Windows Update KB5065426: What's New, Fixes, and How to Install

Microsoft has released its latest cumulative update for Windows 11, designated as KB5065426. As part of the June 2024 "Patch Tuesday" release, this update brings a host of security enhancements, quality improvements, and some notable bug fixes. If you're running Windows 11 version 22H2 or 23H2, this is an essential update for your system's stability and security.

 

In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about KB5065426, including the key highlights, resolved issues, any known problems, and how you can get it installed on your machine.

What's New and Improved?

While this is primarily a security and quality update, it also includes some welcome refinements to the Windows 11 user experience.

Key Highlights

• Taskbar Search Enhancements: Microsoft has made under-the-hood improvements to the search functionality on the taskbar, aiming for better reliability and faster response times.
• Widgets Board Updates: The Widgets board receives minor performance tweaks to ensure it opens more smoothly and content loads without delay.
• Lock Screen Bug Fix: An issue that sometimes caused the lock screen background to appear black or fail to load correctly has been addressed.

Bug Fixes and Reliability Updates

This update resolves several issues reported by users and administrators, including:

• Fixed an issue that affected some VPN connections, causing them to disconnect after a period of inactivity.
• Addressed a problem where certain games and applications might unexpectedly crash when using spatial audio.
• Improved the reliability of the Windows Explorer shell, reducing instances where it would become unresponsive.
• Resolved an issue that prevented the printing of some multi-page documents from Microsoft Office applications.

Security Updates

As with all monthly cumulative updates, a core component of KB5065426 is security. This release includes patches for multiple vulnerabilities, including some classified as "Critical." These updates cover a wide range of system components, including the Windows OS kernel, Microsoft Edge browser, and various scripting engines. Installing this update is crucial for protecting your PC from potential threats.

For a detailed list of the security vulnerabilities addressed, you can refer to the official Microsoft Security Update Guide.

Known Issues

Microsoft is currently aware of one minor issue with this update, which they are actively investigating.

Issue: After installing this update, some users might notice that certain third-party UI customization software might cause errors with the File Explorer. As a result, the Start Menu and Taskbar may not load correctly.

Workaround: Microsoft recommends temporarily disabling or uninstalling third-party UI customization apps (like StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, etc.) until a fix is released. They are working with the developers of these applications to resolve the issue.

How to Install KB5065426

For most users, the update will be downloaded and installed automatically through Windows Update. However, you can manually trigger the process to ensure you have it right away.

Method 1: Through Windows Update (Recommended)

1. Open the Settings app (press Win + I).
2. Go to the Windows Update section on the left-hand menu.
3. Click the Check for updates button.
4. If the update is available, it will start downloading. Once ready, click Install now or Restart now to apply the changes.

Method 2: Manual Download from Microsoft Update Catalog

If you need to install the update on multiple machines or offline, you can download the standalone package from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Simply search for "KB5065426" and select the version that matches your Windows 11 build (22H2 or 23H2) and system architecture (x64).