April 2025 Update: KB5055523 Released for Windows 11 (Build 26100.3775)

UPDATE: April 8, 2025 – Microsoft has officially released the April 2025 Update for Windows 11, version 24H2, identified as build 26100.3775 (KB5055523) within the Stable Channel. Additionally, builds 22631.5189 and 22621.5189 (KB5053657) are now available for versions 23H2 and 22H2, respectively.

According to the official notes, the KB5055523 update introduces a myriad of enhancements including improvements to Live Captions, new features for the Settings app, updates to the Gamepad keyboard layout, and optimizations for Task Manager performance. You can also customize widgets on the Lock Screen now, among other noteworthy changes.

The nuances of build 22631.5189 and 22621.5189 include a new “Top Cards” feature displayed on the “About” settings page and localized enhancements for Japanese users, showing first names before last names in the Accounts section.

Windows 11 April 2025 Update (KB5055523)

The April 2025 update for Windows 11 (version 24H2) contains the following notable features and fixes:

1. Windows Search with Semantic Indexing

The April 2025 update brings significant enhancements to Windows Search with the incorporation of semantic indexing. This advanced feature utilizes artificial intelligence to enable users to locate files, settings, and applications simply by describing them in natural language.

For instance, instead of recalling the exact name of a document, users can type descriptive phrases like “Brazil trip budget.” It works across various interfaces such as the File Explorer, Taskbar, and Settings app. To maximize search efficiency, ensure to enable the “Enhanced” index option in Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.

Semantic search for File Explorer — Semantic search functionality in File Explorer / Image: Mauro Huculak

This semantic search capability also extends to finding images stored in the cloud, allowing searches such as “cycling pictures.” Preliminary access is available for Microsoft accounts, and support for other accounts is forthcoming.

2. Enhanced Live Captions

Starting with this update, Microsoft enhances the Live Captions feature, improving accessibility for users while expanding real-time translations to over 44 languages. This step forward ensures better communication for users of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs.

3. Top Cards in Settings

A new feature called “Top Cards” is now available on the Settings app’s “About” page, showcasing essential hardware specs like storage, memory, and processor details. This update not only enhances user knowledge about their devices but also streamlines navigation.

About page displaying tech specs cards — About page showcasing hardware specifications / Image: Mauro Huculak

4. New Gamepad Keyboard Layout

The April update introduces a redesigned Gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard, ideal for users interfacing via Xbox controllers. The layout optimally maps controller buttons to keyboard functions, simplifying navigation and typing.

Gamepad keyboard layout for Windows 11 — New Gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard / Image: Mauro Huculak

5. Task Manager CPU Logic Enhancement

With update KB5055523, the Task Manager has undergone substantial revisions, ensuring consistent CPU workload representation across all tabs, aligning with industry standards. This update allows IT professionals and users to analyze CPU performance more effectively.

6. Customizable Lock Screen Widgets

The Lock Screen has been updated to allow greater personalization through customizable widgets. Now, users can decide which widgets to display, making their experience more tailored to individual needs.

Furthermore, Group Policy updates will give administrators control to disable Lock Screen widgets on managed devices, enhancing the manageability of corporate environments.

7. Other Key Improvements

This update also introduces various non-security fixes and efficiency improvements, including optimizations in File Explorer and the Remote Desktop experience:

File Explorer: Resolved the issue of incorrect menu direction in the command bar.
Remote Desktop: Fixed UDP functionality issues, ensuring a smoother remote connection.
System Reliability: Addressed blue screen errors during power state changes.
Networking: Correct description of virtual NICs in the Network Connections setup.
Daylight Saving Time Updates: Adjusted DST in accordance with governmental changes.

Windows 11 23H2 Update (KB5053657)

The April 2025 update also encompasses improvements for Windows 11, version 23H2. Key highlights include:

1. Settings with Top Cards

The “About” page is now enhanced with the “Top Cards” feature, enabling users to glance at crucial device specifications quickly, promoting better user awareness.

2. Gamepad Keyboard Layout

The new Gamepad layout implementation aids in navigation and typing via the Xbox controller in an optimized manner similar to version 24H2.

Other Updates

Further improvements include:

Faster file system notifications to enhance application performance.
Enhanced Asian language font support for a better browsing experience.

Installation Guide

To install this update, navigate to “Windows Update” in settings, activate “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”, and click on the “Check for Updates” button. Be advised that the rolling out process might take some time, depending on your device.

Alternatively, you may download the update for Windows 11 from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Update Log:

March 19, 2025: Content updated with recent information.
March 26, 2025: Revision of update KB5053657 was released, boosting the build number.
April 8, 2025: Official rollout of the April 2025 Windows 11 Updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What new features are included in the Windows 11 April 2025 update?

The April 2025 update introduces features like semantic indexing in Windows Search, enhanced Live Captions with broader language support, customizable Lock Screen widgets, and a new Gamepad keyboard layout.

2. How can I install the April 2025 update?

You can install it through the “Windows Update” settings by enabling the option to get the latest updates automatically or manually through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

3. What improvements have been made to the Task Manager in this update?

This update ensures consistent CPU usage information across all Task Manager tabs, improving clarity for users and IT professionals in monitoring performance.

Source & Images