KB5064081: Windows 11 Gets an Upgrade with 36 Features. Bonus: Bugs You Don't Know About Yet
Install it if you dare.
Microsoft has released the optional cumulative preview update KB5064081 for Windows 11, version 24H2. It adds thirty-six new features and changes, some of which are being rolled out gradually. This package is part of the cycle of optional monthly preview updates released at the end of the month to test new features intended for the next Patch Tuesday. Unlike mandatory Tuesday updates, it does not contain security patches and is installed only at the user's discretion.
KB5064081 can be installed via Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. If the "Get the latest updates as soon as they become available" option is disabled, the system will prompt you to click "Download and install." The package is also available for manual download through the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, the build number increases to 26100.5074.
One of the main changes is the overhaul of how CPU load is displayed in Task Manager. Previously, the "Processes" tab showed the "Processor Utility" metric, which often caused distorted values. For example, a single-core load on a 16-core processor would display as 100%, and when overclocked beyond the base frequency, the indicator would exceed 100% and then get clipped. This resulted in discrepancies between numbers on different tabs and in third-party utilities. A unified formula previously used in the "Performance" and "Users" sections is now applied: (Δ Process CPU Time) ÷ (Δ Elapsed Time × Logical Processors). For those accustomed to the old view, an additional "CPU Utility" column has been added to the "Details" section.
The list of new features in KB5064081 is extensive:
- Recall: Received a personalized homepage with recent snapshots, frequently used apps, and websites. Filters can be configured to control which resources are collected.
- Click to Do: Now includes an interactive tutorial showing with examples how to quickly complete tasks, including background removal and resume creation.
- Permission Dialogs: For microphone, camera, or location access requests have changed; the screen now dims slightly, and the notification appears in the center.
- Taskbar: The enlarged digital clock with seconds is back, available via Settings → Time & language.
- Search: Features a new grid mode for images and notifications about indexing status, including labels showing if files are in the cloud or on the device.
- Lock Screen: Now supports configurable widgets (weather, sports, traffic, etc.), allowing users to change their order and size.
- File Explorer: Now includes dividers in the context menu and displays employee icons in the activity column and recommendations section for corporate accounts. Hovering the cursor shows a Microsoft 365 Live Persona Card with colleague information.
- Windows Hello: Received an updated interface for login and passkey management, covering scenarios from the login screen to Microsoft Store and Recall. Facial recognition and fingerprint login after sleep have been improved.
- Settings: New system activation notifications and controls for which third-party programs use built-in generative AI models.
- Copilot+ PC: Added a helper (currently English UI only) for easier settings search, now supporting Intel and AMD platforms in addition to Snapdragon.
- Widgets: Now offers multiple panels switchable via left navigation. The Discover feed has a new design and includes Copilot-curated content from MSN.
- Enterprise: Introduced Windows Backup for Organizations to simplify data migration and recovery during device upgrades. The legacy PowerShell 2.0 (unsupported since 2017) has been completely removed.
Known issues: Incorrect CertEnroll errors when working with certificates (a fix is being rolled out and will reach all users within four weeks), and audio/video lag when streaming via NDI.
Thus, KB5064081 is one of the most feature-rich preview updates recently, combining UI cosmetic improvements, bug fixes, and significant changes to tools like Recall, Task Manager, File Explorer, and Windows Hello, while also enhancing enterprise scenarios.
