Yesterday, Microsoft rolled out the optional KB5041587 update for Windows 11, packed with several enhancements, most notably improved performance for AMD’s latest CPUs. While it’s not mandatory, this update is worth considering for those who want to benefit from the latest tweaks alongside regular automatic updates.
This update, which brings Windows 11 to Build 22631.4112, is available for Windows 11 Enterprise and Education versions 22H2, as well as the 23H2 release. It introduces a range of useful features. For instance, the Windows Share functionality now allows users to send files directly to an Android phone via the Phone Link app, without needing the device to be nearby.
The Narrator tool has also seen significant upgrades, with enhanced scanning speed and accuracy, especially useful for navigating large documents and websites using the Edge browser. Meanwhile, voice typing has been optimized, enabling quicker character spelling and expanded commands for text manipulation.
File Explorer has received bug fixes addressing issues with keyboard shortcuts and Screen Reader functionality. Additionally, AMD CPU performance has been notably improved, with potential boosts of up to 13 percent for Ryzen 5000, 7000, and 9000 series processors.
To take advantage of these updates, you’ll need to manually install the update by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting KB5041587, as it won’t be automatically downloaded.