Microsoft has released the July 2024 preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, identified as KB5040525. This update is designed to address specific issues with Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), particularly those causing app crashes and system memory leaks. The update aims to improve system stability by fixing a memory leak associated with WDAC and resolving a bug related to application failures when applying WDAC Application ID policies.
In addition to the WDAC fixes, KB5040525 tackles a known issue with Windows Backup, where backups might fail on devices with an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) system partition. This update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to provide administrators with an opportunity to test new fixes and improvements before they are included in the mandatory August 2024 Patch Tuesday release.
This optional cumulative update does not include security updates but focuses on enhancing system performance and reliability. Users can install the update manually by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and opting to ‘Check for Updates,’ or they can download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
The update also includes additional fixes, such as resolving an issue with the Print Support App and Universal Print clients, and adding drivers to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to prevent BYOVD attacks. This update is available to Windows 10 users on versions 2004, 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2, who can upgrade to version 22H2 using an enablement package.
