Microsoft has released optional cumulative update KB5009596 Preview for Windows 10 20H2, Windows 10 21H1, and Windows 10 21H2.
This update includes fixes for reboots on domain controllers, L2TP VPN connection issues, and 25 other fixes or improvements.
As part of this update, Microsoft is also rolling out a new “Sync your settings” feature to help with migrations to Windows 11.
“Adds a new feature called Sync Your Settings for users migrating to Windows 11, out-of-the-box,” explains release notes KB5009596.
“You’ll use Sync Your Settings to automatically back up a list of your apps to your Microsoft account. Then, you can quickly restore those apps to an out-of-the-box Windows 11 device. This new feature will be rolling out over the next few weeks.”
The Preview of Cumulative Update KB5009596 is part of Microsoft’s January 2022 Monthly “C” Update, allowing administrators to test out upcoming fixes released in the February 2022 patch on Tuesday.
Unlike Patch Tuesday updates, Preview “C” updates are optional and do not include any security updates.
Windows users can install this update by going to Settingsclicking on Windows Update, and manually perform a ‘Check for updates.’
Since this is an optional update, you will be asked if you want to install it by clicking on the “Download and Install” link, as shown in the image below.
Windows 10 users can also manually download and install preview update KB5009596 from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
It should be noted that Windows 10 2004 reached end of service on December 14, 2021. This means that it will no longer receive new cumulative updates and users should upgrade to supported versions of Windows 10.
What’s new in Windows 10 KB5009596
After installing this update, Windows 10 20H2 will be updated to build 19042.1503, Windows 10 21H1 will be updated to build 19043.1503, and Windows 10 21H2 will be updated to build 19044.1503.
The preview for Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB5009596 includes twenty-seven improvements or fixes, with the ten highlighted fixes listed below:
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Adds a reminder to Internet Explorer 11 notifying you of its upcoming retirement.
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Updates an issue that can sometimes prevent Japanese Microsoft Office applications from working when using the new Japanese Input Method Editor (IME).
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Updates an issue that stops printing or prints the wrong output when printing via USB in Windows 10, version 2004 or later.
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Updates an issue that prevents apps from working when typing using the Chinese IME.
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Updates an issue that prevents certain surround sounds from playing in Microsoft Edge.
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Adds a new feature that provides direct access to select your Microsoft Edge profiles from news and interests. You can also access Microsoft Edge directly from the news and interests of the same corresponding profile.
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Adds a new feature called Sync your settings for users migrating to Windows 11, out-of-box. You’ll use Sync your settings to automatically back up a list of your apps to your Microsoft account. Then you can quickly restore those apps to a Windows 11 stock release device. This new feature will be rolling out over the next few weeks.
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Updates an issue that prevents working Bluetooth devices from working when trying to connect to a non-working Bluetooth device.
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Updates DST to start in February 2022 instead of March 2022 in Jordan.
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Updates the phone number for Windows activation for locales that have the wrong phone number.
You can find a full list of fixes in support bulletin KB5009596.