Windows 11 KB5050009 is a January 2025 update for Windows 11 24H2, and unsurprisingly – it has nothing big to offer. That’s because Microsoft skipped the optional updates in December 2024 due to the Holidays. You can get this patch via Windows Update. Microsoft has also posted download links for KB5050009 .msu offline installers.
KB5050009 is a mandatory update part of the Windows 11 January 2025 Patch Tuesday cycle, and it will download or install automatically. This will not happen immediately, but when Windows checks for updates in the background, it will notify you and attempt to restart automatically.
As soon as Windows checks for updates, it will show as “2025-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5050009)“. This update will advance your PC to Windows 11 Build 26100.2894 and apply several bug fixes and improvements.
I captured a screenshot of the updates rolling out. I would also like to point out that we’re getting this year’s first .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 updates. It’s simply called “2025-01 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 24H2 for x64 (KB5049622)“.
For those unaware, the .NET Framework are responsible for most of the popular Windows apps you use. This release fixes security problems with the .NET Framework.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5050009
Windows 11 KB5050009 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64 | Microsoft Update Catalog.
The size of January 2025 Patch Tuesday is approx 1016.6 MB if you use an Intel or AMD chipset. However, the size is larger if you’re on a Snapdragon ARM PC, such as the Surface Pro X. It’s 1183.7 MB for Windows 11 on ARM.
This is another huge update, and it’s probably because it contains a lot of changes which were previously rolled out in stages.
What’s new in Windows 11 Build 26100.2894?
It is worth noting that these changes were previously rolled out with the December 2024 Patch Tuesday cycle, but the catch was that only some people received features like shortened date and time on the taskbar. Windows Latest understands that Windows 11 KB5050009 (24H2) turns it on for more people, but again, some of you might not see it.
Windows 11 KB5050009 should turn on a new date and time experience.
The date & time would be shorter, and the year would be missing to make more space for icons on the taskbar. This was supposed to roll out last month, but it didn’t. However, more of you will see it now.
You’ll also notice that the bell icon is now hidden. These changes are turned on by default, but they can be reverted from Settings. In case of date and time, you need to go to the respective setting. For the bell icon, head to notifications settings.
In addition, after you install Windows 11 KB5050009, you’ll notice that there’s a new Tailored Experience called “Personalized offers” when setting up Windows 11. This option shows up on the OOBE screen, and it is also tied to ads you see across the OS. If you choose it in the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE), you’ll see more ads, so don’t.
If you have already selected it, you can reset it from Settings > Privacy & security.
In addition, here are some notable bug fixes and improvements in KB5050009 based on our analysis:
- Microsoft finally figured out why the search bar shows up as an icon when the “Automatically hide the taskbar” feature is turned on. This was a bug, after all, not something wrong with your Windows installation!
- You can right-click on the apps on the Start menu to access the jump list. Try it for Snipping Tool to understand what it means.
- You can now control touchscreen edge gestures from Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touch.
- You can now share files from one device to another using File Explorer’s context menu’s new Send to Android phone button.
- A bug where the search bar is cut off in File Explorer is now fixed.
- A bug where StartComponentCleanup stops at 71% and shows error 6842 has been fixed.
- A bug where Windows Update fails with 0x800f0905 has been fixed.
- A bug where Windows Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) stops working has been fixed.
Microsoft has also fixed a bug that causes Windows 11 24H2’s app windows to group together in a corner of a monitor when you put the device to sleep.
Another issue where Mica does not work has been fixed.
Similarly, KB5050009 finally fixed a problem we first reported: a bug where Windows 11 24H2 Clipboard history shows no content.
Known issues in the Jan 2025 update
Microsoft is not aware of any major issues in Windows 11 KB5050009 (24H2), but don’t be surprised if the update fails when certain Citrix components installed.
This affects enterprise customers only, and only a small number of users are affected. If you’re one of the affected users, you’ll not be able to install Windows 11 KB5050009 (24H2).
Microsoft stated that this only affects PCs with Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411.
Citrix and Microsoft are working on a fix and will share more details soon. Otherwise, KB5050009 sounds like a fine release.