Microsoft has just released a new preview update for Windows 11 version 24H2, known as KB5060829. This isn’t a mandatory security update, but an optional one packed with improvements and a peek at future features, most notably a new way to transfer everything to a new PC.
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Think of this as a sneak peek at fixes and small changes coming to everyone next month. The big highlights here are a brand-new feature to help you move your files and settings to a new computer and a handy tweak to make your taskbar fit more app icons.
The Windows 11 logo, symbolizing the latest OS update and its new features
What’s New in This Update?
This KB5060829 update doesn’t just bring fixes; it introduces or sets the stage for features designed to make using Windows 11 smoother.
Preparing for Easier PC Migration
One of the most exciting upcoming features is a new PC-to-PC migration experience. While you won’t see this fully enabled right away, this update includes the groundwork for it. The idea is to make setting up a new Windows PC much simpler by allowing you to easily transfer your data, settings, and maybe even some apps directly from your old machine during the initial setup process. No more manually copying files or reinstalling everything from scratch!
Microsoft plans to roll this out gradually with a future update, so stay tuned.
Taskbar Gets More Space
Do you often have many apps open, causing your taskbar to look cluttered? This update adds a new setting that lets you make the taskbar icons smaller when space is tight. This can be a real lifesaver if you use a lot of pinned apps or have many windows open. You’ll find this new option in Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors. Look for the setting that says “Show smaller taskbar buttons.”
Important Fixes You’ll See
Beyond the new features, this preview update also packs a punch with several important bug fixes that can improve your daily experience. Here are some of the notable ones:
- Faster Network Scripts: If you run scripts that access files on older network storage (like Windows Server 2019), they might have been incredibly slow. This update fixes that delay.
- Smoother App Switching: Have you ever been playing a full-screen game and used
ALT + Tabto switch out, only for other apps like Windows Terminal to freeze? That frustrating issue is now resolved. - Fix for Explorer Crashes: Sometimes, dragging windows around, especially when window snapping was active, could cause File Explorer to unexpectedly stop working. This update aims to prevent those crashes.
- Improved Windows Hello: For business users relying on Windows Hello for Business certificates, this update fixes a problem that prevented those expiring certificates from renewing automatically.
- Better Storage Management: The update addresses an issue where unused language packs or optional Windows features weren’t being completely removed, wasting storage space and making Windows Updates take longer. This fix helps free up disk space.
- Faster Windows Search: If you’ve experienced Windows Search taking ages (sometimes over 10 seconds) to become usable after clicking the search bar, this update includes a fix to speed things up significantly.
How to Get the Update
Since KB5060829 is an optional preview update, it won’t install automatically like Patch Tuesday updates. You have to choose to download it.
Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the ‘Check for Updates’ button.
- If the update is available for your system, you’ll see it listed as a preview update. Click the ‘Download and install’ link to get it.
Alternatively, if you manage updates manually or are an IT admin, you can download the update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Any Issues to Watch For?
Microsoft notes one known issue with this particular preview update. Users might notice that CJK (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean) text appears blurry or unclear when displayed at 96 DPI (which is 100% scaling) in web browsers based on the Chromium engine, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. This is something Microsoft is aware of and likely working to fix in a future update.
The Big Picture
This KB5060829 update brings Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.4484. It’s part of the regular monthly cycle where Microsoft tests fixes and features before they roll out more broadly. Windows 11 24H2 itself is now widely available, including for eligible Windows 10 PCs.
Getting this optional update allows you to benefit from the bug fixes sooner and get an early look at features like the PC migration tool, which promises to make future PC setups much less of a headache. While there’s a minor known issue, the fixes for performance and stability might be worth it for many users.
Keep an eye out for the main release next month which will include these changes along with the latest security updates.
