Optional Windows 11 24H2 update brings fixes and more advertising

Microsoft is currently rolling out a new optional update for Windows 11 24H2. Update KB5052093 brings some new features, but also adds some self-promotion to the system with Microsoft placing a banner in the system settings to emphasize Game Pass.

Let’s dive into the more notable changes.

New camera options

This update introduces a new camera control in Windows 11 that no longer limits a camera to being used by just one app at a time.

To test this, you can call up the “Advanced camera options” in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. With the option “Allow multiple apps to use the camera at the same time,” the camera control can be customized so that it’s available to all apps simultaneously.

Another new feature helps resolve camera problems. In the settings, you can now activate “basic camera” mode, which can make it easier to troubleshoot issues when your camera isn’t functioning properly.

Taskbar and File Explorer improvements

The Windows taskbar can now share files directly from a drop-down menu (also called a jump list) when you right-click on an app. Of course, this only works if the app in question supports jump lists.

As for File Explorer, you can now snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminders in the address bar. You’ll also notice performance improvements with folders that have lots of media files, more consistent thumbnails for cloud files in search results, and a fix for the bug where entering a URL might not go to the right location.

Game Pass advertisements

As has been telegraphed for some time, Microsoft is now integrating ads for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass directly into Windows 11.

According to Windows Latest, this is already appearing for some users when they open the settings. Others are not yet receiving the Game Pass banner, as this change is being rolled out gradually.

Allegedly, the ad only appears if you have Game Pass and are logged in with the corresponding Microsoft account. This ad is intended to encourage you to recommend the subscription service to other Windows users. However, it’s questionable whether this will be well-received.

Other changes

With this patch, Microsoft has also fixed some problems that were noticed in earlier versions. For example, the volume suddenly being turned up to maximum when switching from standby mode, or HDDs being incorrectly listed as SDDs in Task Manager.

You can read the full list of improvements and bug fixes on this support page. With this being an optional update, you’ll have to grab it manually if you want it. You can do that by either installing it via Windows Update or downloading the installer directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.