Windows 11 KB5034123 is the first update of 2024 with a few quality improvements, such as Wi-Fi and security fixes. As part of Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has also published direct download links for Windows 11 KB5034123 offline installers. The .msu installers can be used by anyone to patch the systems manually.
KB5034123 is a security update that will download or install automatically depending on your Windows Update settings. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t have a lot to offer. For example, you won’t find new features or app updates bundled alongside the update. That’s because the tech giant did not ship an optional update last month.
Regarding non-security fixes, Microsoft’s support document highlights as many as three changes. The Patch Tuesday update has patched an issue that caused your device to shut down when it detected a smart card automatically. This did not affect all devices, but Microsoft states that the issue was linked to smart cards used with remote systems.
If you check for updates today, you will see the following update:
2024-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 for x64-based Systems (KB5034123)
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5034123
Windows 11 Direct Download Links: 64-bit.
If you do not see the update when you check for updates or if Windows Update isn’t working, you can always head to the Microsoft Update Catalog and grab the .msu installers.
Windows 11 KB5034123 changelog
The most notable fix in Windows 11’s 2024 Patch Tuesday is a fix for an issue that caused internet issues at universities, preventing some students from using the campus Wi-Fi.
According to the official release notes, Microsoft has finally fixed the issue, which affected universities and some businesses. As we reported correctly, Microsoft believes the issue affected Wi-Fi networks that use 802.1x to authenticate.
This means only some universities or businesses with a particular Wi-Fi setting were affected, and Microsoft clarified the bug did not break the internet at home.
So what’s new in the update? Apart from the above changes, you should not expect major fixes in this release. However, if you skipped the December 2023 update, you’ll get those fixes today.
Copilot is getting, but it still works only in select regions
KB5034123 improves Copilot on Windows 11 with support for Alt+Tab and multiple displays. These features were previously limited to a small group of users, but they’re now available for everyone with today’s update.
This AI-powered feature allows you to access Copilot on multiple displays seamlessly. You can press the Copilot button on the taskbar to activate it on the desired screen. For those with a keyboard, the combination of Win+T keys will shift focus to the taskbar, where they can open Copilot on any display.
Microsoft is also improving integration between Copilot and other open windows using the Alt+Tab shortcut. This integration is part of the initial limited release, with broader deployment planned in the coming months.
Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out a new “Add a screenshot” button for Copilot.
Another significant change is the potential setting of Windows Spotlight as the default desktop background in the near future. This switch might occur for users whose backgrounds are currently set to default Windows images.
Microsoft accounts also receive a boost in functionality with the update, as it introduces account-related notifications within the Settings > Home section.
These notifications, which encompass subscription management and data backup, will be visible across the Start menu and Settings, with customization options available under Settings > Privacy & security > General.
Here’s a list of all key improvements in Windows 11 KB5034123:
- Improved responsiveness of Copilot in Windows when launched from the taskbar.
- Resolution of an issue where the Copilot icon in the taskbar wasn’t showing as active when Copilot was in use.
- Fixes for Internet Explorer mode, addressing non-responsiveness issues during specific interactions.
- Optimization of Dynamic Lighting to reduce power consumption.
- Correction of cursor-related anomalies, particularly when using Japanese input or during screen capture activities.
- Adjustment of the Widgets notification badge positioning on the taskbar.
- Rectification of issues in File Explorer, including context menu access and unexpected window foreground appearances.
- Improved stability and updating for Microsoft Store apps.
- Enhanced performance of shortcut menus, particularly in desktop and File Explorer contexts.
- Resolution of an issue preventing the Narrator from opening during Windows setup.
- This comprehensive update reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing a more efficient, stable, and user-friendly operating system, addressing several user-reported issues while introducing forward-thinking features like Copilot in Windows.
