Windows 11 Version 24H2 Gets its Optional October Update

Microsoft has just released the October optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, which comes just two days after similar releases for Windows 11 version 23H2/22H2 and Windows 10. There’s is some consistency between these different patches, and today’s KB5044384 patch for the latest version of Windows 11 brings some new features that Microsoft is also bringing to older versions of the OS.

Here are the main changes in the October optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2:

Copilot key settings: On PCs with a Copilot key, it’s now possible to configure this key to open a different app. This option is available in Settings > Personalization > Text input.

Notifications suggestions: Users can now stop the suggestions to turn off notifications from certain apps right from a notification or by going to Settings > System > Notifications.

Gamepad keyboard: The new Gamepad keyboard layout for the Windows on-screen keyboard that was introduced on the Dev Channel last week is now rolling out. It matches the design of the on-screen keyboard on Xbox consoles, and it can be controlled with an Xbox controller.

Narrator improvements: A new Narrator shortcut will let users press the Narrator key + Ctrl + X to copy what Narrator last spoke to the clipboard. Narrator is also getting the ability to auto read the contents of an email message in the new Outlook for Windows app.

Microsoft is now doing controlled feature rollouts (CFRs) with these optional patches, and some of these new features will roll out gradually to users. You should get them first if you enable the “Get the latest update as soon as they’re available” toggle in Windows Update.