Windows 11 KB5034204 update fixes Bluetooth audio issues, 24 bugs

Microsoft released the January 2024 preview update for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, which comes with Bluetooth audio bug fixes and addresses 24 known issues.

Tracked as KB5034204, this monthly non-security optional cumulative update will enable Windows admins to test improvements and fixes that will be pushed to all customers with the forthcoming February 2024 Patch Tuesday release.

According to Redmond, the update fixes an issue impacting Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio earbuds, which lose sound when streaming music.

Another highlight is fixing an issue affecting Bluetooth phone calls where the audio is no longer routing through the PC when answering calls on your PC.

KB5034204 also fixes an issue caused by a deadlock that prevents search from working on the Start menu for some users and addresses a bug affecting the OpenType font driver, affecting how text renders for third-party applications on specific hardware configurations.

Since this monthly "C" update is optional, you must click 'Download and install' after checking for updates from Settings > Windows Update to install it on your computer.

You can also download the KB5034204 update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog and manually install it.

Additional information on installing this preview update on your home computer is available in this support document.

​​​​More highlights in this month's preview update

This Windows 11 optional release comes with additional fixes and improvements, some of the more significant ones listed below:

This update addresses an issue that causes your device to stop responding. This is intermittent and occurs after you install a print support app. This update makes Windows more reliable during power transitions. This reduces the risk of a stop error. This update addresses an issue that affects certain types of 7-Zip files. They appear as empty in File Explorer. This update addresses a known issue that affects BitLocker data-only encryption. A mobile device management (MDM) service, such as Microsoft Intune, might not get the right data. This occurs when you use the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node. This update includes quarterly changes to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file, DriverSiPolicy.p7b. It adds to the list of drivers that are at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

Microsoft added that it will stop pushing Windows 11 22H2 preview releases after ​February 2024 but will continue providing cumulative monthly security updates for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2.

"After February 2024, there are no more optional, non-security preview releases for Windows 11, version 22H2," the company said.

"Only cumulative monthly security updates (known as the 'B' or Update Tuesday release) will continue for this version. Windows 11, version 23H2 and Windows 10, version 22H2 will continue to receive security and optional releases."