- Microsoft rolls out build 22621.2506 for Windows 11 22H2 as a preview in the Stable Channel.
- The update KB5031455 expands the version 23H2 features to more users.
- In addition, this release includes a slew of non-security fixes and improvements.
- The same update is available as build 22631.2506 for version 23H2 in the Release Preview Channel.
- On October 31, 2023, the update became available in the Stable Channel as an optional install for version 22H2.
UPDATED 10/31/2023: Microsoft is now making available the update KB5031455 as an optional install for devices running Windows 11 22H2 in the Stable Channel. This release contains the new features and improvements previously available with the October 10 update, and additional fixes expected rollout as part of the November 2023 update.
The update KB5031455 bumps the version number to build 22631.2506, and according to the official notes on the Windows Blog (Release Preview Channel announcement), the update expands the new features and changes that were originally planned for Windows 11 23H2, including the first preview of Copilot, a new Windows Backup app, changes for the Start menu and Taskbar, and redesigned version of File Explorer with modern hardware.
In addition, this update brings updates for the Share experience, Spotlight, Narrator, Voice Access, and input. Furthermore, Windows 11 build 22631.2506 introduces an updated version of the Settings app with a new Home page with interactive cards and a slew of changes, and Microsoft is also rolling out various security changes.
At the same time, Microsoft is also rolling out the Windows 11 build 22631.2506 as update KB5031455 for version 23H2 in the Release Preview Channel. The update includes everything available on 226″2″1.2506, but build 226″3″1.2506 also rolls out the “System” label to differentiate system components from other apps in the “All apps” menu in the Start menu.
In other words, the October 26 update for version 22H2 is technically version 23H2 without the security fixes, as both versions are getting the same KB5031455 update.
Non-security fixes and improvements for update KB5031455
As part of this non-security update, the company is rolling out a slew of fixes and quality improvements:
- Adds new customization options for Dynamic Lighting OEMs. You can now customize OS images for new PCs. This includes setting up Dynamic Lighting defaults.
- Changes the English name of the former Republic of Turkey. The new official name is the Republic of Türkiye.
- Supports the currency change in Croatia from the Kuna to the Euro.
- Supports daylight saving time (DST) changes in Syria. To learn more, see Interim guidance for Syria DST changes 2022.
- Addresses an issue that affects fontdrvhost.exe. It stops responding when you use Compact Font Format version 2 (CFF2) fonts.
- Addresses a memory leak in ctfmon.exe.
- Addresses a memory leak in TextInputHost.exe.
- Addresses an issue that affects Dynamic Lighting. The default provider is not applied as expected. This occurs when you set it up using Unattend files.
- Addresses an issue that affects the Windows Firewall Profile. When you are on a domain authenticated network, it detects a public domain. This is wrong.
- Addresses an issue that affects Outlook. It stops responding. This occurs when you print to an Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printer that has a slow response time.
- Addresses an error that occurs when you print using v4 print drivers.
- Addresses an issue that affects cellular settings. The name of the mobile operator is wrong.
- This update makes Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles up to date for certain mobile operators.
- Addresses an issue that blocks external connections. This occurs when you set up a Kubernetes load balanced service and turn on session affinity.
- Addresses a Firewall configuration service provider (CSP) issue. It stops a device from syncing.
- Addresses an issue that affects devices on which you have defined Windows Information Protection (WIP) policies and set up a proxy. A stop error occurs. This happens on devices that use Microsoft Defender Application Guard. In the past, WIP was known as enterprise data protection (EDP).
- Addresses an issue that occurs after you run a Push-button reset. You cannot set up Windows Hello facial recognition. This affects devices that have Windows Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) turned on.
- Addresses an issue that affects PowerShell versions greater than 7.3.1. It might block scripts and not let them run in Constrained Language Mode. This occurs when you turn on a WDAC policy.
- Addresses an issue that affects the Automatically Hide the Taskbar setting. You cannot set it using the SHAppBarMessage() API.
- This update improves the performance of the search box experience.
- Addresses an issue that affects robocopy. The /efsraw switch stops it from copying data properly.
- Addresses an issue that affects the Device Management (DM) client. The sync session takes longer than you expect for the enrollment status page (ESP).
This cumulative update was previously available for version 22H2 as build 22621.2500 in the Release Preview Channel, but it’s now rolling out in the Stable Channel.
Understanding the version 22H2 to 23H2 upgrade
Originally, Microsoft released the first preview of the “Moment 4” update (KB5030310 – build 22621.2361) on September 26, 2023, as an optional non-security install. On October 10, the contents of the September release became available as the security update KB5031354, bumping the version number to 22621.2428. However, the new features and changes were not available for everyone.
On October 26, Microsoft began the rollout of the Windows 11 build 22631.2506 (KB5031455) as a non-security update that includes everything previously available with the September 26 and October 10 updates. However, the latest update rolls out the new features and changes to more devices, plus a slew of non-security fixes, but without the security improvements and keeping version number 22H2.
On October 31, the update completes the upgrade, enabling the remaining improvements, installing the latest security features, and switching the version number from 22H2 to 23H2. The same update is also expected to roll out on November 14 as part of the Patch Tuesday update.
Installing the update KB5031455
To download and install the Windows 11 build 22631.2506, open Settings > Windows Update, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch, and click the “Check for updates” button.
You can also download the update KB5031455 directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website to install the package offline. Once you have downloaded the file, double-click the “.msu” file to apply the update.
To download and install build 22631.2506, you must enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
Updated October 31, 2023: This article has been updated to reflect that version 23H2 is now available in the Stable Channel as a preview.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].