Optional Windows 11 21H2 Update is Now Rolling Out

Microsoft has released an optional update for all users of Windows 11 Version 21H2. Included are important bug fixes and some improvements including a new flyout for the search box experience on the taskbar.

This is the preview for the patch day in April. A few days ago, the Windows team released the preview as part of the Windows Insider program, so some of the content was already known. Now KB5023774 is already starting for all users who have installed Windows 11 in the initial version of 2021.

Bug fixes and other improvements

If you want, you can get the update now and benefit from the changes before patch day. This non-security update includes quality improvements. It’s not a real feature update, just improvements. The Windows team has therefore revised the search field experience on the taskbar and now offers a search flyout field there.

Microsoft also provides a number of important bug fixes. Among other things, a problem with USB printers has been fixed. In addition, the Windows team addresses problems with Microsoft PowerPoint and Xbox subscriptions. More on this at the end of this post in the release notes.

The optional update KB5023774 is a so-called preview update or optional update. Microsoft used to group these updates under the term C updates. The new version has the build number 22000.1761. Unlike the Patch Day updates, the optional updates will only be released gradually. It is therefore possible that you will not be offered it via Windows Update after the start of publication. Then a restart often helps to be able to obtain the new version via Windows Update.

Main Highlights

• New! This update improves the search box experience on the taskbar. As you type in the search box, search results are now displayed in the search flyout box. You can also change the search interface you want for your taskbar by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. For commercial customers, this update adds a new policy for IT admins to manage how the search box appears on the taskbar in your organization.
• This update fixes an issue affecting the Editor field in Preferences. Not all available options are shown.
• This update fixes an issue that affects Microsoft PowerPoint. It’s unresponsive. This occurs when using accessibility tools.
• This update fixes an issue affecting USB printers. The system classifies them as multimedia devices even though they are not.
• This update fixes an issue affecting Xbox subscribers. When you purchase an Xbox subscription using the redeem code option, the Xbox subscription card does not appear on the Settings Accounts page. This occurs when recurring billing is disabled.

Improvements

This non-security update includes quality improvements. If you install this KB:

• This update fixes an issue affecting the command line. An error occurs when you set the system locale to Japanese and cmd.exe is configured in legacy mode.
• The update fixes an issue affecting the remote procedure call service (rpcss.exe). The issue may result in a condition between the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) and the Microsoft Remote Procedure Call (RPC) endpoint mapper.
• This update affects the ms-appinstaller URI. It now works with the DesktopAppInstaller policy.
• This update fixes an issue that affects Microsoft PowerPoint. It no longer works in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). This occurs when you use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
• This update fixes an issue affecting Windows Search. Windows Search fails inside Windows container images.
• This update resolves an issue affecting Microsoft HTML Application Host (HTA). This problem blocks code execution that Microsoft HTA uses. This occurs when you enable Windows Defender enforced Umci (User Mode Code Integrity) mode of WDAC (Application Control).
• This update fixes an issue affecting Desired State Configuration. The previously configured options will be lost. This occurs when metaconfig.mof is missing.
• This update fixes compatibility issues affecting some printers. These printers use GDI (Windows Graphical Device Interface) printer drivers. These drivers are not fully compliant with GDI specifications.
• This update resolves an issue that affects the Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) certificate. The system reports some SCEP certificate installations as failed. Instead, the system should report them as pending.
• This update fixes an issue affecting the new Windows Runtime API (WinRT). This issue prevents an application from querying location information with MBIM2.0 and later.
• The update addresses an issue affecting the pin credential icon for Fast Identity Online 2.0 (FIDO2). It does not appear on the external monitor credentials screen. This occurs when this monitor is connected to a closed laptop.
• This update affects the Set Default Mappings Group Policy Object (GPO) configuration file. You can now use it to create an extension for specific applications.
• This update fixes an issue affecting the SharedPC Account Manager. Multiple accounts cannot be deleted during cleanup.
• This update fixes an issue that may affect lsass.exe. It may stop responding. This occurs when a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) query is sent to a domain controller that has a very large LDAP filter.

Yasir Zeb

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