The Patch Tuesday, November 2023 update is available for Windows 11 23H2 with significant improvements changes, and bug fixes. KB5032190 is the release that increases the versions to 22631.2715 and 22621.2715. You can receive this update through automatic mode or manual installation.
Full name of this release is Cumulative update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based systems, 2023-11 (KB5032190) where “x64” is variable and it can also be ARM64. Let’s see what is new in this update:
Table of Contents
KB5032190 Windows 11 23H2 update Changes, and improvements
Here is the changelog:
Features and Changes
Introducing the Latest Windows 11 Update: Centralized AI Assistance, Copilot, and Enhanced Features
In the newest Windows 11 update KB5032190, users can experience a preview of Copilot, a centralized AI assistance feature, making Windows 11 the pioneering PC platform to integrate such support. The initial focus of this preview is on the unified user interface.
To activate Copilot in Windows, simply click the Copilot button on the taskbar or use the shortcut “WIN+C”. Copilot utilizes the same Microsoft account aka MSA or Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account used for signing in to Windows. It’s noteworthy that Azure AD will now be referred to as Microsoft Entra ID.
Copilot in Windows presents itself as a non-intrusive sidebar on the right side of your screen, ensuring it does not overlap with desktop content or obstruct open app windows. This AI feature, integrated with Bing Chat, provides contextually relevant responses, enhancing the overall Windows experience.
For users concerned about data usage, information about Bing’s data handling can be found in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. Additionally, Microsoft emphasizes its commitment to responsible Artificial Intelligence development.
The Windows 11 update, version 22H2, scheduled for release on September 26, 2023, will be available globally. However, the Copilot in Windows preview will initially roll out in select global markets, with plans to expand availability gradually.
Start Menu Improvements: Richer Previews and Quick Sharing
The updated Start menu offers a more comprehensive preview when hovering over files under “Recommended.” Thumbnails may not be available for all files in this initial release, but right-clicking cloud file recommendations allows for quick sharing.
Taskbar, System Tray, and Notifications Enhancements
- Enhanced Volume Mixer in Quick Settings: This update introduces an improved volume mixer, allowing users to customize audio settings for each app separately. The shortcut WIN + CTRL + V provides quick access to the volume mixer.
- Windows Spatial Audio Experience: It is now easier to enable the Windows Spatial Audio experience, with a “quick access list” displaying all spatial audio technology installed on the device. Additional spatial sound technologies, such as Dolby and DTS, can be found in the Microsoft Store.
- New Taskbar Features: The update includes a never combined mode, allowing users to view application windows and their labels on the taskbar apiece. Desktop labels now appear when transitioning between desktops in Task View.
- System Tray Customization: Users can now suppress the time and date in the system tray by right-clicking the system tray clock and selecting Adjust date and time.
- Revamped Notifications: Notifications now appear as a bell icon in the system tray, with a fill color based on the system’s accent color when new notifications are present. A view notification button is introduced for urgent or important notifications received during do not disturb mode.
- Toast Interaction and Task Management: Windows now detects user interaction with toast notifications, providing suggestions to turn off the toast banner for specific apps. Users can right-click on an app in the taskbar to end the task, and a new setting for developers allows this capability.
- Network Troubleshooting: A new option to start diagnosing network problems is added to the system tray, accessible by right-clicking the network icon.
File Explorer Enhancements in the Latest Update: Modernized Design and Improved Functionality
In KB5032190, File Explorer undergoes significant improvements, providing users with a more streamlined and feature-rich experience.
- Modernized File Explorer Home:
- New! The update presents a modernized File Explorer Home equipped with WinUI.
- Recommended files are now portrayed in a carousel, visible when signed in to Windows using an Azure AD account.
- Users can opt to show pinned folders instead of the carousel by selecting the ellipses and adjusting the Folder Options in the Privacy section.
- Enhanced Address Bar:
- The recently designed address bar in File Explorer now onwards recognizes both local and cloud folders.
- It displays the file’s status, and for OneDrive users, the address bar includes the cloud sync status and a quota flyout box.
- Details Pane and Collaboration Features:
- A new details pane (“ALT+Shift+P”) in File Explorer provides contextual information about specified files.
- Users can access corresponding content, stay updated on file activity, and collaborate without opening the file.
- Gallery in File Explorer:
- KB5032190 introduces Gallery, making it convenient to access your photo collection in File Explorer.
- Gallery displays the same content as the All Photos view in the Photos app, showcasing your most recently taken photos at the top.
- Users can choose folders in Gallery using the Collection dropdown menu and add subfolders for a filtered view of content.
- Additional File Explorer Features:
- KB5032190 LCU brings Native support for reading additional archive file formats using the libarchive open-source project.
- Tabs can now be torn off and combined with an existing File Explorer window.
- Enhanced performance during the calculating phase when sending a large number of files to the recycle bin.
- Windows Share Enhancements:
- Share files straight away using Outlook within the Windows share window, with an Outlook icon in the Share using area.
- The share window now incorporates a search box for discovering contacts across Outlook.
- Nearby sharing is now activated through a button instead of a dropdown menu, and your own PCs appear at the top of discovered devices.
- Quickly file sharing between PCs using Wi-Fi Direct in the nearby sharing feature.
- Backup and Restore Features:
- Introducing the Windows Backup app for quick and efficient backup of your current PC, facilitating a smooth transition to a new PC.
- Microsoft Store apps and desktop apps from the previous PC are pinned where they were on the taskbar and Start menu.
