Preview of Windows 11 March 2025 Update KB5052094 (Build 22631.4969) Released

Exciting news for Windows 11 users! The latest update KB5052094 (build 22631.4969) is rolling out as a preview for the March 2025 update. Currently available in the Release Preview Channel for version 23H2, this release introduces a wealth of new features, enhancements, and non-security improvements that are all set to launch on March 11, 2025, coinciding with the monthly Patch Tuesday update.

According to Microsoft, this build enhances the Taskbar with a new file-sharing option, revamps the Windows Spotlight feature, and brings significant improvements to File Explorer. Moreover, users will notice updates across the Lock Screen, Settings app, Start menu, and mouse configurations.

Overview of Windows 11 March 2025 Update (Preview)

This update is packed with non-security fixes and enhancements that aim to elevate your Windows experience. Keep an eye out for additional changes and improvements for version 24H2 in the upcoming weeks.

Brand New Taskbar Share Option

The standout feature of update KB5052094 is the introduction of a new “Share”option directly from the Taskbar’s Jump List. By right-clicking on apps like Notepad, you can easily share files that you’ve recently accessed.

Taskbar jump list Share option / Image: Mauro Huculak

Windows Spotlight: Dynamic New Icons

Desktop Spotlight new icons / Image: @PhantomOfEarth

Expect to see a refreshed icon for the Spotlight feature along with dynamic text tailored to your wallpaper. Clicking the “Like” button on a Lock Screen image will now reveal more information about it!

File Explorer Improvements

File Explorer is receiving significant updates, including an option to turn off or snooze the “Start backup”prompt for OneDrive directly from the address bar.

File Explorer disable backup notification

This update also addresses various issues such as URL processing delays, address bar overlaps in full-screen mode, context menu slowdowns for cloud files, and thumbnail loading errors during searches.

Enhanced Accessibility with Windows Narrator

The Windows Narrator has received useful new features that make it easier to navigate:

Skip past links (n): Quickly jumps to the text immediately after a link, providing a smoother reading experience.
Jump to the start of an item (, ): Allows you to skip straight to the beginning of larger sections.
Jump to the end of an item (.): Efficiently move to the conclusion of larger elements.
Jump to lists (l): Navigate effortlessly to the next list, enhancing document navigation.

Settings App Enhancements: Game Pass Invitation

If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriber, the updated card in Settings now includes a feature to invite friends to experience the service for free!

Settings Game Pass invite / Image: Microsoft

Miscellaneous Fixes and Improvements

While no new features were added to the Start menu, bugs were patched, such as color discrepancies in the account manager flyout menu. Additional fixes include resolving issues that caused the Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) service to fail and addressing dwm.exe freezes.

This release also updates support for Paraguay Daylight saving time (DST) and revises certain mobile operators’ Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles.

How to Install the Update

To install this version of Windows 11, you must enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel via the “Windows Insider Program” settings found in the “Update & Security” section. After enrollment, download the build by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in your Windows Update settings and clicking on the “Check for Updates” button.

Note that this update is available for version 23H2. In the following weeks, it will also launch for version 24H2 under a different build number. The official rollout on March 11, 2025, will ensure both versions receive updates with the same KB number in the Stable Channel.

Additional Insights

1. What are the key features of the March 2025 update for Windows 11?

The March 2025 update (KB5052094) introduces several enhanced features including a new file-sharing option in the Taskbar, improvements to Windows Spotlight, significant updates in File Explorer, and better navigation options with Windows Narrator.

2. How can I install the KB5052094 update?

You can install the KB5052094 by enrolling your device in the Release Preview Channel through the Windows Insider Program and then checking for updates in your Windows Update settings.

3. What improvements have been made to File Explorer in this update?

File Explorer now has an option to snooze or disable the backup prompt for OneDrive, alongside various performance fixes, including issues with URL processing and context menu delays.

Source & Images