After a long wait, the first major update of Windows 11 has been officially released. In this article, WebTech360 will summarize how to update as well as all the most notable features of Windows 11 22H2 for your convenience.
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Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 22H2 for computers running Windows 11. The update will be downloaded automatically and prompt you to confirm the installation if you have automatic updates enabled. Otherwise, you can check for updates and install them manually by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates .
Microsoft usually rolls out updates in batches, so if you don't see the Windows 11 22H2 update yet, don't worry, just wait patiently for a few days.
Alongside the release of Windows 10 22H2, Microsoft has also started rolling out the promised new features for Windows 11. This minor update is codenamed Moment 1 and it is ready for all computers running Windows 11 22H2.
Here are all the new features updated in Windows 11 Moment 1:
File Explorer in Windows 11 now lets you open folders in tabs to reduce the number of windows on your screen. There's also an updated favorites section that lets you pin the files you use most often.
Windows 11 delivers improvements to collaboration and productivity by detecting future phone numbers or dates in text and suggesting actions in relevant apps like Phone Link, Teams, Skype, Calendar, and more.
When too many applications are opened, the applications that no longer have room to display on the Taskbar will be displayed in a new overflow menu similar to what you usually see in the notification area, providing a space for all running programs.
You can now right-click the Taskbar to open Task Manager. Microsoft says this was a highly requested feature, so they decided to bring it back.
Microsoft has also improved the Windows Share experience to allow the OS to detect multiple discoverable devices on the side directly from the desktop, File Explorer, Photos, Xbox, and other apps.
Windows 11 now supports Android apps in 31 countries through the Amazon App Store with over 50,000 apps.
Other features like screen recording capabilities integrated into the Snipping Tool app, the new Photos app will be updated later.
In addition to the new features mentioned previously, at the launch event of new Surface computer models, Microsoft continued to launch a number of new features that will soon be available on Windows 11 22H2.
Specifically, users will soon have a built-in screen recording tool for Windows 11, iCloud integration into the Photos app, and some more Apple apps.
Windows 11 finally has a built-in screen recording tool. Microsoft is integrating screen recording capabilities into the Snipping Tool app, allowing you to take screenshots and record your screen in a single app.
This saves you from having to use PowerPoint or a third-party application just to record your computer screen.
The redesigned Photos app Microsoft just announced will soon be able to pull in photos from iCloud, not just OneDrive. This will help your Windows 11 PC work better with your iPhone. Microsoft says you'll need to install the iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store to get the integration.
Currently, users participating in the Windows Insider program can test this feature.
Windows 11 users are also about to say goodbye to iTunes as Apple is ready to launch the Apple TV and Music apps on the Microsoft Store. The first trial version will be released later this year, with the official version expected to be launched in 2023.
The changes to the Windows 11 Start menu and Taskbar have been quite controversial. Microsoft decided to create a completely new Start menu and Taskbar for the new operating system, so many things have been killed.
Many users were disappointed when their favorite features were removed while the new features did not meet their expectations. To address this, in the Windows 11 22H2 update, Microsoft has made many notable improvements to the Taskbar area.
Drag and drop back
When Windows 11 launched, the biggest complaint about the Taskbar was that drag and drop was dead. Windows 11 22H2 fixes that by allowing you to drag a file and drop it onto an open app to bring it to the front. You can also drag a file and drop it onto the Show desktop button in the lower right corner of the screen to copy it to the Desktop.
However, the behavior and display of the operating system are still not very synchronized. For example, when you hover a file over an open application icon on the Taskbar, Windows displays a stop icon even though the file will still be open when you drop it.
Another confusing thing is that the Start menu allows you to pin an app to the Taskbar from the All apps list but does not let you do the same from the Pinned area.
Add more pinned apps and reduce suggested content
Microsoft didn't want to give Windows 11 users the option to completely disable the "Recommended" area in the Start menu, but it did let you minimize it. Windows 11 22H2 offers three new layouts for the Start menu: More pins, Default (a balance between pinned apps and suggestions), and More recommendations. Disabling suggestions still leaves a large gap in the Start menu.
Additionally, you can access Start menu settings faster by right-clicking on the Start menu button.
Folders in the Start menu
Folders in the Start menu is another feature that Microsoft is bringing back to Windows 11 after removing it along with Live Tiles. Folders in the Start menu now look similar to what you see on Android/iOS. You can drag and drop apps onto other apps to create a folder, add more apps, remove apps, and rename folders.
