KB5010414 for Windows 11 introduces new functionality

Microsoft released preview update KB5010414 for Windows 11 on February 15, 2022. The cumulative update is the first to introduce new features for Windows 11, including Amazon Appstore Preview for testing Android games and apps, improvements to taskbar, updated Notepad and Media Player applications. and more.

KB5010414 is available worldwide. It is a preview update, which means it is not automatically downloaded and installed at this time. Windows administrators need to do the following to get it:

1. Open the Settings app, either with the shortcut Ctrl-I or by selecting Start > Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Activate the Check for Updates button on the page.
4. The KB5010414 update is listed on the page. Select the download and install option next to it.

Windows 11 will download the update and install it on your device once the download is complete. It installs like any other cumulative update, which means it’s a quicker process than installing a full feature update (coming later this year). A reboot is required before the changes take effect.

Once installed, users may notice the following changes:

1. The Amazon Appstore Preview is now available for users in the United States. The store appears region locked at this point. Eligible users find Android apps and games on the Amazon Appstore in the Microsoft Store.

   • To start the preview, open and update the Microsoft Store (click Get updates in Microsoft Store > Library); search for your favorite titles or browse our curated new collection of mobile apps and games; when you’ve found what you’re looking for, download it through the Amazon Appstore.1 These apps feel like a part of Windows, integrating naturally with Windows input and window experiences, like Snap layouts.

2. Live weather content is displayed in the left corner of the taskbar for centered taskbars. For left-aligned taskbars, the weather icon is displayed next to the task view icon. Hovering over the weather icon opens the Widgets interface. It hides again when you move the mouse or remains when you click on the weather icon.
3. The date and time are now displayed on secondary monitors.
4. Redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps are available. These must be updated through the Microsoft Store before they are available.
   • Media Player replaces the Groove Music app. Microsoft notes that libraries and playlists will be migrated automatically. The player supports audio and video playback and Microsoft notes that it has been optimized for accessibility.
   • The redesigned Notepad app comes with dark mode support, multi-level undo, and an improved find and replace experience.
   • Check out Ashwin’s reviews of the new Media Player for Windows 11 and changes to the redesigned Notepad app.
5. Microsoft Teams users with a work or school account get mute/unmute controls and window sharing right on the Windows 11 taskbar.
6. Cookies can now be shared between Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Internet Explorer mode.
7. Support for adding and removing non-volatile memory (NVMe) namespaces

The preview update fixes various issues along with feature additions. You can check the full list of changes here.

closing words

KB5010414 is a preview update. Most users should not install the update at this time as it will roll out to all devices automatically on March 2022 patch day. Two of the new features are currently limited by region or user type, apps only they are updated through the Microsoft Store.

The main visual change is the new weather icon on the left side of the taskbar, which is activated by hovering over it with the mouse. The widget can be disabled.

Now you: What is your opinion on the new features?

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