Windows 11 KB5045889 is now available for testers in the Beta Channel. It has a few new features that will be rolled out to everyone on Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2 in the coming weeks. First, it comes with a modern Windows Hello interface and a new animation that makes the security feature look cute. Second, it hides the notification bell by default.

KB5045889 is only available for those who have joined the Beta channel, but you don’t need to join the Windows Insider Program to notice the changes, as Windows Latest has already installed the update. We’re going to share some screenshots and GIFs to show off the new Windows Hello experience.

KB5045889 update for Windows 11

Microsoft is changing how Windows Hello looks in Windows 11. This does not change the functionality, but it’s an aesthetic update to one of Windows 11’s most important security features.

As shown in the screenshots below, Windows Hello now has a new visual appearance and is in line with Windows 11 design guidelines.

The visual communication is now clearer.

Windows Hello new animation
GIF Courtesy: Microsoft / Via Xeno on X.

Cute, right? You’ll see this animation when you log into Windows 11 using Windows Hello (PIN, Facial recognition or fingerprint). Or when you use Windows Hello to sign into websites or apps.

Windows 11’s security pop-up for passkey sign-in has its own share of changes. The first screen in the above screenshot is the initial prompt, where you’ll see your email at the top and the website or app you’re trying to access (like “github.com” in this example).

Windows 11 Security UI

Windows 11 KB5045889 includes a friendly smiley face with a message, “Looking for you…”, which shows Windows Hello is trying to identify you.

Once it recognizes you, the pop-up moves to a confirmation screen. Here, it greets you by name, like “Hello Alice Hawkins!” and shows a verification symbol (a square with dots) for you to confirm your identity. This screen also has an option to select a different passkey if you prefer, or you can cancel the sign-in process if needed.

The third screen is the passkey selection screen, where you can choose between various multiple emails, phones (such as Pixel or iPhone), or even a security key. You can go back to the previous screen if you change your mind, or cancel the process for once and all.

You’ll be able to try this new Windows Hello and passkey experience in the coming weeks without joining the Windows Insider Program.

Taskbar bell icon is hidden by default

One undocumented experiment, and something we immediately noticed after installing the update (KB5045889), was the lack of a notifications bell icon on the taskbar.

Windows 11 notification bell icon on taskbar

Microsoft is now hiding the notification bell on the taskbar by default. This is an interesting experiment, and Microsoft’s intentions aren’t clear, but it looks like the company wants the taskbar to look less cluttered.

Notification settings taskbar
Image Courtesy: WindowsLatest.com

You can still open the notifications centre by tapping on the date & time, and the icon can be restored from Settings.

Enable bell icon on taskbar in Windows 11

To restore the icon, right-click the date and time, select notifications settings, and check the “Show notification bell icon” to restore the icon on the taskbar.

We think Microsoft is still experimenting with the idea, and it remains to be seen if it will roll it out to everyone in the coming weeks.

About The Author

Mayank Parmar

Mayank Parmar is an entrepreneur who founded Windows Latest. He is the Editor-in-Chief and has written on various topics in his seven years of career, but he is mostly known for his well-researched work on Microsoft's Windows. His articles and research works have been referred to by CNN, Business Insiders, Forbes, Fortune, CBS Interactive, Microsoft and many others over the years.