January 24, 2024 at 08:38AM
Microsoft released the January 2024 preview update for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, which includes Bluetooth audio bug fixes and addresses 24 known issues. The update, known as KB5034204, provides improvements for testing before the forthcoming February 2024 Patch Tuesday release. It is an optional update and can be installed via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Some of the additional highlights of the update include fixes for device responsiveness, reliability during power transitions, issues with 7-Zip files, BitLocker data-only encryption, and changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file. Microsoft also announced that it will stop pushing Windows 11 22H2 preview releases after February 2024, only providing security and optional releases thereafter for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2.
From the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
1. Microsoft released the January 2024 preview update (KB5034204) for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.
2. The update addresses Bluetooth audio bug fixes and 24 known issues.
3. It is a non-security optional cumulative update, enabling Windows admins to test improvements before the February 2024 Patch Tuesday release.
4. The update fixes issues impacting Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio earbuds and Bluetooth phone calls routing through the PC.
5. It also addresses a deadlock issue affecting the Start menu search and a bug impacting OpenType font driver on specific hardware configurations.
6. This optional update can be installed by clicking ‘Download and install’ after checking for updates from Settings > Windows Update or by downloading it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
7. The update includes additional fixes, enhancing device response, power transitions, File Explorer issues with 7-Zip files, BitLocker data-only encryption, and quarterly changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file, DriverSiPolicy.p7b.
Furthermore, Microsoft will stop pushing Windows 11 22H2 preview releases after February 2024, but will continue providing cumulative monthly security updates for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2. Only cumulative monthly security updates will continue for Windows 11, version 22H2 after February 2024, while Windows 11, version 23H2 and Windows 10, version 22H2 will continue to receive security and optional releases.