By Dervish / Last update February 16, 2022

On February 16th, according to Windows Latest, the Windows 11 KB5010414 cumulative patch update is now rolling out to users in the production channel, and it is a major version with several new features. Unlike typical monthly updates, today's optional update is part of Microsoft's plan to upgrade Windows 11 with new features in addition to major feature updates.

 

Windows 11 KB5010414 is an optional update, so it won't be actively downloaded or installed unless you explicitly click the "Get Updates" button. An optional update in February 2022 brings support for new taskbar features like "AirDrop" and a clock on multiple monitors. In addition, there are a bunch of general improvements and fixes that make it a heavyweight update.

This is an optional update, and users who choose to install it will indirectly help Microsoft test next month's "Patch Tuesday." Users who install optional updates are considered "explorers". Remember, you can get the same set of changes later in the March 2022 Patch Tuesday.

The new features of Windows 11 KB5010414 (Build 22000.527) are as follows:

  • Android app via Microsoft Store.
  • The taskbar can now display the clock on multiple monitors.
  • Easily switch microphones from the taskbar and share application windows in Teams.
  • The taskbar can now display weather information.
  • The Recommended section of the Start menu gets Office Web integration.
  • Most of us are familiar with Windows 10s News and Interests widget, which appears on the right side of the taskbar and displays local weather updates and news headlines based on your personal interests.

Microsoft, on the other hand, is doing it a little differently with Windows 11. On Windows 11, we have a widgets' panel that contains a stream of details like weather, news, traffic, Microsoft To-Do, and other widgets like Photos. Like Android widgets, Windows 11's widget panel has small apps that give you quick information.

The Windows 11 widget panel supports all the features available in News & Interests, but it cannot display the weather on the taskbar. This feature was dropped from the taskbar in Windows 11, but was brought back in Build 22000.527.

As you can see in the screenshot, the widget is now at the far left of the default taskbar and displays weather updates. When you hover over the weather button on the taskbar, a widget panel with newsfeeds and other widgets will automatically launch.

Later this year, the widget panel will also gain support for third-party apps.

Taskbar gets new features

A new feature in Windows 11 called "AirDrop" reduces the need to move back and forth between apps when you want to share an app's window during a Microsoft Teams meeting. AirDrop will also support other video conferencing clients, but it's currently limited to Microsoft Teams.

 

According to Microsoft, the Windows 11 taskbar's new window sharing experience can lead to fewer interruptions during online meetings, provided you use it properly.

To get started, you need to hover over the app in the taskbar and click the new button that allows you to share a window with other people in a meeting. When you share your screen, you can tap the "Stop Sharing" button at any time, or switch to another app by tapping "Share this window."

Microsoft says this new feature will be useful for sharing PowerPoint slides using any video conferencing app (support for third-party apps is coming soon).

Additionally, Microsoft is introducing support for new mute and unmute buttons to the Windows 11 taskbar. This new feature will come in handy for users who frequently meet on Teams.

As you can see in the screenshot, you'll be able to access the new mute or unmute toggle right from the taskbar. The feature persists throughout the call, allowing you to mute/unmute the Teams' microphone from anywhere, even with several windows open on the screen.

Currently, only Teams are supported, but Microsoft may also introduce support for third-party apps via the API.

Other improvements in Windows 11 Update

KB5010414 also brings some other improvements. For example, you can now launch Office files from the Start menu directly in your browser.

This comes into play when you access Office files through the Recommended section of the Start menu and the device doesn't have the corresponding Office license or the files are in OneDrive or SharePoint.

If you have a valid license, the file will open in the desktop application as usual.

Likewise, cookies can now be shared between Microsoft Edge's Internet Explorer mode and Microsoft Edge.

Other improvements include:

  • Fixed silent BitLocker enable policy not working.
  • Fixed an issue affecting Remote Desktop applications.
  • Fixed right-to-left (RTL) language text appearing left-aligned on context menus.
  • Fixed an issue with taskbar tooltips where application icons appeared in an empty area on the taskbar.
  • Fixed an issue with offline files on network drives.