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KB5036979 is an optional, non-security preview update released April 23, 2024, for Windows 10 version 22H2. It brings the operating system to build 19045.4355 and includes account-notification changes, lock-screen Widgets improvements, and reliability and security fixes. It is a preview release, not that month’s regular security update.
What KB5036979 is
Microsoft lists KB5036979 for Windows 10 version 22H2, all editions. Its operating-system build is 19045.4355; the servicing stack update (SSU) version is 19045.4351. Check your Windows version and build before following advice for this update: a similar KB number for another Windows release may refer to something different.
Microsoft made the preview available through Windows Update as an optional update and through the Microsoft Update Catalog. Windows Update for Business was not receiving it directly; its changes were planned for the next security update in that channel. See Microsoft’s KB5036979 release page for the official package and release details.
What changes and fixes it includes
Changes you may notice
- Microsoft-account notifications: The update begins rolling out notifications related to Microsoft accounts on Settings > Home; notifications may also appear in Start and Settings. Manage Settings notifications at Settings > Privacy & security > General.
- Lock-screen Widgets: Microsoft says the update improves their reliability and quality, with more visuals and customization.
- Windows Search and app discovery: Microsoft reports reliability improvements to Search and easier discovery of newly installed apps.
- Wireless earbuds: It addresses unstable Bluetooth connections affecting some wireless earbuds using firmware from April 2023 onward. This does not establish that every Bluetooth connection problem is fixed.
Technical and platform fixes
The release also addresses a wide range of system issues, including:
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- An app-licensing issue affecting Copilot in Windows preview.
- A Modern Standby resume stop error, 0x9f DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE, and a race condition that could prevent startup in multi-OS boot configurations.
- Memory allocation granularity on some hardware, an accelerator backing-store memory leak, and a memory leak in the Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC).
- Mobile operator profile updates through COSA, and an ARP issue that could return the wrong VSID for external container-networking ports.
- Compatibility with additional HVCI drivers, an updated vulnerable-driver blocklist, and a fix for a PPL protection bypass.
- Windows LAPS post-authentication action timing.
Package-size estimate
Microsoft said that beginning April 23, 2024, the LCU would stop carrying reverse differentials and the client would generate reverse update data instead. Microsoft estimated this would reduce LCU package size by about 20%, potentially lowering bandwidth use and download times. This is Microsoft’s estimate, not an independently measured result.
Known issues Microsoft listed
These are issues described on Microsoft’s KB5036979 page. They do not mean every device is affected or that each issue remains unresolved on a fully updated system; the notes also name later updates for several problems.
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- 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC.
- Copilot preview with multiple monitors: Desktop icons could move between monitors unexpectedly or become misaligned. Microsoft pointed to a new Copilot experience rolling out to devices with KB5039299 or later.
- Copilot preview with a vertical taskbar: Copilot was not supported when the taskbar was positioned vertically on the left or right. Microsoft said the later Copilot experience addressed this behavior.
- Microsoft Connected Cache (MCC): Some enterprise devices using DHCP Option 235 to discover MCC nodes could download updates and apps from the public internet instead, increasing traffic on enterprise internet routes. Microsoft said Home users were unlikely to encounter this and identified KB5040525 as the fix.
- Account-picture error: Some users could see error 0x80070520 when changing their account picture. Microsoft said investigation found very limited or no impact for this Windows version and directed affected users to Windows support.
- VPN connection failures: Microsoft listed VPN failures following updates dated April 9, 2024 or later and identified KB5037768 as the update addressing the issue.
- Unexpected “Open With” dialog: Right-clicking some Start-menu or taskbar app icons could open an “Open With” dialog instead of the expected task menu. Reports included Teams, new Outlook for Windows, and Snip & Sketch; Microsoft said KB5039299 addresses the issue.
For present-day troubleshooting, check the latest applicable Windows release-health information: later cumulative updates may change the status or remedy for an issue listed with this preview.
How to install KB5036979
Windows Update
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check the Optional updates available area for KB5036979.
- Select the update and follow Windows’ prompts to download and install it.
The update was optional. If it is not offered, Microsoft’s page also lists the Microsoft Update Catalog as a source.
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Microsoft Update Catalog or WSUS
Download the standalone package from the Microsoft KB5036979 page, which links to the Catalog. WSUS administrators can import the update manually through the Catalog. Windows Update for Business does not receive this preview directly; Microsoft said the changes would be included in its next security update.
Check servicing-stack prerequisites
- Offline OS image servicing: If the image does not have the July 25, 2023 LCU KB5028244 or later, install standalone SSU KB5031539 first.
- WSUS deployment or standalone Catalog installation: If the device does not have the May 11, 2021 LCU KB5003173 or later, install standalone SSU KB5005260 first.
Microsoft says the latest SSU is combined with the LCU. The applicable prerequisite depends on the deployment scenario and what is already installed.
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- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive & 16GB Memory
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution Non-Touch with Webcam and an integrated graphics chip
- Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth
How to uninstall KB5036979
Microsoft says the combined SSU/LCU package cannot be removed using the usual WUSA uninstall switch. To remove the LCU, use DISM and its package name:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
- Run
DISM /online /get-packagesand identify the LCU package name in the results. - Run
DISM /online /Remove-Package /PackageName:<package_name>, replacing<package_name>with the exact name shown by DISM.
The SSU cannot be removed after installation. Avoid guessing the package name; use the value reported on the device.
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