Windows 11 build 22621.675 (KB5019509) enables October features on version 22H2

Microsoft begins the slow rollout of the October feature drop for Windows 11 22H2.

Windows 11 update KB5019509
Windows 11 update KB5019509
  • Microsoft released Windows 11 build 22621.675 (KB5019509) for version 22H2.
  • The update is available in the stable channel for everyone as an optional install.
  • The update KB5019509 enable File Explore tabs, Suggested Actions, and other features.

UPDATE 10/18/22: Microsoft has released the Windows 11 22H2 update KB5019509 as an optional install for devices enrolled in the stable channel. The update is an enablement package that turns on the features that are part of the first feature drop for the operating system.

The update KB5019509 bumps the version number to build 22621.675 and, according to the changes, enables tabs for File Explorer, Suggested Actions, the Taskbar Overflow menu, and the improvements for Nearby sharing to discover more devices.

The company also says that the feature drop is only available for early seekers through the Windows Update settings. However, the update will be available more broadly during the next November 2022 security update release.

Windows 11 22H2 update KB5019509

Here’s a list of the new features for the October 2022 update for Windows 11 22H2:

  • File Explorer – Tabs in File Explorer to organize your workflow like in the browser. The update will also bring a new Home page and a new navigation pane.
  • Taskbar Overflow – This is a new entry point to an overflow menu that allows you to view all your overflowed apps in one space.
  • Share to more devices – This will allow you to discover and share to more devices, including desktops using nearby share.
  • Suggested Actions on Copy – Copy phone numbers and future dates and get suggested actions such as making a call with Teams or Skype or adding an event in the Calendar app. 

In addition, as part of the feature drop release, the company will be making available an updated version of the Photos app at the end of October through a Microsoft Store update. The new app introduces a new photos-managing experience that brings a gorgeous gallery, simplifying browsing, finding, management, and consumption of your collection of photos. ​It also allows you to easily back up your photos with OneDrive and connect to other cloud services, such as Apple’s iCloud.

Finally, Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows 11 will continue to receive yearly feature updates, which means that we’ll see drops of new features through non-security updates roughly four times a year. And then, during the year’s second half, we can also expect a new feature update with more significant changes like version 22H2.

If you want to download and install the Windows 11 build 22621.675, go to Settings > Windows Update, and click the Check for Updates button.

Update October 18, 2022: The update was previously only available in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, but now it’s available as an optional install for everyone, and this post has been revised to reflect the new information.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.