The only option missing is the ability to quickly remove folders using the right-click menu. You have to drag each app out of a folder to delete it.
New touch gestures
The Start menu and Taskbar are easier to use on Windows 11 computers with touchscreens thanks to a few new touch gestures. Here are the new touch gestures that have just been updated:
Taskbar improvements specific to Teams
Microsoft Teams users will now benefit from two handy features related to video/voice calling. The first is the ability to mute the microphone using the microphone icon in the notification area (developers can optimize their apps to support this feature). The second feature allows you to quickly share an open window. Hover over the app on the Taskbar and click the "Share this window" button.
Improved Quick Settings for Bluetooth
Windows 11 22H2 brings an updated Quick Settings menu with a major improvement focused on Bluetooth. You can quickly find and connect to Bluetooth devices without having to go into the Settings app. A lot of people wanted this change, and Microsoft is happy to hear that.
Speaking of Quick Settings, we can't ignore the fact that Microsoft has redesigned the battery charge indicator. The new version of the indicator makes it easier for users to observe, especially when the battery is low. You will also find a similar battery indicator on the Lock Screen.
Microsoft has promised to release a tabbed File Explorer for Windows 11, but this feature is not ready yet in Windows 11 22H2. However, in this update, users will still enjoy quite a few improvements and new features for File Explorer.
Pin files to Favorites
File Explorer now lets you pin files to Quick Access, not just folders. Microsoft has also renamed Quick Access to Favorites to make it easier for Windows users to understand how it works. Have a file you open often? Pin it to Favorites to make it permanently available on the File Explorer Home page.
Folder Preview
This is a feature that Microsoft "revived" after killing it in the Windows 11 version released in 2021. File Explorer in Windows 11 22H2 can show previews in folder thumbnails.
Better integration with OneDrive
With Windows 11 22H2, it's now much easier to check your OneDrive storage status and capacity. File Explorer has a new button to show detailed information about your OneDrive. You can see how much space you have left, check your sync status, open OneDrive in a browser, and access OneDrive settings.
This isn't a groundbreaking change, but it should make using OneDrive in Windows 11 more convenient and intuitive.
A new shortcut for copying file paths
You can now press Ctrl + Shift + C to copy the path of the selected file without opening the context menu.
Improved Snap Layouts
It’s now easier to choose a layout for your windows on your screen whether you’re using a touchscreen or a mouse. Select a window and drag it to the top of the screen to reveal a built-in snap layout and quickly arrange other apps. This feature is customizable, so you can turn it off if you don’t like it.
If you like to perform actions using keyboard shortcuts, you'll be happy to know that you can now use Win + Z and a corresponding number key to quickly create a Snap Layout.
Previously, you could only activate Snap Layout by hovering over the zoom in/out button, which isn't the most convenient option for tablets or computers with touchscreens.
Windows 8's outdated volume slider is finally gone
Microsoft has finally done away with Windows 8's outdated volume and brightness sliders. Instead, Windows 11 now offers small, clean, modern indicators that sit right above the center of the taskbar.
Windows Spotlight for Desktop
Microsoft now supports Windows Spotlight for the Desktop. This means you can let Microsoft change your wallpaper with images from Bing. This feature also provides easy access to view specific information about a picture/photo.
You can enable Windows Spotlight for your Desktop by going to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background > Windows Spotlight. Note that Windows Spotlight adds an icon to your desktop. Turning off Windows Spotlight is the only way to remove it.
Updated lock screen
The Windows 11 Lock Screen has now been updated so that the multimedia controls follow the OS's general design language. It's a small change, but it contributes to a more consistent user interface.
Updated icons and more Mica effects
Microsoft has made some tweaks to make context menus on Windows 11 easier to understand. Some icons have been renamed, properties have been changed, and optimizations have been made for better discoverability and consistency.
Finally, the Mica effect now appears in more areas across the OS, especially on window title bars.
Windows 11 22H2 continues the ongoing migration of controls from the Control Panel to Settings. In this update, Microsoft has made several changes to redirect the following sections of the Control Panel to Settings:
New design
After installing Windows 11 22H2, you'll find a completely new design for Task Manager (the first interface update for Task Manager since 2022) that follows Windows 11's UI guidelines. You still can't open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar, but the app makes up for that with support for dark themes and the ability to follow your system's accent color.
The new Task Manager looks pretty nice and the dark mode is great, but the lack of default labels for tabs will confuse even experienced users.
