​Microsoft has released the optional KB5050094 Preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 with 28 bug fixes and changes, including fixes for bugs causing audio playback issues on systems with USB audio device drivers.

The KB5050094 update is part of Microsoft's "optional non-security preview updates" schedule. These updates are pushed at the end of every month to allow Windows admins to test bug fixes, improvements, and new features that will roll out with next month's Patch Tuesday release.

However, unlike Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, monthly preview updates do not include security updates.

KB5050094 fixes issues that cause USB audio devices to stop working and stop audio playback. This is triggered by January 2025 Windows security updates on systems with USB audio devices when using a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) audio driver based on USB 1.0.

It also addresses a USB audio device driver bug that causes Code 10 errors and a "This device cannot start" message when connecting to certain external audio management devices.

You can install the update by opening Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and then on 'Check for Updates.' Because this is an optional update, you will be asked if you want to install it by clicking the 'Download and install' link.

You can also manually download and install the KB5050094 preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Windows 11 KB5050094 highlights

Once installed, this preview release will update Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3037.

The January 2024 non-security preview update comes with additional fixes and improvements, some of the more significant ones listed below:

• [USB cameras] Fixed: Your device does not recognize the camera is on. This issue occurs after you install the January 2025 security update.
• [Windows update installation] Fixed: Cumulative updates might not install. The error code is 0x800736b3. This occurs after a feature on demand fails to install.
• [Remote Desktop Gateway] Fixed: When you connect to Windows 11 workstations, you get errors or cannot sign. This occurs when you enforce device redirection.
• [Taskbar] New! This update improves previews shown when your cursor hovers over apps on the taskbar. The update also enhances their animations.
• [Snipping Tool] Fixed: Snipping Tool screenshots might be distorted. This occurs when you use two or more monitors that have different display scaling.

Microsoft has reported three known issues with this Windows 11 24H2 update, including one that affects gamers using Windows Arm devices and prevents them from downloading and playing Roblox from the Microsoft Store.

It's also plagued by issues with the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service failing to start and some Citrix components having installation problems after installing the October 2024 and January 2025 Windows security updates, respectively.

Windows 11 24H2 has entered the broad deployment phase and is now available to all seekers via Windows Update, with Redmond saying that the Windows 11 2024 Update) is also rolling out to all eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 starting last week.

One week earlier, Microsoft also announced that it started force-installing Windows 11 24H2 on eligible, non-managed systems running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.