Windows 10 KB5012599 is now on its way to users with tons of improvements, bug fixes and a new feature: search highlights. In addition to Windows Update, there are also direct download links for offline installers of Windows 10 KB5012599 for those who prefer to install updates manually.
KB5012599 is an April 2022 Patch Tuesday update and includes general fixes and security improvements. Like any cumulative update, it also includes improvements from all previous updates. This means you will get Windows Search highlights and other features or improvements tested in the latest optional update.
Keep in mind, though, that Microsoft’s focus is on Windows 11, so there aren’t any major changes with the April 2022 update. The changelog is all about bug fixes or improvements, and the only noticeable change is support for highlights in Windows Search. For those not in the know, Highlight Search is a new way to discover content on Bing.
This cumulative update can be installed on any supported OS version, but remember that the build number is different for all versions. If you are using version 21H2, you will get build 19044.1645. Those who have version 20H2 will see the same update as build 19042.1645.
2022-04 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5012599)
Or
2022-04 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H1 for x64-based Systems (KB5012599)
Download Links for Windows 10 KB5012599
Windows 10 KB5012599 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86)†
Windows 10 KB5012599 (Build 19044.1645) Full changelog
With Windows 10 Build 19044.1645, Microsoft is updating the search interface with a new feature called ‘highlights’. This feature was first announced alongside the preview builds of Windows 11, and Microsoft had confirmed it would be coming to Windows 10 as well. With today’s update, it is now available to everyone.
The search highlight feature allows you to learn facts and trivia depending on what day it is. For example, April 22 is Earth Day, so you’ll see facts or trivia about Earth Day and suggestions for outdoor activities. Similarly, you can also learn about the origins of Earth Day and other historical events that happened on April 22.
Search highlights highlight other Bing search features, including “word of the day” and even new Microsoft Rewards offers,
Aside from the search highlights, Windows 10 build 19044.1645 adds another feature that allows you to choose different colors for notification buttons, so you can create a more personal and familiar experience.
Microsoft warns that Windows 10 Build 19044.1645 is the penultimate patch Tuesday for older versions
In a new warning, Microsoft reminded users that versions 1909 and 20H2 of Windows 11 will get the ax in a month’s time. This means that users will need to upgrade to a newer and supported version, and they can also use Windows 10 ISO images if they encounter problems updating via Windows Update.
Microsoft officials stated that Windows 10 1909/20H2 will be end-of-life on May 10, and those who continue to use the unsupported versions of Windows 10 will be exposed to potential attacks. That is because vulnerabilities are actively discovered in the operating system and lack of security updates makes the devices more vulnerable,
“On May 10, 2022, the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10, version 20H2, and all editions of Windows 10, version 1909 will reach end of service, Microsoft officials said.
It’s worth noting that the end of maintenance is scheduled for May 2022, so these versions of Windows 10 will receive one more cumulative and optional update before they get the axe.
As part of its effort to push users to newer versions, Microsoft says it will automatically update devices to version 21H2.
Keep in mind that Microsoft is fully committed to Windows 10 until at least October 2025 and updates are regularly released for devices running newer versions of the operating system, such as version 21H2 or version 21H1. After October 2025, the operating system will expire and users will be forced to install Windows 11
