Microsoft released July 2023, an optional cumulative update to Windows 11 version 22H2, which fixes 27 issues. These include those that affect VPN performance or display and audio devices.
KB5028254 (a non-security monthly preview release) allows Windows administrators to test the improvements that will be included in August 2023 Patch Day.
Microsoft says that the update addresses audio and display device issues after systems are woken from sleep.
“There might be excessive Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) requests to the network gateway,” Redmond says.
This happens when the VPN is connected to a wireless mesh system that employs an aggressive throttling algorithms. This results in poor network performance.
This update makes brightness settings more precise and ensures Widgets do not unpin themselves from the Windows Taskbar.
This monthly “C”, unlike Patch Tuesday, is an optional update and does not contain any security fixes.
To install KB5028254, you can go to Settings > Windows Update, where they will find the ‘Download and install’ button after checking for updates.
You can also download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually. Windows 11 22H2 build 22621.2070 will be updated after this update.
Other highlights in Windows 11 KB5028254
Today’s Preview Release includes additional fixes, improvements and bug fixes. Below are some of the more significant ones.
- This update fixes a problem in Windows Notification Platform. This issue can affect how much power is used by your device.
- This update affects the user mode driver. They unload suddenly. It happens when you print multiple print queues from the same driver.
- This update is for the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Drive Blocklist, DriverSiPolicy.p7b. This update adds drivers at risk of Bring Your Own Vulnerable Device (BYOVD).
- This update fixes a problem that affected Windows Defender Application Control. This issue copies unsigned WDAC policy to the Extensible Firmware Interface disk partition. This partition is for signed policies.
The complete list of fixes and improvements can be found in the KB5028254 support bulletin published by Microsoft today.
Microsoft also warned of one known issue affecting this release: a long-standing bug that breaks provisioning on Windows 11 22H2 enterprise systems and leaves endpoints partially configured and failing to finish installing.
Windows administrators are advised to provision devices for end-users before upgrading to Windows 11 22H2 to avoid the provisioning issue.
