On September 12, Microsoft released the newest build versions of both Windows 365 and Windows 11. True to form, the tech giant continues to adapt and evolve, and their products reflect that evolution. According to Computerworld.com, the following updates are of note for the two new releases.

Microsoft 11 updates

Windows 365 Updates

Version 2308 (Build 16731.20170)
Release date: August 28, 2023

This build rolls out a few additional features, including adding the functionality of AutoComplete to the Data Validation dropdown list in Excel. the feature was intended to facilitate more efficient data entry and validation. In Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit key length in Cipher Block Chaining mode (AES256-CBC) is now the default Microsoft Purview Information Protection encryption mechanism.

Several bothersome bugs in Outlook have also been addressed, including one that caused Outlook to close unexpectedly when users ran a search with the “All Mailboxes” command and another that caused Outlook to crash entirely when non-HTTP links were clicked.

Get more info about Version 2308 (Build 16731.20170).

Version 2308 (Build 16731.20234)
Release date: September 12, 2023

Office 365 and Microsoft 365 subscribers are the recipients of more frequent software updates than non-subscription individuals, which means subscribers have more in-depth access to the most recent features, bug fixes, and security patches. This latest build removes multiple bugs, including one that caused the Outlook application to close suddenly when viewing an email. Another bug was found in PowerPoint and affected the presenter’s ability to effectively control zooming in and out in the notes section. The newly released build also closes several security holes with relevant updates.

As with all security updates, IT professionals should work to apply this fix relatively quickly – but not before a short trial period. Over the course of the next few weeks, they should keep an eye out for any incident reports and apply the update if all seems well.

Windows 11 Recent Updates

A Windows launch signals the beginning of the product’s eventual trajectory. Microsoft has continued to work on improving Windows 11 by fixing bugs, releasing security patches, and occasionally adding new features.

KB5029351 (OS Build 22621.2215) Preview
Release date: August 22, 2023

This update introduced changes to the manner in which app defaults are handled and added a policy dubbed “Enable optional updates,” which administrators can use to configure the monthly, optional cumulative updates for commercial devices. Users can also apply this policy for gradual Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFR) while fixing several issues – including a bug that caused Start menu icons to disappear after users initially signed in. Another bug fixed an issue with settings which will not sync properly.

(Click for more information about KB5029351 Preview.)

KB5030219 (OS Build 22621.2283)
Release date: September 12, 2023

This build eliminated a blank menu item from the Sticky Keys menu and applied several security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and September 2023 Security Updates. These documents represent all Microsoft released security and nonsecurity updates for Office in September 2023 and are intended to assist Microsoft customers to maintain up-to-date computers and devices. The firm recommends that clients install all updates that apply as soon as possible.
To download an update, users simpy select the corresponding Knowledge Base article in the included list on the Microsoft website.

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Many companies utilizing Microsoft products are vulnerable if they do not stay on top of security updates and patches.

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