Windows 11 KB5060829 Update: A Trio of Enhancements for Taskbar, Voice Access, and File Sharing

Microsoft has rolled out the KB5060829 update for Windows 11, version 24H2, currently available to users in the Release Preview Channel. This optional, non-security preview update introduces a significant set of improvements, focusing on the taskbar, accessibility features like Voice Access, and the Windows Share experience, alongside a new tool for PC migration and performance enhancements.

Taskbar Gets a Smart Makeover

One of the most user-facing changes in this update is the introduction of an intelligent icon resizing mechanism for the taskbar. When the taskbar becomes crowded with applications, it will now automatically shrink the app icons to create more space, ensuring all running applications remain visible and accessible. Users have granular control over this feature with three distinct settings: "always use small icons," "never use small icons," or the default option to "shrink icons only when the taskbar is full.".

In addition to icon resizing, the visibility of the indicator for open apps on the taskbar has been improved, making it wider and more noticeable. Furthermore, Quick Settings now include descriptive text for assistive technologies such as Narrator and Voice Access, making them easier to identify and use.

Accessibility Takes a Leap Forward

This update brings substantial improvements to accessibility. Voice Access has been expanded to support Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, allowing more users to navigate, dictate, and interact with Windows using voice commands. A significant enhancement to Voice Access is the ability for users to add custom words to the dictionary, which will improve dictation accuracy across all supported languages.

The Narrator also receives a noteworthy new feature called "Screen Curtain.". This function blacks out the display while the Narrator continues to read the screen's content aloud, providing an extra layer of privacy for users handling sensitive information in public spaces. The Screen Curtain can be easily toggled on and off with a keyboard shortcut.

Streamlined File Sharing and a New Migration Tool

The Windows Share window has been updated to provide a more informative and controlled sharing experience. It now displays a visual preview of web links being shared. Users also gain more control over image sharing with new compression level options—High, Medium, and Low—allowing them to balance file size and quality.

A significant new addition is the PC migration tool, integrated within the Windows Backup app. This feature is designed to simplify the process of transferring files and settings from an old computer to a new one during the initial setup. While the full functionality is being rolled out gradually, the landing and pairing pages are now visible to users, offering a glimpse of the upcoming streamlined PC-to-PC transfer experience.

Performance Boosts and Bug Squashing

File Explorer gets a performance boost, with improved speed when extracting large .7z and .rar archives. This will be particularly noticeable when copying a large number of files from these compressed formats.

The update also addresses a number of bugs, including:
* Improved reliability of the Copilot key.
* Fixes for Explorer.exe crashes that could occur when dragging a window with window snapping enabled.
* Resolution of an issue preventing the automatic renewal of certificates in Windows Hello for Business.
* More complete removal of unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, which helps to optimize storage and reduce Windows Update installation times.
* A fix for Windows Search responding slowly for some users.
* Improvements to display-related experiences, including reduced screen flashing and fixes for unexpected window resizing after sleep.

A Known Issue to Note

Despite the numerous improvements, Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue with the KB5060829 update. It can cause Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to log "Config Read Failed" errors in the Event Viewer. Microsoft has stated that this error can be safely ignored and does not indicate a problem with the firewall's functionality. The company explains that the error is related to a feature that is still under development.

This optional update provides a preview of the changes that will likely be included in the following month's mandatory Patch Tuesday release. As many of these features are rolling out gradually, they may not be immediately available to all users who install the update.