Microsoft, with its emphasis on “Windows as a service,” keeps improving Windows 10 with monthly updates. On February 27, Microsoft released a new optional patch via Windows Update and Windows 10 KB4535996 offline installers are also available.
Windows 10’s latest patch updates v1909 PCs to Build 18363.693 and v1903 PCs to Build 18362.693. Windows 10 Build 18363.693/18362.693 is an optional quality update that addresses performance and reliability issues and does not include new features.
During the third and fourth week of each month, Microsoft releases “C” and “D” releases, which are the previews of the next month’s Patch Tuesday release. KB4535996 is a non-security update for Windows 10 version 1909/1903 and it contains a long list of improvements.
Even if you skip this particular patch, you can install March’s Patch Tuesday cumulative update and you will be completely up to date with all these fixes.
Download Links for Windows 10 KB4535996
Windows 10 KB4535996 Direct Download Links: 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit.
Windows 10 KB4535996 (Build 18363.693) Full Changelog
KB4535996 for Windows 10 is a huge update and it includes a number of improvements for everyone. For example, Microsoft says it’s updating Windows Search to address a bug causing blank search page and other rendering problems for some people.
Windows Search can now render the results properly in the space allotted for it. Similarly, another bug that prevents the Windows Search box from showing results has been resolved.
This patch also improves the battery performance of laptops that use Modern Standby mode.
Modern Standby is a Windows 10 feature that provides a smartphone-like always-connected experience where you could sync your device when it is on low power.
Unfortunately, some people reported that the power mode causes their laptops to overheat while they’re not being used and Microsoft said it’s working with partners to improve Modern Standby.
With today’s update, it looks like Microsoft has finally delivered a new version of Modern Standby that actually works.
Another bug where Microsoft enables an unwanted keyboard layout as the default after system reboot has been addressed. Microsoft is also rolling out changes to address bugs with printers and an issue that prevents apps from printing to certain network printers.
How to get it
Windows 10’s optional updates are not installed automatically, but you can install the patch by manually checking for updates in the Windows Update page. You can also update your computer manually by downloading the offline installer from the links above.
In the release notes, Microsoft has stated that it’s not aware of any known issues.
