s new in Windows 11 Build 26100.2314?

Windows 11 24H2 KB5046617 is at the forefront of improvements, which is supposed to make this year’s biggest update more usable. Microsoft has finally fixed an issue where Alt+Tab causes a black screen when you switch between app windows, particularly games.

This was one of the major issues with Windows 11 24H2.

Windows 11 24H2’s long standing bug where Disk Cleanup or Storage Settings will incorrectly estimate the storage usage has also been fixed.

Windows Update 8.63GB cache in Windows 11 24H2
Windows Update Cache 8.63GB | Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

This bug caused the Windows Update cache to appear as 8.63GB. In addition, Microsoft is promising that Disk Cleanup is now more accurate after KB5046617 update.

Windows 11 24H2 SFC Scannow found corrupted files bug

Similarly, SFC should now work correctly when you use sfc/scannow command. Previously, a bug in 24H2 was forcing SFC to repair certain files on every scan.

Windows Latest can confirm this has been fixed.

Windows 11 24H2 Task Manager Zero processes
Windows 11 24H2 Task Manager Zero processes | Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

Another Windows 11 24H2 bug where Task Manager incorrectly reported “zero processes” has been fixed. Last but not least, DirectAccess now works properly if you upgraded to Windows 11 2024 Update using an in-place upgrade. A bug previously caused connection failures.

In terms of new features, the most notable one is that you can configure the Copilot key on your keyboard to open an app or Windows Search.

Turn off Copilot Key

Microsoft says that custom app mapping only supports signed MSIX packages, which loosely means you cannot set unverified apps as shortcuts.

As already mentioned at the outset, the next best thing we like about Windows 11 KB5046617 is the ability to remove notifications about turning off the notification from a particular app. Earlier, if you missed a notification for, let’s say Chrome, Windows would nag you about it.

Now, you can click the Turn-off button to remove it or visit the Notifications page in the Settings app.

When you view the Wi-Fi password in the Settings app, it opens in Windows 11 UI style rather than the old, eye-gouging look. There’s also a new Narrator shortcut (Narrator key + Ctrl + X) to copy the narrated text to the clipboard. It now works with the new Outlook web app.

Other minor fixes in Windows 11 Build 26100.2314 include adding a detach virtual hard disk option in the Settings app. Previously, you could only do that via the Control Panel, but now the button is available in the Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes section.

The netsh wlan show networks command gets UTF-8 support. So, reading your “ingeniously” crafted SSIDs with emojis is possible. If you use Windows Sandbox, you’ll see a new Audio and video input control option along with the ability to share folders and clipboard data with the host OS.

Windows 11 KB5046617 also fixes the following existing issues:

  • Scanning apps failed to detect certain scanners despite no connection issues.
  • Some parts of Windows UI became inaccessible while using apps.
  • Shutting down the PC generated a BSOD stop code error.

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Microsoft makes Windows 11 24H2 available for more PCs, as two upgrade blocks lift https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/microsoft-makes-windows-11-24h2-available-for-more-pcs-as-two-upgrade-blocks-lift/ https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/11/12/microsoft-makes-windows-11-24h2-available-for-more-pcs-as-two-upgrade-blocks-lift/#comments Mon, 11 Nov 2024 23:20:00 +0000 https://www.windowslatest.com/?p=76993 Windows 11 24H2 is now available for more PCs after Microsoft removed two upgrade blocks. One affected certain fingerprint sensors, and the other was related to the Voicemeeter app, which caused Blue Screen of Death errors during the Windows 11 2024 Update installation.

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Windows 11 24H2 is now available for more PCs as Microsoft has lifted two upgrade blocks. One block affected PCs with a certain type of fingerprint sensor, and another affected PCs with Voicemeeter app, which caused Blue Screen of Death errors when installing Windows 11 2024 Update.

Windows 11 24H2 has been under development for about a year and began rolling out to some PCs on October 1. Microsoft also made the update available via the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant. Later, Microsoft published the ISO images of Windows 11 24H2 and promised files for ARM PCs in the coming weeks.

At the same time, Microsoft told us that it won’t let everyone go to Windows Update Settings, check for updates and grab Windows 11 24H2. The upgrade blocks were applied on some PCs due to potential issues with Windows 11 24H2 on specific configurations, such as older models from Asus.

Windows 11 24H2 has as many as nine officially listed “upgrade blocks,” and two have been quietly lifted in early November.

Upgrade block lifted for devices with fingerprint senors

As spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft says it has fixed an issue where certain devices might experience problems with fingerprint sensors.

Fingerprint sensors are quite common in modern 2-in-1s, and it’s likely that a bug affected a particular manufacturer or vendor, but Microsoft won’t tell us how many devices were affected.

While we don’t know how many devices with fingerprint sensors were affected due to Windows 11 24H2 upgrade blocks, we think it was one of the widely applied upgrade blocks compared to other issues.

Windows Latest noticed that Microsoft updated its support document to lift the upgrade block on November 8, 2024. According to the company, a bug in Windows 11 24H2 was causing the sensors to become unresponsive after the PC was locked. As a result, the Windows Hello fingerprint did not work, and authentication failed.

“Only a limited set of devices are affected by this issue,” Microsoft originally stated in the support document, and warned people against manually updating “to version 24H2 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until this issue has been resolved.”

With Windows 11 KB5044284 (released on October 8), Microsoft said it fixed the fingerprint issue.

After briefly testing the patch for another month, Microsoft confirmed that the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block has been lifted on PCs with a fingerprint sensor. You’ll see this on Windows Update when you check for updates.

windows 11 24h2 offer in settings app
Windows 11 24H2 now offered via Windows Update on affected PCs

Voicemeeter BSOD safeguard lifted to allow Windows 11 24H2

While going through the documentation, Windows Latest also noticed that Microsoft has lifted the update block on devices running the audio software Voicemeeter.

After releasing Windows 11, version 24H2, some users flagged a sudden blue screen errors when using Voicemeeter, displaying a “MEMORY MANAGEMENT” error.

As soon as it received the reports from early testers, Microsoft applied a temporary “safeguard hold,” blocking Windows 11 24H2 for people with Voicemeeter app.

A new update for Voicemeeter (1.1.1.8, 2.1.1.8, or 3.1.1.8) is now available and it allows Windows 11 24H2 to go through smoothly.

This upgrade block was lifted on November 5, 2024.

However, Windows 11 24H2 is still not available for some configurations due to the following safeguard holds:

  • ASUS devices (models X415KA and X515KA) are still blocked due to blue screen errors.
  • Camera issues on devices using object or face recognition can cause apps to become unresponsive.
  • Safe Exam Browser versions 3.7 and below are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2, leading to launch failures.
  • Easy Anti-Cheat with outdated drivers is causing blue screen errors during gameplay.
  • Wallpaper customization apps may not work as expected, leading to crashes or incomplete functionality.
  • Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers are causing blue screens due to compatibility issues.
  • Asphalt 8 may periodically freeze, leading to game crashes on affected systems.

We’re only talking about the upgrade blocks here, not the issues.

Windows 11 24H2 issues are longer than the above list as they cause the mouse cursor to disappear, Windows Update 8.63GB cache, Task Manager zero processes count, BSODs for certain SSDs, network (Wi-Fi) failure, and even a bug where the File Explorer menu appears outside the screen.

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