Microsoft, as expected, is betting heavily on the growth of Windows 11. It has just released a major update for the latest version of the operating system, 24H2, so we’re going to tell you about its incredible new features that you can already take advantage of.
Assuming that Windows 10 is getting closer to its final release, the software giant wants most users to upgrade as soon as possible. That’s why it should be drawing their attention, as is now the case with the update we mentioned. Specifically, we’re referring to KB5053656, which is now available in the Windows 11 24H2 version of the system.
What’s striking about this is that we could say we’re facing one of the biggest updates of the current year, 2025. It’s being delivered via Windows Update, although Microsoft has also published direct download links for offline installers in its official catalog. For now, this is an optional update that adds a multitude of exciting new features, which we’ll discuss below to give you an idea of what you’re in for.
Because KB5053656 is optional for Windows 11 24H2, it doesn’t download or install automatically. However, we recommend getting it as soon as possible because of everything it includes. Keep in mind that if you skip this optional patch, you’ll be required to receive it on April 11th, during this month’s Patch Tuesday. It’s also important to know that the new features are being rolled out gradually.
What’s new in Windows 11 KB5053656
Although it’s optional, we recommend installing this patch due to the new features and improvements that Windows 11 includes starting now, which we’ll discuss below.
New AI features. First, we find new features related to artificial intelligence. For now, they are blocked for Copilot+ PCs. For the rest, search now uses AI to optimize results based on the Semantic Search Index API. And it’s not limited to the Start menu; we can also use it from the search bar in File Explorer.
Improvements for gamers. This is an update that focuses heavily on gaming on our computers. Microsoft is testing support for the Gamepad layout for the touch keyboard built into Windows 11, starting with the aforementioned KB5053656. This means that if we open the touch keyboard and tap on the Gamepad layout mode, we’ll find new buttons to make things easier for us while playing.
Lock screen widgets are now available in Europe. Microsoft has now enabled MSN widgets in Europe, as the feature was previously limited to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Asia.
Fixed a recent File Explorer issue that caused it to open incorrectly on some computers.
A new button appears that allows us to open the Emoji panel in the operating system after installing the update, all directly from the Taskbar.
