Microsoft is rolling out an optional update for Windows 11 24H2, bringing several new features and improvements while also introducing a bit of self-promotion. Update KB5052093 enhances system functionality with better camera controls, taskbar improvements, and File Explorer enhancements, but it also integrates advertisements for Game Pass directly into Windows Settings.
New Camera Features and Fixes
One of the standout additions in this update is an upgrade to camera management in Windows 11. Previously, a camera could only be accessed by one application at a time, but the new “Allow multiple apps to use the camera at the same time” setting, found under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras > Advanced camera options, enables simultaneous camera usage across multiple apps. This could be particularly useful for users who rely on video conferencing while running other applications that need camera access.
Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a basic camera mode that can assist in troubleshooting camera-related issues. If your camera isn’t functioning properly, enabling this mode might help resolve problems without requiring additional third-party solutions.
Taskbar and File Explorer Enhancements
Windows 11’s taskbar is also seeing some refinements. A new feature allows users to share files directly from an app’s jump list (the right-click menu that appears when you click on an app in the taskbar). However, this function will only work with applications that support jump lists.
File Explorer has also been refined to enhance usability. Users can now snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminders that appear in the address bar, reducing unnecessary notifications. Additionally, Microsoft has worked on improving performance when navigating folders containing a large number of media files, making browsing smoother and more efficient. The update also ensures more consistent thumbnail previews for cloud-based files in search results and resolves a bug that sometimes caused URL entries to redirect incorrectly.
Game Pass Ads in System Settings
As anticipated, Microsoft is beginning to roll out Game Pass advertisements directly within Windows 11’s Settings menu. Some users are already seeing a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass promotional banner encouraging them to recommend the service to others. This change is rolling out gradually, meaning not all users will see the ad immediately.
Microsoft claims that the ad will only appear for users who are already subscribed to Game Pass and logged into their Microsoft account. However, whether this form of promotion will be well-received remains to be seen, as many users may prefer a cleaner, ad-free system settings experience.
Additional Fixes and Improvements
Beyond these major changes, update KB5052093 also resolves several previously reported issues:
- A bug that caused the volume to jump to maximum when resuming from standby mode has been fixed.
- The Task Manager will now correctly distinguish between HDDs and SSDs, addressing an issue where some hard drives were misidentified as solid-state drives.
For users interested in getting this update, KB5052093 remains optional and must be manually installed. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Windows Update, or by downloading the standalone installer from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
