Windows 11 Gets Performance and User Experience Boost with KB5060829 Update

Microsoft has released the KB5060829 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, version 24H2, introducing a range of enhancements aimed at improving system performance, accessibility, and the overall user experience. This optional, non-security update provides a glimpse into the fixes and features that will likely be rolled out to all users in a subsequent Patch Tuesday release.

Key Highlights of the KB5060829 Update

The update, which brings the OS build to 26100.4484, includes 38 improvements and bug fixes. Notable additions include a new PC-to-PC migration tool, taskbar enhancements, and significant performance and stability fixes.

A significant new feature is the introduction of a PC-to-PC migration experience. This tool is designed to simplify the process of transferring files and settings from an old computer to a new one during the setup process. While the initial landing and pairing pages are visible in the Windows Backup app, the full functionality during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) will be activated in a future update through a phased rollout.

The taskbar has been updated to better accommodate a large number of open applications. It can now be set to show smaller app icons when space is limited, preventing the icons from overflowing into a hidden menu. Users can customize this behavior in the Taskbar settings with options to always show smaller icons, never show them, or only shrink them when the taskbar is full.

Performance and Stability Fixes

The KB5060829 update addresses several issues that have been affecting user experience:

  • Scripting Performance: A fix has been implemented for slow script execution on remote Server Message Block (SMB) shares hosted on older versions of Windows Server.
  • Gaming Stability: An issue causing windows like Windows Terminal to become unresponsive when using ALT + Tab to exit full-screen games has been resolved.
  • File Explorer Stability: The update fixes unexpected crashes of Explorer.exe that could occur when dragging a window with snap features enabled.
  • Windows Search: An issue that caused Windows Search to be slow to respond has been addressed.
  • Storage Optimization: The update improves the removal of unused language packs and Features on Demand, which previously led to wasted storage space and longer update installation times.
  • Windows Hello for Business: A problem preventing the automatic renewal of certificates for Windows Hello for Business has been fixed.

Enhanced Accessibility

This update also brings notable improvements to accessibility features:

  • Voice Access has been expanded to support both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, broadening its usability in key global markets. The feature now also allows users to add custom vocabulary for more precise control.
  • Narrator, the built-in screen reader, has received a new "Screen Curtain" feature for enhanced privacy.

Known Issues

Microsoft has acknowledged a couple of known issues with this update. Some users may experience blurry or unclear text for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) languages in Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge when the display is set to 96 DPI (100% scaling). Additionally, after installation, administrators might notice error events (ID 2042) in the Event Viewer related to the Windows Firewall, which Microsoft has stated can be ignored.

How to Install the Update

Being an optional preview update, KB5060829 will not install automatically unless users have opted to receive the latest updates as soon as they are available. To install it, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click on "Check for Updates." The update will then appear with a "Download and install" link. It is also available for manual download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The fixes and features in this preview will be included in the following month's mandatory security update.