Microsoft Releases July 2024 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has just released the July 2024 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10. This includes Windows 11 version 24H2, which is currently only available out of the box on Copilot+ PCs, though anyone else can install this update using the official ISOs.

So let’s start with the KB5040435 update for Windows 11 version 24H2, which will bump the build number to 26100.1150. As usual, the release notes are quite succinct and only highlight fixes for a couple of security issues. You actually need to check out the release notes for last month’s optional “D” update for more details about the security updates.

For Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, today’s KB5040442 patch will install the builds 22631.3880 and 22621.3880, respectively. It includes the same security updates available in the KB5040435 patch for the version 24H2 of the OS, but there are also the following new features that will roll out gradually to all users:

New Copilot app: The standalone Copilot app that’s included in Windows 11 version 24H2 is also coming to the previous versions of the OS. The app is now pinned to the taskbar and behaves like a regular app that can be resized and snapped next to other apps.

Show Desktop button on the taskbar: The “Show Desktop button ” appears again on the taskbar by default, but it can be disabled in taskbar settings.

More formats for compressing files: From File Explorer, users can now create 7-Zip and Tape Archive (TAR) files using the context menu.

File Explorer improvements: A thin, black border now appears around items selected in File Explorer to make them more visible.

Windows Share improvements: A new Copy button lets users copy files from the Windows Share window.

New account manager in Start menu: Users signed in with a Microsoft account will be able to see their account benefits at a glance in the Start Menu.

Emoji 15.1: The latest emoji update will let users choose the right or left-facing direction for some people emoji, and it also brings new emoji such as horizontal and vertical head shake, phoenix, brown mushroom, and more.

Safely remove USB devices: This update fixes a bug causing the Safely Remove Hardware option to fail when Task Manager is open.

Snipping Tool improvements: Users should no longer hear audio distortions when recording videos with the app.

Let’s conclude with the KB5040427 update for Windows 10 version 22H2: This update also brings the aforementioned new Copilot app to Windows 10 users, but again, it will be rolling out gradually. Microsoft also fixed a bug causing actions from an app’s jump list on the taskbar to not complete.