Windows 11 KB5050021 is now available for Windows 11 23H2. This marks the first patch and security release of 2025. As usual, you can download it through Windows Update, or you can use the direct download links for the KB5050021 .msu file provided by Microsoft, which is a convenient option for offline updates.
The KB5050021 security update introduces several quality-of-life enhancements while also strengthening the system’s security. Notable new features include a more compact date and time display in the system tray and the ability to access your Android phone’s storage directly from File Explorer, which we will explore further shortly.
Since the Windows 11 KB5050021 is a mandatory update, it should automatically download and install on your PC. It’s important not to overlook it due to the critical nature of this update. You can verify its status by checking the Windows Update section in the Settings app.
When you look for updates, you’ll find “2025-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5050021),” which will upgrade your OS Build to Windows 11 Build 22631.4751 once installed.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5050021
Windows 11 KB5050021 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM | Microsoft Update Catalog.
By using our links, you’ll be directed to the Microsoft Update Catalog, where you can click the Download button next to the appropriate CPU type.
To check your PC specifications, go to Settings > System > About. It’s really that easy.
If you’re running Windows 11 24H2, you’ll receive a different update, KB5050009, which offers the same features but comes with a different build number.
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 22631.4751?
Windows Latest installed and tested KB5050021 right after it was made available to the public on Tuesday morning.
To start, the changes we’re discussing aren’t entirely new, as they began rolling out back in December 2024 with Patch Tuesday. However, only a limited number of users received these updates. Windows Latest anticipates that the January 2025 release will extend these features to a wider audience.
The most noticeable change is the updated date and time layout in the system tray. It takes up significantly less space than the previous version and, in our view, looks much better. After several months of testing, it has finally arrived in the stable channel for Windows 11 23H2.
After installing Windows 11 KB5050021, you can adjust its settings by right-clicking on it and choosing the Adjust date & time option. From there, simply toggle the Show abbreviated time and date checkbox to turn it on.
Another fantastic feature we appreciate is the ability to access phone storage through File Explorer without needing to connect any cables.
The wireless option is perfect for transferring small files, but we wouldn’t recommend it for larger ones.
This feature is ideal for small images and documents, and it conveniently displays phone storage statistics in the address bar. Setting it up is straightforward. Just connect your phone using Phone Link and enable the Show mobile devices in File Explorer option in the Managed Devices section to access this feature.
Microsoft initially rolled this out to a select group of users in October, but it is now available to everyone with Windows 11 23H2 KB5050021.
Next, there’s an enhancement to the Start menu, which now includes a minor improvement to the jump list. When you click on a system app like the Snipping Tool, you’ll find additional app-related options in the context menu. This makes it easier to perform quick actions, such as setting a timer for snapshots in the Snipping Tool.
After installing Windows 11 KB5050021, we also noticed a significant update to the Task Manager, which now features modern dialog boxes. This change brings the app closer to the new user interface. You’ll notice this when attempting to disconnect a user from the Users page within the app.
All these pages now support dark mode.
If you use the Dynamic Lighting feature, you’ll notice a new warning message if there are no compatible devices connected to the 23H2 PC.
Additionally, there are several minor bug fixes addressing the PP USB printer system freeze and issues with Windows activation after a motherboard replacement.
It’s time to prepare for the transition away from version 23H2.
Windows 11 23H2 is now in its final year of support.
Windows 11 24H2 has officially launched, and more PCs are expected to upgrade after a problematic initial rollout plagued by several bugs.
As noted by Windows Latest today, Microsoft has set November 11, 2025, as the official retirement date for Windows 11 23H2, while 22H2 is already no longer supported. I
n contrast to previous updates, Microsoft is taking a cautious approach with the rollout of Windows 11 24H2 due to over fifteen issues encountered during its release. If you haven’t received the 24H2 update yet, it may be because Microsoft is addressing potential problems that could affect your PC after the upgrade.