Microsoft has released another update for Windows 11, focusing on improvements rather than security fixes.
This update is applicable to all Windows 11 versions, including 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2. It introduces a variety of new features and enhancements throughout the operating system. For instance, support for monitors with refresh rates of 1000 Hz and above has been added.
This update is optional, allowing users to skip it if they are not interested in the enhancements offered.
Earlier, it was reported that Windows applications tend to “freeze” 7.5 times more frequently compared to macOS. Nonetheless, Microsoft aims to address one of the most frustrating issues in Windows 11.
The Smart App Control (SAC) feature, announced by Microsoft in January this year, is now being rolled out. SAC helps block untrusted or potentially harmful applications. The update also enhances the reliability of File Explorer, especially when unlocking files downloaded from the internet for viewing. Users can now utilize voice commands (Windows + H) to rename files in File Explorer. Additionally, in the “Advanced Security Settings” window for a folder in File Explorer, access rights entries can now be sorted by principal.
These and other features are being introduced gradually by Microsoft. However, some functions will become immediately available to users after installing the update. Among these are improvements to the voice assistant and increased stability of the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) when running 64-bit applications on ARM64 architecture devices. These programs now operate more smoothly and respond as expected.
A bug in Windows 11 version 25H2 that could cause updates installed via the standalone Windows Update installer (WUSA) to fail with the ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME code has been fixed. This issue might occur when double-clicking an .msu file or running WUSA from a network location containing multiple .msu files.
Microsoft has blocked a trick related to using NVMe to boost Windows 11’s performance.
Additional enhancements to File Explorer have been introduced, alongside changes to Smart App Control, which can now be re-enabled without needing a complete OS reinstallation. The voice assistant provides detailed image descriptions with Copilot+ and is operational across all Windows 11 devices. The keyboard shortcut Narrator+Ctrl+D allows for a description of a selected image, while Narrator+Ctrl+S provides a description of everything on the screen.
Users now have the ability to enable or disable the “Smart App Control” (SAC) feature without a full system reinstall. To make changes, navigate to “Settings” — “Windows Security” — “App & Browser Control” — “Smart App Control settings.”
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