- Microsoft releases the October 2024 update for all supported versions of Windows 11.
- This Patch Tuesday Update is available for versions 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 with new features and several fixes.
Microsoft is now officially rolling out the October 2024 Patch Tuesday Update for Windows 11 with the release of the update KB5044284 for version 24H2 and the update KB5044285 for versions 23H2 and 22H2. It’s worth noting that Windows 11 24H2 officially launched on October 1, 2024, and it’s already rolling out for eligible computers as an optional install. The October update represents the first cumulative update since the initial release for existing devices.
According to the official notes published on October 8, 2024, update KB5044284 bumps the version number to build 26100.2033 for Windows 11 24H2 and rolls out various visual improvements for the Start menu, Taskbar, Settings app, Lock screen, and battery for Copilot+ PCs and traditional existing devices upgraded to the new version that the company was also testing with the preview build 26100.1882 (KB5043178) released on September 30, 2024. (Original notes published on September 23, 2024.)
The update KB5044285 is now available and bumps the version number to 22621.4317 and 22631.4317 for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, and it ships with the same changes for existing features as the update for version 24H2. A preview of this update became available on September 23, 2024, as builds 22621.4247 and 22631.4247 (KB5043145), and then on September 30, 2024, the update was available as an optional install as builds 22621.4249 and 22631.4249 through the Stable Channel.
The only difference between them is the fixes. For example, the update for the older versions of the operating system includes fixes for IE Mode, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It also fixes encryption problems with the Outlook app and updates the COSA profiles for mobile operators.
On the other hand, the update for the newest feature update fixes issues with open-source software, Input Method Editor (IME), and WebView2 apps.
Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, 22H2 upcoming features
As part of the October 2024 update for Windows 11, the company is improving various features with visual changes.
Start menu improved account manager
Starting with Windows 11 build 26100.2033, 22621.4317, and 22631.4317, the Start menu account manager interface now shows the “Sign out” button within the menu, so you don’t have to process an extra step to access the option.
In addition, the “More options” (…) submenu now lists the other users available on the computer to make it easier to switch between accounts. Previously, you had to sign out and choose the users from the Lock screen.
Search with the new share option
Microsoft seems to be focusing on improving file sharing, and in this rollout, you will notice that while in a search result through the Taskbar, the page will offer an option to share the file.
Lock screen new media controls
If you’re playing a video or audio from virtually any app, the Lock screen will now show media controls at the bottom of the page. The interface will show a thumbnail of the media, the name of the content, and controls to pause and play and to play next and previous.
Settings app new interface design
In this release, Microsoft is pushing a couple of improvements for the Settings app. As part of the “Delivery Optimization,” the settings page is getting updated to match the operating system design language more closely.
The new design groups the settings previously available on the “Advanced options” and “Activity monitor” pages on the main “Deliver Optimization” page. As a result, you will now find a collapsable “Download options” setting to control background and foreground limits. Also, the “Upload options” collapsable section will allow you to control upload bandwidth and monthly upload limits.
You can also open the “Activity Monitor” section to view the download and upload stats.
In addition, the company is updating the “Energy recommendations” settings to include a new recommendation to disable HDR (high dynamic range) to help improve battery life. At the same time, there’s a new system change that will show a notification to plug your computer into an electrical outlet when the battery life of your device reaches 20% and while Energy Saver is set to “Always On.”
As part of the “Power & battery” changes, Microsoft is rolling out an update for the “Power Mode” feature that allows you to choose the power mode (Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Bets Performance) whether you have a device plugged in or on battery.
Finally, on the “Mouse settings” page, you will now find the option to change the mouse wheel scrolling direction and the option to turn on enhance pointer precision.
It’s important to note that these new changes are rolling out gradually since the company uses the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology to ship new features.
In addition, for devices already upgraded to version 24H2, this update also rolls out with a fix Remote Desktop Gateway Service.
Install updates
You can download this update from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button through the Stable Channel.
If you prefer manually installing the October 2024 update for versions 23H2 and 22H2, download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. You can also download the offline KB5044284 update for version 24H2 from the same website.
Starting on October 8, 2024, Microsoft is also ending support for Windows 11 22H2 for Home and Pro editions. This means that moving forward, this version of the operating system will no longer receive cumulative updates. As such, it’s important to upgrade to version 23H2 or 24H2 if you still have a computer running the now unsupported version of Windows 11.
At the same time, the company is also ending support for Windows 11 21H2 for Enterprise and Education editions available for organizations. It’s important to understand that version 21H2 for Home and Pro editions retired in October 2023.
Usually, Windows has two lifecycles, including 24 months for Home and Pro and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions.
At the same time, Microsoft is also releasing updates for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2.
Update October 9, 2024: This page has been updated to ensure accuracy and include the latest information.
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].