There won't be any Windows 10 cumulative updates throughout December, which will no doubt please many users. But Microsoft still managed to sneak one out late on Monday (Nov. 30), before the holiday season officially begins.
What's in the Windows 10 Build 19042.662 Update?
As ever, this cumulative update are a mishmash of fixes, patches, and small changes to Windows 10. A cumulative update differs from the major Windows 10 updates that arrive roughly every six months, such as the May 2020 Update and the more recent October 2020 Update.
With that in mind, check out the following list of update highlights:
- Updates an issue that causes Narrator to stop responding after you unlock a device if Narrator was in use before you locked the device.
- Updates an issue that prevents you from finding certain Microsoft Xbox consoles on a Windows device.
- Updates an issue that fails to display the Microsoft Xbox Game Bar app controls on supported monitors. This issue occurs in certain Microsoft DirectX 9.0 (DX9) games that are running with Variable Refresh Rate enabled on these monitors.
- Updates an issue with USB 3.0 hubs. A device connected to the hub might stop working when you set the device to hibernate or restart the device.
- Updates an issue that randomly changes the input focus of edit controls when using the Japanese IME or the Chinese Traditional IME.
- Updates an issue that makes the touch keyboard unstable in the Mail app.
- Improves the visual quality of Windows Mixed Reality headsets that run in lower resolution mode.
- Updates an issue that prevents the PDF24 app, version 9.1.1, from opening .txt files.
You can read the full list of changes in the KB4586853 cumulative update on the Microsoft Support website.
Many of these updates are likely to fly under the radar, as they're not that important. However, fixes for the Microsoft Xbox Game Bar and locating Microsoft Xbox consoles are welcome at a time when many people are unboxing new Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.
Similarly, if you're experiencing issues with devices connected to your PC through a USB 3.0 hub, this cumulative update could provide the fix.
When Will the 19042.662 Update Arrive?
The update is for users running Windows 10 20H2 or 2004. If you're unsure which version of Windows 10 you're currently using, press Windows Key + I, then head to System > About. You'll find your current version under Windows specifications.
This is an optional update. Which means the update does not contain any critical security or feature updates. If you don't install the update manually, it will roll into the monthly Patch Tuesday update, which is mandatory for every Windows 10 machine.