Windows 11 update KB5033375 brings Copilot changes and security fixes

The last Patch Tuesday of 2023 for Windows 11 is now rolling out with improvements for Copilot and security fixes.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 KB5033375 download
Windows 11 KB5033375 download
  • The December Patch Tuesday is now available for Windows 11 as build 22631.2861 and 22621.2861 (KB5033375) for versions 23H2 and 22H2.
  • The December 12 update includes new changes for Copilot, Spotlight, notifications, and a slew of fixes and improvements.

Microsoft is releasing the update KB5033375 for Windows 11 23H2 and version 22H2 as the final Patch Tuesday update on December 12, 2023, with changes and several fixes and improvements.

The update KB5033375 bumps the version number to build 22631.2861 for version 23H2 and 22621.2861 for version 22H2 and, according to the official changes, this release includes miscellaneous security improvements as well as the changes and fixes previously available with the preview update KB5032288, which the company released December 4, 2023.

In this release, Copilot works on multiple displays, meaning the chatbot will now appear on the display you invoked on a multi-monitor setup. It brings Copilot to the “Alt + Tab” interface as another app, and now you can ask Copilot for help ten times in a local account without being signed in. After that, you must sign in with a Microsoft or Azure AD account to continue using the chatbot.

Microsoft is making changes, allowing the Spotlight feature to be set as the default background. This will happen if the desktop wallpaper is set to the default image or using a solid color.

The update KB5033375 also rolls to account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts in Settings’s “Home” page and the “Start” menu. According to the company, you will be able to manage these settings from Settings > Privacy & security > General.

The early preview of this rollout (KB5032288) noted that version 23H2 would also receive changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act in the European Economic Area. However, the official release notes for December 12 don’t say whether users in one of the EU regions will get these changes today.

Also, Microsoft is rolling out the update KB5033369 (build 22000.2652) for Windows 11 21H2. The update adds the recent man-made landmass outside of Rotterdam to the shape files for the Netherlands time zone. In addition, this update enables Conditional Access (CA) scenarios for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE).

It’s important to note that no optional update will be made available in December. The company will resume updates in January 2024, and the last optional update for Windows 11 22H2 will arrive in February 2024. However, security updates will continue through October 2024.

Windows 11 build 22631.2861 and 22621.2861 fixes

This rollout also brings a bunch of fixes and improvements with build 22631.2861 and 22621.2861, including:

  • You can use Copilot in Windows (in preview) across multiple displays. Press the Copilot in Windows taskbar button on the taskbar of the display where you want Copilot in Windows to appear. To show Copilot in Windows on the last display that it was on, press Win+C. If you use a keyboard, press Win+T to put the keyboard focus on the taskbar. Then go to the Copilot in Windows button to open it on any display. This is available to a small audience initially and deploys more broadly in the months that follow.
  • You can use Copilot in Windows (in preview) with Alt+Tab. When you press Alt+Tab, the thumbnail preview for Copilot in Windows appears among other thumbnail previews of open windows. You can switch between them using the Tab keystroke. This is available to a small audience initially and deploys more broadly in the months that follow.
  • In the coming weeks, you might see Windows Spotlight set as the default background. This might occur when your background is set to an inbox Windows image.
  • This update starts the roll out of account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts in Settings >Home. A Microsoft account connects Windows to your Microsoft apps. The account backs up all your data and helps you to manage your subscriptions. You can also add extra security steps to keep you from being locked out of your account. This feature displays notifications across the Start menu and Settings. You can manage Settings notifications inSettings > Privacy & security > General.
  • This update improves how fast Copilot in Windows (in preview) opens from the taskbar.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the Copilot in Windows (in preview) icon on the taskbar. It does not show as active when Copilot in Windows is open.
  • Addresses an issue that causes IE mode to stop responding. This occurs if you press the left arrow key when an empty text box has the focus and caret (cursor) browsing is on.
  • Addresses an issue that causes IE mode to stop responding. This occurs when you have multiple IE mode tabs open.
  • Affects Dynamic Lighting. It reduces the amount of power it uses on your device.
  • Addresses an issue that might affect the cursor when you write in Japanese. The cursor might move to an unexpected place.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the cursor. Its movement lags in some screen capture scenarios.
  • Addresses an issue that affects the Widgets notification badge. It is in the wrong position on the taskbar.
  • Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer. When you press Shift + F10, the shortcut (context) menu does not open.
  • Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer windows. When you do not expect them, they appear in the foreground.
  • Addresses an issue that affects File Explorer. The options in the left pane show the wrong state.
  • Addresses an issue that affects apps that you download from Microsoft Store. They stop responding and will not update.
  • Affects the shortcut (context) menu. Its performance is now better when you open it on the desktop and in File Explorer.
  • Addresses an issue that affects Narrator. It fails to open on the Setup screen when you install Windows.

Install update KB5033375

You can download KB5033375 from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button and restarting your computer.

If you prefer manually installing the December 2023 update for versions 23H2 and 22H2, download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].