Microsoft has released the KB5044273 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 10 21H2, which includes nine changes and fixes, including a new Windows Update opt-in notification shown when you log in to the operating system.

The Windows 10 KB5044273 update is mandatory as it contains Microsoft’s October 2024 Patch Tuesday security updates.

Windows users can install this update by going into Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and manually performing a ‘Check for Updates.’

However, as this update is mandatory, it will automatically start installing in Windows once you check for updates. To make this more manageable, you can schedule a time when your computer is restarted to finish the installation.

After installing this update, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5011 and Windows 10 21H2 will be build 19044.5011.

Windows 10 users can also manually download and install the KB5044273 update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

What’s new in Windows 10 KB5044273

The KB5044273 update includes numerous Windows fixes, including a fix for a bug causing Windows Server to stop responding when you use File Explorer or the Taskbar.

This update includes a total of nine fixes, which are listed  below:

• [Start menu] New! This update might move your profile picture to different positions. There is also a new background color for the left pane on the menu. This color change makes the commands on the menu stand out more.  

• [IE mode] Microsoft Edge sometimes stops responding when you use IE mode. 

• [Media playback] Playback of some media might stop when you use certain surround sound technology.

• [Microsoft Entra single sign-on (SSO)] The SSO notice that the European Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires prompts too often. This occurs when you authenticate using a certificate. To learn more, see Upcoming changes to Windows single sign-on.

• [Country and Operator Settings Asset] This update brings COSA profiles up to date for certain mobile operators.

• [File Explorer and taskbar] Windows server stops responding when you use apps like File Explorer and the taskbar.

• [Windows Update opt-in notifications] They now appear when you sign in.

• [Directory enumeration] This might fail if a directory has symbolic links that have long target names.

• [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint] Work Folders files fail to sync when Defender for Endpoint is on.

Unfortunately, one long-standing issue still impacts Windows 10, causing 0x80070520 errors when attempting to change your profile picture through these steps: Start > Settings > Account > Your info and, under Create your picture, click on Browse for one.

A full list of fixes can be found in the KB5044273 support bulletin and last month’s KB5043131 preview update bulletin.