Overview of the Windows 11 Update Preview KB5023778

On March 28, 2023, Microsoft released an important update preview for Windows 11 version 22H2, identified as KB5023778 (OS Build 22621.1485). This update preview includes a mix of new features, bug fixes, quality improvements, and a servicing stack update designed to enhance system stability and user experience. It is aimed at refining the Windows 11 environment while rolling out improvements in usability, accessibility, and security.

New Features and Enhancements

1. Microsoft Account Notifications in Start Menu

Microsoft has introduced notifications for Microsoft accounts directly within the Start menu. Initially available to a limited set of users, this feature will be rolled out to a broader audience in the upcoming months, enhancing account management directly from the Start experience.

2. Taskbar and Search Box Visual Improvements

The search box on the taskbar adjusts its appearance dynamically to provide a lighter look when Windows is set to a custom color mode, combining dark Windows mode and light app mode. This subtle UI update improves visual coherence and user comfort.

3. Accessibility Improvements

  • Fixed issues where accessibility tools affected applications like Microsoft PowerPoint becoming unresponsive.
  • Microsoft Narrator now properly reads items in dropdown lists within Excel.

4. Notepad and Settings Fixes

  • The Notepad combo box in Settings was not showing all available options, a problem now resolved.

5. USB Printer Classification Fix

Addressed an issue where certain USB printers were mistakenly classified as multimedia devices, which could interfere with driver management and printer functionality.

Quality Improvements and Security

  • Multiple new features and security enhancements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint have been incorporated.
  • Fixes related to PIN complexity policy settings and Fast Identity Online 2.0 (FIDO2) PIN credential icon improve login security and user experience.
  • System components and services have been refined for overall stability and reliability.
  • Inclusion of a servicing stack update (version 22621.1482) optimizes the Windows Update installation engine, enhancing future update processes.

Technical Details and How to Get the Update

This update increments the OS build to 22621.1485 and includes critical fixes and feature enhancements selectively rolled out to enhance user experience without compromising stability.

To install KB5023778:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Look for Optional updates available.
  3. Select KB5023778 and click Download and Install.

Manual installation is also possible via the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Implications and Impact

The KB5023778 update preview continues Microsoft's iterative approach to evolving Windows 11 by blending new functionality with refinements aimed at ease of use and security. Addressing accessibility bugs and UI consistency improves inclusivity and user satisfaction.

Moreover, fixing device classification issues, such as with USB printers, alleviates hardware compatibility woes, crucial for enterprise environments relying heavily on peripherals.

The servicing stack update ensures smoother, more reliable patch delivery in the future, reducing update failures and associated frustrations.

For users and IT professionals, this update enhances system resilience while preparing users for upcoming broader feature deployments.

Background: Windows 11 Update Strategy

Microsoft employs a preview update strategy to test and refine features and fixes in a controlled manner before wider deployment during Patch Tuesday releases. KB5023778 is part of this proactive update ecosystem, aiming to ensure updates meet quality and compatibility standards.

Summary

Windows 11 preview update KB5023778 (OS Build 22621.1485) is a noteworthy release that introduces new Start menu notifications for Microsoft accounts, improves Taskbar search visuals, fixes bugs impacting accessibility and peripherals, and delivers a servicing stack update to enhance update reliability.

Users are encouraged to install this preview to benefit from these incremental improvements, paving the way for a smoother Windows 11 experience.