KB5015882 is now rolling out in the production channel and it
brings new features to
Windows 11 version 21H2. Like every other update, today’s
optional update is rolling out via Windows Update. You can also
download the offline installers of Windows 11 KB5015882.
Note that the update is marked as ‘optional’, which means it
won’t install or even download unless you click on the download
button and allow the installation. This patch is apparently
part of the Windows July 2022 cumulative update and it also
comes with several fixes in addition to a couple of new
features.
As mentioned, you can skip Windows 11 Build 22000.829 and
receive all the bug fixes in the next security update. As per
Microsoft’s update cadence schedule, Windows 11 is set to
receive the next big cumulative update on August 9. The August
9 update will include both security and non-security fixes.
One of the new features in Windows 11 Build 22000.829 is the
ability to perform feature upgrades directly via the OOBE
(out-of-the-box experience) screen. In other words, you can
choose to download and install feature updates while you’re
setting up a new PC or performing a clean installation on an
existing device.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5015882
Windows 11 KB5014668 Direct Download Links: 64-bit
If you’re having issues with Windows Update, you can either
reset the Windows Update service or clear the cache. If nothing
works, you can also download the update in the .msu package and
perform the update manually. This process doesn’t require an
active internet connection.
To download the update, head to Microsoft Update Catalog from
the given link and click on the ‘Download’ button next to the
version you use.
It is worth noting that it is a good idea to skip optional
cumulative updates. These updates aren’t meant for stable
machines or enterprise systems. You should download the
optional patch only if you need the features and bug fixes
right now, and you cannot wait until the next Patch Tuesday
cycle.
Windows 11 KB5015882 (Build 22000.829) features
According to the official release notes, Windows 11 now lets
you receive urgent alerts when focus assist is on. This feature
is similar to the disturb mode that hides notifications on your
mobile devices.
In addition to a couple of new features, Microsoft has also
fixed an issue where File Explorer could stop working when you
use the play and pause keyboard buttons. A bug that causes File
Explorer to stop responding when you right-click on the Start
menu’s context menu has been fixed.
This menu can be triggered using the Win+X keyboard shortcut.
Another issue has been fixed where a black window cannot be
closed when you hover over the search icon on the taskbar.
A bug has been fixed that prevents Windows Troubleshooting
tools.
Here’s the full changelog:
- Microsoft is restoring Windows Autopilot deployment
scenarios. This feature was turned off due to security issues
with hardware. - Microsoft has fixed an issue where apps could stop working
if they use UIAutomation(). - Another bug has been fixed that prevents the Startup Task
API from working. - Microsoft has improved the reliability of a push-button
reset after an OS upgrade. - Microsoft has fixed an issue where tenant restrictions
event logging channel becomes inaccessible. - A bug has been fixed where certificate-based machine
account authentication fails. - Microsoft has fixed an issue that affects Arm64EC code.
- Microsoft has fixed an issue where the Remove-Item cmdlet
couldn’t react properly with OneDrive folders. - Microsoft has fixed an issue that prevents troubleshooting
tools from opening. - Microsoft has fixed an issue that causes Code Integrity to
continue trusting a file after the file has been modified. - A bug has been fixed where Windows stops responding when
you enable Windows Defender Application Control.
