- Microsoft has released KB5077241 update for Windows 11
- This update brings new features and fixes, and without AI!
- It will be downloaded automatically on March 10.
It’s no secret that Microsoft has been going through a bit of a tough time lately, with its recent Windows 11 updates seemingly breaking more things than they fix, while also adding AI features that many people hadn’t asked for. I’m hoping their latest update can change that.
As Windows Central reports, Microsoft has made the Windows 11 update KB5077241 available for everyone to download. While it is currently an optional update as it does not include any urgent security fixes, it will be installed automatically during the next “Patch Tuesday”, which is March 10.
Still, this update comes with enough improvements that I will install it as soon as possible, and I suggest most of you do so as well.
These are the features that I think are worth checking out as they can greatly improve your Windows 11 experience:
New built-in network speed test
This is the feature that will probably be most useful to me and anyone who regularly finds themselves typing “speed test” into Google to check their internet speed. With the new update, Microsoft is adding a network speed test to the taskbar, and it can be accessed through Wi-Fi Quick Settings or by right-clicking the network icon in the taskbar.
This should make it quick and easy to check your network speed, which can be really helpful if you’ve noticed that the internet has been slow on your PC and want to know why. If you’re installing a new router (hopefully one from our best routers buying guide), checking the speeds your devices can achieve in various parts of your home can also be a big help.
One thing that does concern me is that in Microsoft’s release notes it says: “The speed test opens in the default browser and measures Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile connections.” I hope this doesn’t mean you’ll open Microsoft’s Edge browser, instead of your default browser of choice (like Chrome), and run the Bing speed checker tool.
While I installed the update myself, this is what Microsoft calls a ‘rolling update’, meaning not all features will be available right away and it looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer to try out the speed test feature myself.
Pan and Tilt Camera Controls
Another welcome addition with this update is that you can control the pan and tilt of supported webcams through the Windows 11 Settings app. For advanced webcams that offer pan and tilt controls to help position the camera for the best possible view, this is a great feature.
Other improvements
In addition to adding new features, this update also aims to make Windows 11 more enjoyable to use by fixing several issues.
That includes improving the reliability with which PCs wake up from sleep, something I’m especially happy to see, as on my numerous Windows 11 devices, including the Asus ROG Ally
So any improvements here will be welcome and should hopefully make Windows 11 feel more polished.
Other updates include improvements to the overall look and feel of Windows 11, making it look more consistent, adjustments to the way Windows 11 connects and uses projectors and printers, and better login screen performance. The Windows Update settings page should also work better.
A good start, but there is a lot of work to do
Having endured several recent Windows 11 updates that seem to simply add AI features that I’ll rarely, if ever, use, without addressing any of my biggest issues with the operating system, I’m relieved to see an update that actually want to install.
Windows 11 is far from perfect and I still have many problems with the operating system and how it works.
There are some interesting new features and quality of life improvements, and while ironing out some of Windows 11’s rough edges almost five years after the operating system’s release seems a little late, I’m glad that this appears to be an update where Microsoft looks to improve Windows 11 for its users.
There is still a lot of work to be done as Windows 11 is far from perfect and I still have a lot of issues with the operating system and how it works.
And while this update thankfully appears free of unwanted AI features, I’m still concerned that Microsoft hasn’t fully understood what people don’t like about Windows 11 right now. As I mentioned above, the built-in network speed test is a good idea, but I worry that it will be used to force people to use Microsoft’s Edge browser and the Bing search engine.
Additionally, as my colleague Darren pointed out when he first reported on this update, Microsoft is changing the accounts section in the Start menu which now, according to Microsoft, “includes a new option that directs you to the benefits page, making it easier to explore and manage your Microsoft account benefits,” which sounds suspiciously like yet another way for Microsoft to get Windows 11 users to sign up for more services, like OneDrive or Office 365. If there’s one thing Windows 11 users aren’t asking for For crying out loud, it’s More ads in the operating system.
Despite those reservations, I feel more positive about this update than previous versions, and I hope it’s a sign that Microsoft is serious about solving people’s problems with Windows 11. Now, almost five years later, many people’s perception of Windows 11 has been established, but there’s still a chance that Microsoft will win over the naysayers: it just needs to release more updates like this.
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