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The January 2025 Windows non-security preview update is now available for some supported versions of Windows
MC990872 · build prod-20251231-200323
Category
stayInformed
Severity
normal
Major change
False
Last modified
2025-01-28 22:04:54
Summary source
Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1)
Action by (Graph)
Action by (AI)
Services
Windows
Tags
Admin impact
Master tags
Roadmap IDs

One-line summary

January 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 10 22H2 adds HDR, taskbar, system tray, File Explorer, and time zone improvements; Windows 11 23H2/22H2 update coming soon.

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Details

Body (from Message Center)

The January 2025 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows 10, version 22H2. The non-security preview update for Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2 will be available soon. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see Windows monthly updates explained.

Highlights for the Windows 11, version 24H2 update: 
  • This update addresses an issue with High dynamic range (HDR) that causes some games to appear oversaturated. This occurs when you use Auto HDR.
  • This update improves the previews that show when your cursor hovers over apps on the taskbar. The update also improves their animations.
  • An icon will appear in the system tray when you use an app that supports Windows Studio Effects. This only occurs on a device that has a neural processing unit (NPU).
  • In File Explorer, when you right-click items in the left pane, the “New Folder” command appears on the context menu.
  • You can change time zones in Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.

For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below: 

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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{
  "snapshot_item": {
    "action_required_by": null,
    "ai_action_required_by": null,
    "ai_actions": [
      "Review release notes",
      "Install KB5050094 or KB5050081 as applicable"
    ],
    "ai_master_tags": [],
    "ai_model": "gpt-4.1",
    "ai_summary": "January 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 10 22H2 adds HDR, taskbar, system tray, File Explorer, and time zone improvements; Windows 11 23H2/22H2 update coming soon.",
    "ai_topics": [
      "Windows",
      "Windows 11",
      "Windows 10"
    ],
    "category": "stayInformed",
    "details_map": {},
    "id": "MC990872",
    "importance": 1,
    "is_major_change": false,
    "last_modified": "2025-01-28T22:04:54Z",
    "ms_products": [
      "Windows"
    ],
    "platforms": null,
    "roadmap_ids": [],
    "services": [
      "Windows"
    ],
    "severity": "normal",
    "tags": [
      "Admin impact"
    ],
    "title": "The January 2025 Windows non-security preview update is now available for some supported versions of Windows"
  }
}