Windows 11 KB5040527 out with Start, taskbar features (direct download .msu) | Laptop News

Windows 11 KB5040527 is now available as an optional update with Build 22631.3958 if you’re on 23H2 and Build 22621.3958 on 22H2. This optional update improves the “end task” logic on the taskbar and fixes the File Explorer. As always, Microsoft has posted direct download links for KB5040527 offline installers in .msu format on the Update Catalog.

Windows 11 KB5040527 is optional, so it won’t download or install automatically. You won’t even see the update if you’re not running the July 2024 Windows 11 update. Also, monthly optional previews are designed to test the subsequent Patch Tuesday updates, so there could be rough edges here and there.

If you care about new features, there are many changes. For example, it is now possible to drag apps from the “pinned” section of the Start menu to the taskbar. When you drag and drop apps to the taskbar from the Start menu’s pinned section, they will automatically be pinned to the taskbar.

Next up is support for an improved “end task” feature. I don’t know how many of you are aware of this nifty feature, but you can turn it on from Settings > System > For Developers > End Task. When turned on, you can right-click running apps on the taskbar to access a new “end task” control, which kills the process without opening the Task Manager.

With Windows 11 Build 22621.3958 or newer, “end task” no longer warns about the process with “not responding dialog” before it stops a task.

On Windows Update, this patch shows up as:

2024-07 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5040527)

Download Links for Windows 11 KB5040527

Windows 11 KB5040527 Direct…