Microsoft has just rolled out the second cumulative update for March 2025 for the stable version of Windows 11 on both PCs and tablets. This update, Build 26100.3624 (KB5053656), is available to all users running the stable release and brings a host of significant improvements. It looks like this update is shaping up to be quite exciting.
News at the KB5053656 update
Improvement in the search for Windows
New Feature! Thanks to an enhanced Windows Search system, finding documents, photos, and settings in Windows 11 just got easier on Copilot+ PCs. This upgrade combines semantic indexing models with traditional lexical indexing, meaning you no longer need to remember exact file names or specific words within a document to find what you need.
Even better, this advanced search works offline, leveraging the 40+ AI TOPS of the NPU inside Copilot+ PCs, ensuring fast and intelligent results without requiring an internet connection.
Improvement in photo search
Finding files and cloud-stored photos is now easier on Copilot+ PCs. Use natural language in the search box at the top right corner of File Explorer, and your cloud photos will appear alongside the ones stored locally on your PC. This makes searching for images faster and more intuitive than ever!
Improvements in data entry
The gamepad-style keyboard layout is now available on Windows 11’s touch keyboard, featuring shortcut buttons like X and Y near the space bar for quicker actions. The keys are also vertically aligned, making navigation smoother and more intuitive for those using a controller.
Improvements in live subtitles
This update enhances communication on Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors by introducing real-time subtitles and translation. Now, live subtitles can translate over 44 languages into English, working seamlessly across video calls, recordings, and streaming content for a more accessible and immersive experience.
Improvements in voice access
Natural language commands in Voice Access allow users to speak more freely, using filler words and synonyms instead of strict, predefined commands. This makes voice interactions feel more natural and intuitive. Initially, this feature is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon technology.
Improvements in widgets
Lock screen widgets are now available for devices in the European Economic Area (EEE). Users can add, remove, and rearrange widgets like Weather, To-Do Lists, Sports, Traffic, and more, making the lock screen more customizable and useful.
Additional corrections and improvements
- Improved CTFMon.exe resolved the problem of restarting the system, which could affect writing.
- Kerberos authentication improved and stopped responding in certain scenarios when RC4 was used for encryption.
- Improved search in the taskbar In the EEE, with improved support for web search suppliers.
