Table of Contents
- What Critical Issues and Powerful Enhancements Arrived in Windows 10/11’s April 2025 Preview Updates?
- Overview: April 2025 Windows Preview Updates
- Key Highlights for Windows 11 (KB5055629)
- Notable Fixes in Windows 11 22H2 & 23H2
- Windows 10 22H2 (KB5055612) Key Fixes
- Installation & Availability
- Why These Updates Matter
What Critical Issues and Powerful Enhancements Arrived in Windows 10/11’s April 2025 Preview Updates?
Microsoft’s April 22, 2025, preview updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 introduce impactful improvements and resolve several negative issues, paving the way for a smoother user experience next month. Here’s a concise, professional breakdown of what you need to know:
Overview: April 2025 Windows Preview Updates
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Updates Released:
- Windows 10 22H2 (KB5055612)
- Windows 11 22H2 & 23H2 (KB5055629)
Type: Optional cumulative (preview) updates—manual installation required unless auto-install is enabled (Windows 11 22H2+).
Key Highlights for Windows 11 (KB5055629)
- No Preview Update for 24H2: No preview was released for Windows 11 24H2 this cycle.
- New Features & Fixes: The update brings new features and reliability improvements, with a phased rollout (some features may not be immediately available to all users).
- CoPilot Preview: Microsoft CoPilot is now available in preview for select markets in North America, Asia, and South America, with more regions to follow.
- Microsoft Teams (Free):
- Now pinned to the taskbar by default.
- Enables chat, calls, and SMS messaging directly within Teams.
- Users can link their Android phone for SMS and share meeting links using their regular phone number.
- System App Management: System components are now clearly labeled under “All apps” in the Start menu and managed via Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Notable Fixes in Windows 11 22H2 & 23H2
- Server Message Block (SMB): Resolved slow opening of Excel files with multiple network links on SMB shares with Access Based Enumeration.
- USB Sign-in Impact: Fixed issues with USB cameras on Intel Core Ultra 200V Series Processors and Windows Hello sign-in. Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) may need to be toggled for compatibility.
- Xbox Controller Support: Addressed keyboard malfunction and error indicators for Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers with certain firmware.
- Driver Blocklist Security: Expanded the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to defend against BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attacks.
Windows 10 22H2 (KB5055612) Key Fixes
- GPU Paravirtualization in WSL2: Fixed a case-sensitivity issue that could cause GPU paravirtualization to fail in Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.
- Security Enhancements: Updated the vulnerable driver blocklist to protect against known security exploits.
- System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker: Resolved errors related to SgrmBroker.exe in the Windows Event Viewer for devices updated since January 14, 2025.
Installation & Availability
- Manual Update: These are optional updates—users must manually check for and install them via Windows Update or download from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Servicing Stack Update: The latest SSU is integrated to ensure seamless updating.
- Known Issues: Microsoft documents known issues and installation requirements in the official support articles for each update.
Why These Updates Matter
- Proactive Fixes: Preview updates allow users and IT professionals to test fixes before they become mandatory, reducing the risk of widespread issues.
- Security First: Enhanced driver blocklists and bug fixes address vulnerabilities and improve system stability.
- Feature Evolution: New features like CoPilot and improved Teams integration enhance productivity and connectivity for end users.
These updates demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to resolving frustrating issues and delivering valuable new features, making your Windows experience more secure and productive. Be sure to review the official support articles for detailed installation guidance and known issues before updating