Don't ignore Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday - it's a big one for all Windows 11 users

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday rollout for February is a big one, not simply in size but in scope. Rolled out on February 11, the latest updates not only add a few new features but squash several bugs, including a few critical security vulnerabilities. Let's start with the new features. The latest round of patches, available as KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for Windows 11 23H2, enhances built-in tools such as the Taskbar and File Explorer. Also: Windows 11's bug-fixing update is making things worse According to its changelog, Microsoft says the update improves the previews and animations that appear when your cursor hovers over Taskbar icons. Next, a new icon appears in the System Tray when you use an app that supports Windows Studio Effects, which can display special effects through the front-facing camera on your PC or monitor. The update also adds a new simplified Chinese font called Simsun-ExtG. There's one more. Windows can now automatically restart certain apps when you exit and then sign back in. To enable this option, go to Settings, select Accounts, and then click Sign in options. Turn on the switch for "Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in." As for File Explorer, the latest update adds a few tweaks. When you right-click on a drive or folder in the left pane, a "New Folder" command now appears in the context menu. Windows will now restore all previously open tabs in each File Explorer window if you check the box in ...