Windows Update Preview: Improvements for sharing files
Microsoft has distributed the previews for the upcoming Windows update. File Explorer has received the most improvements.
Windows updates are available.
(Image: Bild erstellt mit KI in Bing Designer durch heise online / dmk)
On Thursday night, Microsoft released the preview versions of the non-security-related parts of the upcoming Windows updates. The developers from Redmond are particularly highlighting detailed improvements in File Explorer.
The update preview for Windows 11 (KB5037853) raises the build number to 22621.3672 and 22631.3672. The highlight list is slightly longer, but improvements for File Explorer stand out. For example, when clicking on the share icon, the dialog should no longer simply close if users click next to it. A close button should appear at the top right - however, this apparently still needs to be activated with a feature enable pack, in our test the old behavior was still observed, a dialog close button does not yet appear.
Update preview for Windows 11 improves File Explorer
The address bar of the file explorer displays so-called breadcrumbs. They are separated by the right-click icon, which now already offers a context menu with some functions that appear after right-clicking on it. With the update, it should be possible to move files directly between these breadcrumbs. This function was also not yet available after installing the update during a test.
A "Linked devices" section should now appear under "Settings" - "Accounts". This is where you can manage your own PCs and Xbox consoles. The update also marks the start of a new account manager, which displays information about the Microsoft account in the Windows Start menu and allows easy access to its management, provided a Microsoft account is used to log in to the computer. In the Microsoft Edge web browser, the sharing dialog will now also be able to create QR codes for URLs and cloud files. Microsoft lists numerous other minor improvements in the knowledge base entry.
Update preview also for Windows 10
The change list for the Windows 10 update preview (KB5037849) is significantly shorter. It raises the build number to 19045.4474. When using certain, unspecified screen sharing apps, a hidden window may be displayed. Its title bar has no content, and it also has no client area. The share button could also not work with USB controllers in the game bar. Other minor bug fixes include the Microsoft Entra ID: devices were unable to authenticate a second time, which has happened since the November 2023 security update. Further minor changes can also be found in the knowledge base entry.
The improvements and corrections in the update previews usually become part of the security update that is released the following month on Microsoft Patchday. At least if they prove to be stable or non-disruptive in preview mode.
On the last patchday, Microsoft had already closed security gaps in Windows that were under active attack. Attackers were thus able to extend their rights or smuggle malicious code onto vulnerable computers.
(dmk)