Microsoft’s recent update for Windows 11, delivered as part of their monthly Patch Tuesday program, packs a punch. This update, known as KB5040442 for versions 23H2 and 22H2 (KB5040431 for 21H2), brings a bunch of helpful improvements and fixes. It’s an important update that makes Windows 11 even better to use.
Windows 11 Gets Big Boost in July Patch Tuesday
One of the things users wanted most is back: the “Show Desktop” button on the taskbar. Some folks weren’t happy when Microsoft took it away to make room for Copilot. This update brings it back, giving you a quick and easy way to minimize all your open windows and get to your desktop with just one click.
Another handy addition is the ability to create 7-Zip and Tape Archive (TAR) files right from the Windows File Explorer. No more needing separate programs for these common compression formats! You can still use tools like gzip and bzip2 to compress files too, just look for the “Compress To” option.
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Keeping your Microsoft account organized just got simpler. The update adds an Account Manager to the Start menu. This acts like a one-stop shop for all your Microsoft account stuff. You can easily see what benefits you have, manage your subscriptions, check your security settings, and more, all in one place.
Copilot, which used to be a little menu that popped up in File Explorer, is getting an upgrade too. Now, it’s a full-fledged app that you can pin to your taskbar. This means you can resize it, move it around, and even snap it to other windows for a more customized way of working. It’s important to note that this particular change is rolling out slowly. At first, you’ll only see it on new Windows 11 installations and for Copilot+ subscribers in certain areas.
On top of all these new features, the July Patch Tuesday update also fixes a number of problems that people have reported. This includes improvements to the touch keyboard, the Snipping Tool (used to be called Scissors), and the option to safely remove hardware. These fixes make Windows 11 run smoother and more reliably.
Overall, the July 2024 Patch Tuesday update is a big win for Windows 11 users. Bringing back the “Show Desktop” button, adding new compression options, making account management easier, and giving Copilot more flexibility are all great changes. Plus, the bug fixes help to make Windows 11 even more stable.
