Microsoft has released the optional May 2023 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 21H2, with fixes for audio and printer installation issues.

KB5026436 is a non-security monthly preview release designed to allow Windows administrators to test the improvements that will be incorporated into the upcoming June 2023 Patch Tuesday release.

According to Microsoft, it fixes an issue some printers had during setup when they automatically connect to Wi-Fi.

The update also fixes an audio playback issue that only occurs on devices with specific processors and a message block (SMB) issue preventing users from accessing SMB shared folders due to “insufficient memory resources ” or “insufficient system resources”.

It’s also important to note that this monthly “C” update is optional and, unlike the Patch Tuesday releases, does not include any security-related fixes.

To install KB5026436users can go to Settings > Windows Update, where they will find the “Download and Install” button after checking for updates.

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

Windows 11 KB5026436 preview build comes with additional fixes and improvements, some of the most important ones are highlighted below:

• The update fixes an issue that sends users unexpected password expiration notices. This happens when you configure an account to use “Smart card is required for interactive login” and set “Enable deployment of expiring NTLM secrets”.
• This update resolves an issue that affects the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). It stops working. This happens when using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
• This update fixes an issue that affects apps that perform certain actions in a callback. Applications may stop working. These actions include closing a window (WM_CLOSE).
• This update fixes an issue affecting Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) joined devices. Windows Firewall cannot apply the correct domain and profile to them.

You can find the full list of fixes and improvements in the Support Bulletin KB5026436 released today by Microsoft.

Microsoft too revealed in March that Windows non-security preview updates would be released in the fourth week of the month starting in April 2023.

“We’ve found this to be the optimal time for us to release and for you to consume these updates,” said Chris Morrissey, senior director of Windows and Device Communications at Microsoft.

“That’s two weeks after your last monthly security update and about two weeks before you’ll see these features part of the next mandatory cumulative update.”