Cumulative updates for Windows 10, and Windows 11 - March 2023

The following release notes coincide with Cumulative updates for all the supported versions of Windows, released on March 14th, 2023.

Windows 11

Windows 11, version 22H2: KB5023706 (OS Build 22621.1413)

March 14, 2023—KB5023706 (OS Build 22621.1413) - Microsoft Support

This security update includes improvements that were a part of update KB5022913 (released February 28, 2023), including:

• ***New!*This update improves the search box experience on the taskbar. As you type in the search box, search results now appear in the search flyout box. You can also change the search experience you want for your taskbar by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. For commercial customers, this update adds a new policy for IT administrators to manage how the search box on the taskbar appears in your organization. For more information, seeCustomizing search on the Windows 11 taskbar.
• ***New!***You can now accessWindows Studio effectsdirectly from quick settings on the taskbar for devices that have a supported neural processing unit (NPU). This makes it quick and easy to turn on and configure camera effects. These effects include Background blur, Eye contact, Automatic framing, and Audio effects (Voice focus). You can still access these effects in the Settings pages.
• ***New!***This update makes it easier to get help if you are having PC issues. You can now findQuick Assistin the Start menu’s All apps list.
• ***New!***This update introduces a touch-optimized taskbar for 2-in-1 devices that you can use as a tablet. There are two states of this taskbar: collapsed and expanded. To switch between the two states, swipe up and down on the bottom of your screen. When collapsed in tablet mode, the taskbar recedes to give you more screen space and keeps you from accidentally opening the taskbar. When expanded in tablet mode, the taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch. Your taskbar will automatically change to this optimized version when you disconnect or fold back the keyboard. This feature only works on devices that can be used as tablets and is on by default. To change that, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. The setting is called “Optimize taskbar for touch interactions when this device is used as a tablet.” If your company manages Windows updates for your device, this feature will be off by default. Administrators can turn it on using the newcommercial control for continuous innovation.
• ***New!*This update provides enhanced support for braille devices. They will continue working while you switch between Microsoft Narrator and third-party screen readers. Narrator will automatically change braille drivers. For more information, seeChapter 8: Using Narrator with braille.
• ***New!*This update also adds support for new braille displays and new braille input and output languages in Narrator. Some of the new braille displays include the APH Chameleon, the APH Mantis Q40, the NLS eReader, and many more. For more information, seeChapter 8: Using Narrator with braille.
• ***New!***Windows now provides energy recommendations. If you use them, they can help to improve the energy efficiency of your PC and reduce your carbon footprint. Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Energy Recommendations.
• ***New!***For devices that are joined to Azure Active Directory (AAD), Windows now provides AI-powered recommended content on your Start menu. On the Start menu, you will find content to help you to prepare for meetings, quickly access files you're collaborating on, and more.
• ***New!***This update enhances the system tray. All icons will have a rounded focus and hover treatment in the lower right, including the “Show hidden icons” flyout menu. You can move icons to rearrange them in the “Show hidden icons” flyout menu or move icons to the taskbar.
• ***New!***This update makes voice access more flexible and supports interaction with more user interface (UI) controls. For example, voice now interacts with controls that contain:
  • Names that have numbers, such as “Click 5”
  • Names without whitespaces between them, such as “click PivotTable” or “click PivotChart”
  • Names that have special characters, such as Bluetooth & devices (“click Bluetooth and devices”) or Dial – up (“click dial hyphen up”)
• ***New!***Voice now supports spin controls, thumb controls, and split buttons. You interact with these controls by using the “click” command or number overlays. This update also addresses issues that affect snapping commands that snap a window left or right. Commands that move the cursor in a text box now run instantly.
• ***New!*This update also provides voice scrolling enhancements. You can use voice to scroll to the extreme left and right on a page. You can also use continuous scrolling to the left or right like what is already present for vertical scrolling. For more information about the new voice access commands, seeVoice access command list.
• ***New!***This update makes enhancements to Task Manager.

Download: Download KB5023706 MSU for Windows 11 v22H2 64-bit (x64) - 284.0 MB (windowsupdate.com)

Windows 11 (original release) KB5023698 : (OS Build 22000.1696)

March 14, 2023—KB5023698 (OS Build 22000.1696) - Microsoft Support

• ***New!***This update adds an advanced auto-learning feature for facial recognition

Download: windows10.0-kb5023698-x64_ca331a5383fba432861d13a5565eeae434a4ba44.msu (windowsupdate.com)

Windows 10

March 14, 2023—KB5023696 (OS Builds 19042.2728, 19044.2728, and 19045.2728)

March 14, 2023—KB5023696 (OS Builds 19042.2728, 19044.2728, and 19045.2728) - Microsoft Support

Highlights

• This update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system.

Download: Download KB5023696 MSU for Windows 10 v20H2, v21H2, and v22H2 64-bit (x64) - 700.7 MB (windowsupdate.com)

If you installed earlier updates, only the new updates in this package would be downloaded and installed on your device. 

^1/19/23^ IMPORTANT After March 2023, there are no more optional, non-security preview releases for the supported editions of Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows 10, version 21H2. Only cumulative monthly security updates (known as the "B" or Update Tuesday release) will continue for these versions. Windows 10, version 22H2 will continue to receive security and optional releases.

https://twitter.com/WindowsUpdate/status/1635692351996801059

🔑Resources

• Learn about the different types of monthly updates: https://msft.it/6017eRKoX ****

• Find resources, tools, and news about known issues and safeguards: https://msft.it/6016eRKon

• Have an issue? File feedback to our engineers: https://msft.it/6018eRKok