Windows 11 build 22621.2500 (KB5031455) out in Release Preview Channel

Windows 11 22H2 receives build 22621.2500 (KB5031455) in the Release Preview Channel.
This update introduces various fixes, changes, and improvements.
Microsoft is not introducing new features or significant changes in this rollout.

UPDATED 10/24/2023: Microsoft is now rolling out the update KB5031455 for Windows 11 for devices enrolled in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program with a slew of fixes and improvements.

The update KB5031455 bumps the version number to build 22621.2500 and, according to the official changes, introduces a new gleam icon for the search box that opens the Bing search engine in the browser, showcasing daily search highlights.

This flight also adds changes for currency and daylight saving time. In addition, build 22621.2500 (KB5031455) addresses problems with Dynamic Lighting, Windows Mixed Reality, Firewall, reset functionality, PowerShell, Robocopy command tool, and more.

It’s important to note that after installing this update, the version number of the operating system will still remain on 22H2. Microsoft is still planning to release version 23H2 in the coming weeks before the end of 2023.

Also, on October 23, the company updated the original announcement to include the rollout of digital handwriting (inking) in the United States market that allows writing with a digital pen on edit boxes with improved recognition technology.

Finally, the Settings app now includes a new “System Components” page in the “System” section that moves those applications and extensions that are considered essential for the operating system from the “Installed Apps” page.

Windows 11 build 22621.2500 changes

This rollout also brings a bunch of fixes and improvements with build 22621.2500, including:

Affects the search highlight gleam in the search box. When you select the gleam, a Bing.com page will appear for the daily search highlight. This is available to a small audience initially and deploys more broadly in the months that follow.

Changes the English name of the former Republic of Turkey. The new official name is the Republic of Türkiye.

Supports the currency change in Croatia from the Kuna to the Euro.

Supports daylight saving time (DST) changes in Syria. To learn more, see Interim guidance for Syria DST changes 2022.

Fixes an issue that affects fontdrvhost.exe. It stops responding when you use Compact Font Format version 2 (CFF2) fonts.

Fixes a memory leak in ctfmon.exe.

Fixes a memory leak in TextInputHost.exe.

Fixes an issue that affects touchscreens. They do not work properly when you use more than one display.

Fixes an issue that affects Dynamic Lighting. The default provider is not applied as expected. This occurs when you set it up using Unattend files.

Fixes an issue that affects the Microsoft Store. It stops responding when you access it from Windows Mixed Reality.

Fixes an issue that affects cellular settings. The name of the mobile operator is wrong.

Fixes an issue that affects the Windows Firewall Profile. When you are on a domain-authenticated network, it detects a public domain. This is wrong.

Fixes an issue that occurs when you use Universal Print to add a printer using its location. When you browse the tree view structure, the tree nodes do not work as you expect.

Fixes an issue that affects Outlook. It stops responding. This occurs when you print to an Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printer that has a slow response time.

Fixes an error that occurs when you print using v4 print drivers.

This update makes Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles up to date for certain mobile operators.

Fixes an issue that blocks external connections. This occurs when you set up a Kubernetes load-balanced service and turn on session affinity.

Fixes a Firewall configuration service provider (CSP) issue. It stops a device from syncing.

Fixes an issue that affects devices on which you have defined Windows Information Protection (WIP) policies and set up a proxy. A stop error occurs. This happens on devices that use Microsoft Defender Application Guard. In the past, WIP was known as enterprise data protection (EDP).

Fixes an issue that occurs after you run a Push-button reset. You cannot set up Windows Hello facial recognition. This affects devices that have Windows Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) turned on.

Fixes an issue that affects PowerShell versions greater than 7.3.1. It might block scripts and not let them run in Constrained Language Mode. This occurs when you turn on a WDAC policy.

Fixes an issue that affects the Automatically Hide the Taskbar setting. You cannot set it using the SHAppBarMessage() API.

This update improves the performance of the search box experience.

Fixes an issue that affects robocopy. The “/efsraw” switch stops it from copying data properly.

Install build 22621.2500

To download and install the Windows 11 build 22621.2500, enroll your device in the Beta Channel using the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section.

Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download build 22621.2500 from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for Updates” button. However, you will need a device that meets the minimum system requirements to receive the update if you are new to the Windows Insider Program.

Update October 24, 2023: This article has been updated to reflect the additional improvements that Microsoft made available with this update.