- Settings from the previous device are restored, aiding a seamless return to your preferred workflow.
KB5032190 Enhancements in Emoji, Windows Spotlight, Narrator, Voice Access, and Security
Emoji:
- KB5032190 supports Unicode Emoji 15. Users can now easily see, search for, and insert new emoji from the emoji panel, accessible by pressing the Windows logo key + . (period).
- The color font format is upgraded to COLRv1, furnishing emoji with a 3D-like look when supported by an application.
Windows Spotlight:
- With KB5032190, the Windows Spotlight experience is improved, allowing users to preview images in full screen using the Learn more button.
- A minimized Windows Spotlight experience is introduced, offering multiple ways to learn more about each image. Right-clicking the Spotlight icon on the desktop unfolds the Windows Spotlight flyout box.
Narrator:
- In Windows 11 23H2 22631.2715 and 22621.2715, additional natural voices are added for Narrator, utilizing modern, on-device text-to-speech without requiring an internet connection.
- Outlook support in Narrator receives updates, with notifications upon completion of the download. Currently, Outlook support is limited to U.S. English.
Voice Access:
- KB5032190 LCU comes with Commands to correct unrecognized words introduced in Voice Access, allowing users to say “correct [text]” or “correct that.” The correction window provides a list of words labeled with numbers, and users can say click [number] to select a word.
- Voice access now commences right when the PC is initiated. You can enable voice access via the accessibility flyout box on the Lock screen.
Security:
- Passkeys are rolled out as a secure substitute for passwords when logging in to supported websites or applications. Now onwards you can create passkeys using Windows Hello (PIN, face, or fingerprint) and manage them in Windows Settings.
- Windows 11 23H2 22631.2715 and 22621.2715 bring Enhanced Phishing Protection to Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, offering warnings about unsafe password use on websites and in apps.
- Enterprise customers can configure the “EnablePasswordlessExperience” policy, hiding passwords for specific Windows authentication scenarios on devices joined to AAD.
KB5032190 Graphics Enhancements and Settings Overhaul in the Latest Windows Update
Graphics:
- Auto Color Management aka ACM: Users can activate ACM on their Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) displays after installing, ensuring accurate and consistent colors across all Windows apps on supported displays. To enable ACM, navigate to Settings => Display => Advanced display, choose the SDR display, and turn on “Automatically manage color for apps.” ACM is beneficial even on 8-bit sRGB panels, but devices with wider-than-sRGB gamut and ten-bits (10-bits) per color channel are recommended for an optimal experience.
Settings:
- Redesigned Settings Home Page: The update introduces an interactive Settings home page with cards representing devices and account-related settings. Cards dynamically adjust to provide relevant information. Cards include recommended settings, cloud storage usage, account recovery, personalization, Microsoft 365 subscription status, Xbox subscription management, and Bluetooth devices. Available on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.
- Dev Drive: A new storage volume for developers using Resilient File System (ReFS) technology. Dev Drive offers Performance mode, minimizing the impact on developer workloads. Users can create a Dev Drive within System => System => For developers in the Settings app.
- Dynamic Lighting: Users gain control over lighting devices adhering to the open HID LampArray standard. Dynamic Lighting allows users to sync the Windows accent color with devices and choose custom colors. Accessible through Settings => Personalization => Dynamic Lighting.
- Adaptive Dimming: PCs with presence sensors compatible with attention detection can now dim the screen when users look away and undim it upon returning. Enabled in Settings => Privacy & security => Presence sensing.
- Energy Recommendations: Two new energy recommendations in Settings => System => Power & battery, allowing users to turn on dark mode and adjust the refresh rate.
- Bluetooth and Network Settings: Users can now stop Windows from communicating with mobile devices in Settings => Bluetooth & devices => Phone Link. Furthermore, the update introduces the ability to join Bluetooth Personal Area networks and offers a new cellular toggle in Settings => Network & Internet => Cellular.
- Advanced Properties and Wi-Fi Passwords: Access advanced properties for network adapters and internet properties from Settings => Network & internet => Advanced network settings. Users can also view WiFi passwords for known networks in Settings => Network & internet => Wi-Fi.
- Improved Settings Design: Various improvements to Settings design, including enhanced experience during time zone changes, updated Task Manager dialogs, improved camera streaming issue detection, refined firewall notification dialogs, and addressing a sign-in error on the Settings home page.
Windows 365 Switch:
- Windows 365 Switch: Windows 11 23H2 22631.2715 and 22621.2715 allow users to sign in and connect their Windows 365 Cloud PC to the local desktop, facilitating seamless transitions between them using familiar controls. Windows 365 Switch can be added to Task view for easy desktop access.
See: Windows 11 22H2 KB5031354 Rolled out with protection against CVE-2023-44487.
How to download KB5032190 and install
Because the servicing stack update is incorporated with the LCU for Windows 11 23H2 you need to separately install it. Therefore, follow the ways to receive KB:
1] Via Automattic update
- Click on “Start” and select “Settings”.
- Go with Windows Update from the left panel.
- Shift yourself to the right side and click on Check for updates.
- Allow the system to scan and download the patch.
- Click on Restart now to complete the installation.
2] Through Microsoft update catalog
Apart from automatic mode, you can download standalone package of KB5032190 manually from Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually on your computer. Follow the steps:
- Navigate to the Microsoft update catalog site.
- Find the supported file on the page and click on Download.
- Once a page pops up, click the link located on it.
- Double-click on the relevant one and click on Yes.
- Your computer will restart a couple of times and install the update.
That’s all!!