Windows 11 KB5044380 lets you do without the Copilot key (direct download .msu)

The optional Windows 11 KB5044380 update for Windows 11 23H2 is now available and can be downloaded from Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update. Microsoft has also published direct download links for the offline installer KB5044380 (.msu) in the Update Catalog.

The optional October patch for Windows 11 23H2 focuses on fixing several issues. Key changes include a new feature that allows you to configure the Copilot key on the keyboard.

On newer devices, the Copilot button opens the Copilot app by default. However, if you sign in with a Microsoft Entra ID, the key opens the M365 app instead. You can also open another app or search by going to Settings > Personalization > Text Input.

To set the key to open another app, the app must be in an MSIX package to ensure that it meets Microsoft security and privacy standards. Please note that changing this setting will have no effect if your keyboard does not have a Copilot key.

Download links for Windows 11 KB5044380

Direct download links for Windows 11 KB5044380: 64-bit and ARM | Microsoft Update Catalog.

What’s new in Windows 11 Build 22621.4391?

Windows 11 23H2 22621.4391 fixes several important issues. One of the fixes reduces battery consumption during Modern Standby, an issue that had caused devices to use power faster than expected.

Additionally, Microsoft Teams users will be pleased to know that a bug that prevented them from joining meetings when selecting an Outlook reminder has been fixed.

Other notable fixes in Windows 11 update KB5044380 include:

• Added new phone numbers for product activation in different regions.
• A fix for multifunction printers (MFPs) that were printing unnecessary network command text when connected via USB.
• A solution to a VMSwitch issue that caused a stop error when using Load Balancing and Failover (LBFO) with virtual switches on virtual machines.
• Fixed an issue where Collector Sets would not close properly when an exception occurred, resolving a command freezing issue.
• Updates to Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) to ensure profiles for specific mobile operators are up to date.
• A fix for a Windows Hello for Business PIN reset issue that failed when selecting “I forgot my PIN”.
• Updates to the Windows kernel block list for vulnerable drivers to protect against Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
• WebView2 apps now recognize input from Xbox 360 and Bluetooth controllers and resolve previous issues.
• Fixed a memory leak issue that caused apps to stop responding when using Bluetooth devices.

As always, this is an optional update, meaning it will not be installed automatically. If you want to apply the update, you can do so by going to the “Windows Update” section in Settings and selecting “Download and Install.”