Windows 11 KB5020044 preview update released with 25 changes

Microsoft has released the November optional KB5020044 preview cumulative update for all editions of Windows 11, version 22H2.

Today's non-security release adds 25 bug fixes and enhancements, including OneDrive storage limit alerts and fixes for an issue causing File Explorer crashes when closing context menus and menu items.

The KB5020044 preview update is part of Microsoft's November 2022 monthly "C" update, and it enables Windows admins to test fixes rolling out to all users with the December 2022 Patch Tuesday.

But, unlike Patch Tuesday updates, non-security preview releases like KB5020044 are optional and do not include security updates.

You can install this preview update by going into Settings > Windows Update and clicking the 'Check for Updates' button.

Since it's an optional Windows update, you must manually install it by clicking the 'Download and install' link (the preview update will only install automatically on Windows Insider builds).

You can also manually download and install the KB5020044 preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

​What's new in 2022's last preview update

The Windows 11 KB5020044 preview release comes with over two dozen fixes and improvements, with the five highlighted ones listed below:

Gives Microsoft OneDrive subscribers storage alerts on the Systems page in the Settings app. The alerts appear when you are close to your storage limit. Provides the full amount of the storage capacity of all your OneDrive subscriptions. It also displays the total storage on the Accounts page in the Settings app. Combines Windows Spotlight with Themes on the Personalization page. This makes it easier for you to discover and turn on the Windows Spotlight feature. Addresses a known issue that affects the Input Method Editor (IME). Certain applications might stop responding. This occurs when you use keyboard shortcuts to change the input mode of the IME. Addresses an issue that causes File Explorer to stop working. This occurs when you close context menus and menu items.

 Microsoft also said on Tuesday that this is the last preview update of the year, with no other non-security updates to be released during December.

"There will be no preview, non-security releases for Windows 10 or Windows 11 during the month of December," Redmond said.

"Preview releases normally target the third week of the month. There will be a December security update release, as usual."