Latest Windows 11 update, KB5037771, is now out for everyone using the stable channel. It comes with a bunch of changes, like some tweaks to the Start menu, including ads. You can get this update by going to Windows Update and clicking “Check for updates.” If you prefer offline installers, you can download the .msu files from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
KB5037771 is a must-have update, so it’ll either download or install automatically depending on your Windows Update settings. Once you’ve got it installed, your Windows 11 23H2 version will be bumped up to Build 22631.3593.
For those on Windows 11 22H2, you’ll also get similar bug fixes, but your Settings > System will show Build 22621.3593. When you check for updates, you’ll see the patch listed as “2024-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x86-based Systems (KB5037771).”
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5037771
Windows 11 KB5037771 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86) | Microsoft Update Catalog.
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 22631.3593
The latest Patch Tuesday update for May 2024 brings a bunch of changes, one of which involves recommendations in the Start menu, which some might consider as ads. This new feature showcases certain Store apps from specific developers, aiming to help users discover cool apps, according to Microsoft.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is also trying out another experiment: displaying third-party ads right in the Start menu. If you’re not a fan of these ads or recommendations popping up in your Start menu, you can simply right-click on them and choose to dismiss them.
If you want to avoid third-party recommendations in your Start menu but don’t want to completely block them, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off the option labeled “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.”
This toggle is accessible on PCs running Windows 11 KB5037771 or older.
Microsoft is also developing another Start menu feature that will highlight frequently used apps under the “Recommended” section. However, this section will only showcase apps that you use often but haven’t already pinned to the Start or Taskbar.
Most of these Start menu changes will roll out over the next few weeks, though the timing might vary depending on your region. For instance, users in Europe might not see ads. In any case, you can download and install the update to try out these new features.
New animations for widgets and improved MSN cards on on the lock screen
You might notice some fresh animations for Widget icons, tailored to the weather. However, Microsoft mentions that the rollout of these animated icons has just begun, so not everyone will see the changes right away after the update.
Microsoft is also making some adjustments to the widgets on the lock screen. As you may know, Microsoft added MSN cards or widgets to the lock screen, whether you wanted them or not. With the May 2024 update, Microsoft is enhancing the quality of these lock screen widgets, and you should now see more recent sport updates.
Windows 11 KB5037771 also addresses a couple of issues. One fix ensures that the Japanese 106 keyboard layout displays correctly when you sign in. Another resolves a problem with the Settings app, which would sometimes freeze when you closed a flyout menu.
Additionally, a new mobile device management (MDM) policy called “AllowScreenRecorder” has been introduced. This policy affects the Snipping Tool, allowing IT admins to disable screen recording in the app.
Here’s a rundown of all the significant changes:
– Support for Arm64 .msi files via Group Policy Object (GPO) has been added.
– Other fixes include sorting out duplicate print queues for universal printers, updating Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for certain mobile operators, and rectifying the container networking Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) which previously returned the wrong Virtual Subnet ID (VSID) for external ports.
– A memory allocation issue in the Host Networking Service (HNS) that caused high memory consumption and affected service and pod deployment and scaling has been tackled.
– Issues with Protected Process Light (PPL) protections, Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) hardware offload causing stop errors, and a memory leak in the Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC) have been resolved.
Regarding known issues, Microsoft is aware of reports where some users are unable to change their local account’s profile picture, and they plan to fix this bug in an upcoming patch.