According to a Microsoft blog post, Windows 11 KB5008353 can now be downloaded as an optional update patch on devices outside the Insider program. Unlike previous cumulative updates, today’s optional build actually comes with a new feature that also includes various improvements to the operating system.
Windows 11 KB5008353 is part of Microsoft’s optional update cycle. As you probably know, optional updates are one of the most common optional quality previews of Windows, which are usually released in the third or fourth week of each month and contain non-security fixes.
The Windows 11 Optional Update for January 2022 includes numerous fixes for issues reported over the past few weeks, no security fixes. If you choose to install optional updates, you’re helping Microsoft test next month’s Patch Tuesday. Microsoft refers to users who manually choose to install updates as “explorers, those who actively look for updates.
With the release of this month’s patch, Microsoft said it fixed Bluetooth and audio issues, and also added a new page in the Settings app to help people manage their Microsoft accounts and Office 365 subscriptions if any. Additionally, Microsoft is now using Bing AI to suggest help topics in settings pages.
Windows 11 KB5008353 (Build 22000.469) full update content:
- Improved the Microsoft Accounts page in the Settings app.
- Enables support for the help feature, which uses Bing to suggest help topics for each settings page.
- Fixed Bluetooth issues.
- Fixed Taskbar issues and a bug where an inactive application could appear active.
- Fixed HDR issues.
With Windows 11 Build 22000.469, Microsoft is making improvements to the Windows Settings app. This update will allow users to manage their Office and Xbox subscriptions in the Settings app, which will make things easier for those with Office personal or business subscriptions.
To try this new feature, go to Windows 11 Settings > Accounts > Your Microsoft Account. As you can see in the screenshot, you can now manage information related to your Microsoft accounts such as subscriptions, order history, payment details, and even Microsoft Rewards (available in specific regions).
In addition to the updated Settings app, Microsoft also fixed an issue where wireless audio devices might not work as expected. Another bug has been fixed where app icons in the taskbar could appear active as if the apps were running in the background.
A related fix is a bug that prevented icons from appearing on the secondary display. A bug that caused the taskbar to show the volume icon as muted has also been fixed in this release. Another glitch is that when you use auto-hide, and you hover over the primary or secondary display, the taskbar may not appear.
Likewise, Microsoft is working on a change that will allow the Settings app to properly log and report the battery percentage of connected Bluetooth devices. Finally, a known issue has been fixed where Windows 11 could prevent some image editing programs from rendering colors correctly on certain High Dynamic Range (HDR) monitors.
Should optional updates be installed?
As we mentioned at the beginning, Windows 11 Build 22000.469 is an optional release, and fixes will be bundled with the February 2022 “Patch Tuesday” release. If you run into the issue highlighted above, you can install the optional update and fix it before the next “Patch Tuesday” is released.
Remember, optional updates are much more stable than insider previews of the operating system. However, if you’re not having issues with Windows 11, you can skip the update as you’ll get the same fix in the next mandatory update. You can wait a few weeks and get the same fix after other users have tested it.