For the first anniversary of Windows 11, Microsoft is preparing a major update to its system. Here are the expected new features for Windows 11 version 22H2 and what you need to know.
After the launch of Windows 11 in October 2021, Microsoft is preparing an important update for the operating system. Downloadable for free, it promises to continue modernizing the operating system.
What’s new in Windows 11 22H2
Here’s a summary of what’s new to take away from the major update.
- Tabs in File Explorer
- Better OneDrive integration
- Folders in the Start menu
- More customizable Start menu
- The return of drag and drop to the taskbar
- Window sharing with Microsoft Teams
- New volume indicator
- Improvements for touch screens
- Interface modernization
- New task manager
In detail, the Windows 11 22H2 update should not radically change your use of Microsoft’s system. It is rather a question of continuing the work of modernizing Windows which had taken a boost with the transition to Windows 11.
A more modern interface
The task manager which had timidly evolved since Windows 8 will gain a new interface. Other dated elements such as the volume indicator have been revised to provide a more coherent visual.
The new task manager // Source: Frandroid
The new task manager // Source: Frandroid
In the Start menu, Microsoft offers several important changes. We can note the arrival of folders to organize shortcuts more easily and the possibility of changing the size of the area dedicated to pinned applications.
The new Start menu options // Source: Frandroid
The organization of windows becomes simpler with both new touch shortcuts for users of tablets or hybrid PCs, but also with the mouse with help at the top of the screen. The latter is a new way to use Windows Snap and organize its windows on portions of the screen.
The taskbar recovers the drag and drop of files between applications that had disappeared with Windows 11. It also incorporates some changes such as the possibility of clicking on the microphone next to the time to immediately mute your voice. Icons such as the battery or the language and Bluetooth menus have also been revised.
Windows 11 settings are also full of novelty with the possibility of setting the Bing image of the day as wallpaper, or a new section dedicated to its Microsoft subscriptions.
The settings have a page for the Microsoft account // Source: Frandroid
The Alt+Tab menu no longer takes up the whole screen, and presents the applications by group if they were displayed together on the screen.
Applications
The star of this update is undoubtedly the File Explorer. He gains the possibility of using tabs like a web browser.
The explorer interface is also evolving to better integrate Microsoft OneDrive. It is possible to share files more easily via OneDrive. The sharing window integrates PCs on the local network, and no longer only those available via Bluetooth.
The small Clipchamp application that allows you to edit videos for free and easily is now natively included with Windows 11.
Microsoft Teams should also gain the ability to easily share a system window through deep integration. Right-click from the taskbar and just click on “share”.
Windows is getting smarter
With Windows 11, Microsoft has focused on making the system more convenient for users.
The new Do Not Disturb mode is easier to set up and allows you to mute notifications in just a few clicks. In particular, you can create periods of concentration time.
On the security side, Microsoft adds smart app control that helps detect and block untrusted or potentially dangerous apps.
Windows 11 includes a new accessibility feature: live captions. With AI, Microsoft interprets on the fly the words of any audio source on your computer to display the dialogues in text. Obviously, Microsoft only supports English (United States) at the moment.
You are probably familiar with the features of adding background blur in video conferencing applications. Microsoft integrates these functions natively in Windows 11 for developers through AI. Users will also be able to take advantage of active background noise cancellation and automatic gaze correction to give a more natural conversation.
What is the release date of Windows 11 22H2?
The first major update for Windows 11 is scheduled for the end of 2022. We can expect a rollout of Windows 11 22H2 starting in September, or more likely in October.
Is Windows 11 22H2 compatible with my PC?
If your PC is compatible with Windows 11, you should be able to install the 22H2 update without any problems.
A procedure exists to ensure this.
- Open Registry Editor Windows 11
- Go to address HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators
- Open NI22H2 input
- Read value ” RedReason”
- If it says NONE, your PC is compatible with the update and Microsoft will not block its installation
Conversely, if the value indicates something else, this should direct you to the reasons for the incompatibility with your machine. It can be a lack of space on the storage or a problem with the configuration of the TPM chip, for example.
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