- The Patch Tuesday for January rolls out for Windows 11 as build 22631.3007 and 22621.3007 (KB5034123) on versions 23H2 and 22H2.
- The update includes new changes for Copilot, Spotlight, notifications, and a slew of security fixes and improvements.
On January 9, Microsoft released the update KB5034123 for Windows 11 23H2 and version 22H2 as the first Patch Tuesday update of 2024, with changes and several fixes and improvements.
The update KB5034123 bumps the version number to build 22631.3007 for version 23H2 and 22621.3007 for version 22H2, and according to the official announcement, this release introduces fixes and changes previously available with the preview update KB5033375, which the company released on December 12, 2023. In addition, this update addresses 48 security issues described on the Microsoft MSRC website.
As part of the first Patch Tuesday of 2024, after installing this update, Copilot will work on multiple displays, meaning the chatbot will now appear on the display you invoked on a multi-monitor setup. You will also see the Copilot AI in the “Alt + Tab” interface as another app, and now you can ask the assistant.
You must be signed in with a Microsoft or Microsoft Entra ID account to the chatbot, but without an account, you will be able to interact ten times.
If the desktop wallpaper is set to the default image or uses a solid color, the system will now enable Spotlight to set desktop backgrounds automatically.
The update KB5034123 also includes account-related notifications for Microsoft accounts in Settings’ “Home” page and the “Start” menu. (You can use these instructions to disable these notifications in the Start menu.)
The earlier 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 don’t say whether users in one of the EU regions will get these changes today.
Also, Microsoft is rolling out the update KB5034121 (build 22000.2713) for Windows 11 21H2. The update fixes problems with the ActiveX scroll bar, a shutdown issue after 60 seconds when using a smart card to authenticate on a remote system, and a problem that affects the display of a smart card icon. Furthermore, this release adds more drivers to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file to prevent additional attacks on the system.
Windows 11 build 22631.3007 and 22621.3007 fixes
This rollout also brings a bunch of fixes and improvements with build 22631.3007 and 22621.3007, including:
- Addressed an issue that causes your device to shut down after 60 seconds. This occurs when you use a smart card to authenticate on a remote system.
- Addressed an issue that affects the display of a smart card icon. The icon does not appear when you sign in. This occurs when there are multiple certificates on the smart card.
- Fixed a known issue that might affect some Wi-Fi adapters. They might not connect to some networks. This might occur after you install KB5032288 or KB5033375.
- 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 KB5034123
You can download KB5034123 from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button and restarting your computer.
If you prefer manually installing the January 2024 update for versions 23H2 and 22H2, download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
If you downloaded the preview version of the update, only the changes will download and install on your computer.
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 15 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 21 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].