Windows Update Previews: For the time being only for older Windows

Windows is distributing the April Update Previews for Windows 11 in versions 23H2 and 22H2 as well as for Windows 10 22H2. Anyone using the current Windows 11 24H2 will be left out in the cold for the time being. The updates only bring minor improvements.

Microsoft calls the update previews "non-security updates", but is updating the security-relevant "Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist" in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. This is used to ward off attacks in which criminals bring their own drivers in vulnerable versions (BYOVD) – Once on the list, the Windows kernel refuses to load these drivers.

Update preview with improvements in Windows

Opening Excel files that are located on SMB shares and contain links to other Excel files opens Windows 11 faster after the update. In combination with Intel Core Ulta processors from the 200V series, the update also solves problems with the USBxHCI controller, which meant that, among other things, logging in with integrated USB cameras in Windows Hello did not work. Gamers will benefit from the fact that Xbox Elite wireless controllers with certain firmware versions will now work again.

With the KB5055629 update (Windows builds 22621.5262 and 22631.5262), Microsoft is then gradually distributing changes for File Explorer, for example, which displays a compilation of Microsoft 365 content on "Explorer Home" – to increase productivity. The unpacking of ZIP files should be faster, especially if the archives contain many small files. New keyboard shortcuts are designed to make better use of voice output, such as obtaining a "voice-related summary" of spoken content or following live transcription.

The improved integration with Smartphone Link is now included in the Windows release versions, allowing you to make phone calls, send text messages, access photos or share content between your desktop and smartphone from the Start menu. The new option to make "last minute" changes on the "Share Sheet" before sharing content, such as rotating or cropping images, promises to make things even easier.

As expected, the changes for Windows 10 are less extensive. When checking for GPU paravirtualization in the Windows subsystem for Linux 2, Windows was case-sensitive, which could cause GPU paravirtualization to fail. In addition, errors with "System as event 7023" and explanations such as "The System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker service terminated with the following error: %%3489660935" could occur incorrectly in the Windows logs. The KB5055663 update brings Windows 10 to build 19045.5789.

If there are no major errors in the update, these changes will also be included in the monthly updates officially called security updates on Patchday in roughly two weeks. It is not yet clear when users of Windows 11 24H2 will be able to enjoy the update preview.

(dmk)