Efficiency Mode
The redesigned interface isn’t the only change to Task Manager in Windows 11 22H2. The app also supports Efficiency Mode, which lets you manually tweak an app or process that’s consuming a lot of resources. To switch a process to Efficiency Mode, you’ll need to right-click on it and select the appropriate option.
It is important to note that you cannot apply Efficiency Mode to system processes or process groups.
Do not disturb and Focus
Windows 11 22H2 brings a proper Do not disturb mode and a separate Focus mode. Do not disturb (formerly Focus Assist) is a more traditional way to silence incoming notifications using different rules.
Focus is a slightly more advanced feature that lets you create a timer to focus on specific tasks and increase your productivity by reducing distractions. You can launch a new Focus session from the Clock app, the Settings app, or from the calendar page opened from the Taskbar. Focus sessions can automatically switch to Do not disturb mode, hide notifications, and turn off app icon blinking.
Overall, managing notifications and using Do not disturb mode in Windows 11 is easier to understand and customize.
Improved support for AirPods
Windows 11 now works better with various AirPods models, and the operating system now has wideband voice support, which allows for better audio quality on voice calls.
Faster animations on screen with higher refresh rates
Dynamic Refresh Rate on supported devices with high refresh rate displays now works in more parts of the OS, not just in Office or when printing. Windows 11 can now go up to 120Hz when rendering animations, scrolling, and cursor movement. This will make the OS feel smoother and more responsive on supported hardware.
Improved Airplane mode
Windows can remember the state of your connection settings in airplane mode to re-enable them the next time you switch modes.
There’s never enough talk about accessibility features in modern software. There’s always room for improvement to make modern technology better for people with physical limitations. With Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft is bringing some notable new accessibility features:
Live Captions across the system
Windows 11 22H2 brings system-wide live captions right to your device. The OS can automatically transcribe spoken content from any audio source, including microphones. This means that people with hearing difficulties will receive captions and be able to follow live conversations.
Once enabled, Live Captions will appear at the top of the screen, just below where most laptops place their cameras. This will help everyone follow conversations and stay engaged in remote meetings. Microsoft also lets you move the caption panel to wherever it’s convenient for you.
One of the best aspects of Live Captions in Windows 11 22H2 is that the feature doesn’t require an internet connection as it works entirely locally (you’ll have to download the feature pack on first launch). However, the bad thing is that Live Captions currently only supports US English.
Voice Access
Voice Access is a new feature that allows you to control your computer with your voice. Once launched, Voice Access can show you an interactive tutorial with all the details on how to use it. One big change that Voice Access brings is the ability to simulate standard mouse input and clicking. Windows will display a grid overlay that you can use with your voice to tell the operating system where to click.
Like Live Captions, Voice Access works without an internet connection and all processing data remains local. In terms of language, Voice Access also only supports US English at the moment.
Natural narration
Finally, Windows 11 22H2 brings more natural voices to Narrator, but support is still limited to US English. Those who use Windows' default screen reader will be happy to hear a more human-sounding voice. This feature is also processed locally, without an internet connection.
You will also need to download the voices on first run.
Windows 11 22H2 doesn't change the minimum hardware requirements. You still need a relatively new processor and a TPM chip to properly install the operating system. What does change is the initial installation process. Internet connection is required for all versions of Windows, and you also need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Another thing that might annoy you is the updated search engine. It’s still pretty dumb, but it’s now more suggested or ad-only. Also, a lot of great features are region locked. You won’t be able to do basic math if you’re outside the US.
Somehow, Microsoft has made Windows Widgets, which were previously useless and unintelligent, scary. Now, the Widgets window displays a mix of news, ads, and other things. This means you have to scroll a lot more to find what you need. Luckily, when you update to Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft is keeping the Widgets layout you installed from previous versions of Windows 11.
Despite many rumors, Windows 11 22H2 still does not allow third-party developers to create and distribute custom Windows widgets.
Honestly, Windows 11 22H2 is the one Microsoft released last year. While some things still need to be refined, version 22H2 feels significantly more mature than the original release. Many of the new features Windows 11 introduced are now more user-friendly, more flexible, and a little less imposing.
Windows 11 22H2 doesn’t have any groundbreaking new features. However, many small changes make for a better, more enjoyable operating system. Windows 11 22H2 should please those who have already moved to the latest operating system and give Windows 10 users the confidence and courage to update.
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