Microsoft has released the Windows 11 OS Build 22621.1555 (KB5025239) update for PCs running version 22H2. This mandatory Patch Tuesday security update brings minor tweaks and quality improvements, while also sparking controversy with new Start menu ads.
Improvements and Tweaks
Among the changes in build 22621.1555, the taskbar’s search bar now handles light mode better. When the system theme is dark and the app mode is set to light, the search bar will be lighter. This update also addresses issues with PIN complexity policy settings, Fast Identity Online 2.0 (FIDO2) PIN credential icons, and Clustered Shared Volumes (CSVs) when enabling BitLocker.
Start Menu Ads Stir Controversy
However, the April 2023 update is also causing a stir due to a new feature that introduces advertisements in the Start menu. These ads promote OneDrive subscriptions and encourage the use of Microsoft accounts, which has drawn some criticism. Microsoft plans to roll out this feature to more customers in the coming months, but a future update should allow users to disable these ads.
Additional Fixes and Enhancements
The update also tackles various other issues, such as Active Directory Users & Computers freezing when enabling or disabling multiple objects simultaneously. It also fixes a race condition between the DCOM and the Microsoft Remote Procedure Call (RPC) endpoint mapper, as well as an issue causing Microsoft PowerPoint to stop responding on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) when using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
Improved Windows Search and More
Furthermore, the KB5025239 update ensures that Windows Search functions correctly within Windows container images. It adds Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 to the Group Policy Editor’s protocol list and supports the Arab Republic of Egypt’s daylight saving time change order for 2023.
Microsoft also addressed scripting errors in the Group Policy Management Console and improved the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) option 119 – Domain Search Option. Additionally, the update fixed a problem preventing kiosk device profiles from automatically logging on after the installation of updates dated January 10, 2023, and later.
Overall, the Windows 11 KB5025239 update brings a variety of improvements and bug fixes to enhance user experience. However, the introduction of Start menu ads may prove contentious for some users. The update is now available for download via Windows Update or the Update Catalog.
Source: Microsoft
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