Windows 11 2022 Update is out
Microsoft announced just a moment ago that the first feature update for Windows 11, the Windows 11 2022 Update, is rolling out to users from all over the world.
Panos Panay, EVP, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices, highlights some of the new features of the feature update on the official blog. The long buzz-word filled blog post is difficult to read, but here is a quick summary in case you are wondering what is new and improved in the Windows 11 2022 Update.
Improvements to the Windows 11 Start Menu, "faster and more accurate search", Quick Settings improvements, and improved Widgets are mentioned specifically. Tabs are coming to File Explorer, but the roll out starts in October with the first Moments update for the operating system.
Additionally, there is system-wide support for live captions (US-EN only), a voice access preview (also US-EN only), and natural voices for Narrator (you guessed it, also US-EN only).
Smart App control gets a mention by Panay, but it is a feature that most Windows 11 users won't be able to experience as it is limited to off-the-shelf devices and Windows 11 devices that are reset.
Microsoft 365 customers will gain access to identify theft monitoring, if they live in the United States, and all subscribers will gain access to Microsoft Defender for individuals, which "extends Windows’ built-in security and expands device protection to your Android and iOS phones and Macs".
Additional features include improvements to the Snap Layouts feature, Focus improvements, and performance and battery optimizations.
Other features that Microsoft highlights are Windows Studio Effects, designed to "improve video and audio calls", new "creator tools" and "additional gaming features and updates to the Microsoft Store experience". Windows Studio Effects is designed to improve the sound and visual quality during conference calls.
New Windows Studio camera and audio effects help you look and sound your best on conference calls, enabled by advanced AI – with Voice Focus to filter out background noise and make sure you are heard, Background Blur so only you are seen, Eye Contact to help you make a better connection with people you’re talking to and Automatic Framing so the camera stays with you as you move.
Microsoft mentions Clipchamp, the video editor specifically as one of the new creator tools. Gamers may benefit from the new Variable Refresh Rate feature, which is now system-wide, and improved windowed gaming.
Panay confirms Microsoft's plan to deliver features more frequently using built-in updating capabilities. The first feature drop is scheduled for October, and it will bring tabs to File Explorer and the following confirmed features:
- An updated Photos app "that brings a gorgeous gallery, simplifying browsing, finding, management and consumption of your collection of photos". It will also support backups to OneDrive according to Microsoft.
- Suggested Actions on copy to make calls or add events to calendars.
- Taskbar overflow to display all app icons for which there is no place on the taskbar.
- Share to more devices.
Verdict
The first feature update for Windows 11 brings improvements across the board; most users will like the majority of these improvements. While these won't convince pre-Windows 11 users to upgrade in huge numbers, it is not making things worse either.
Now You: what is your take on the Windows 11 2022 Update?
Waiting for Windows 10 22H2 (W11 apparently too… secure for my hardware) – any release dates on that?
Microsoft would have to pay me for the privilege of using their awful dysfunctional operating system. When we were starting to think that Windows 10 was bad, Microsoft developed something even worse. Other than drag and drop on the taskbar, the update doesn’t provide any helpful features or address user requests. It appears that Microsoft has lost all of its skilled employees.
W10 is still the best fully functional OS by Microsoft. It’s a shame the downgrading of W11.
W10 = W10
W11 = W9.99
I have just installed few minutes ago the W11 22000.1042 (cumulative update) version. So I don’t know when 2022 H2 will be released here. Thanks for the article. :]
“While these won’t convince pre-Windows 11 users to upgrade in huge numbers”
That probably sums it up and the non-upgraders are likely to give you the most responses mixed with the “I’m switching to Linux” whingers.
Personally: the improvement to Start will be welcome but the existing method is simple and doesn’t greatly me. No need to rush it. Other can release-test. Meanwhile, I’m using Gibson’s InControl (which puts you in charge up upgrades but not updates).
https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm
Simple to use. Click on; click off.
KB5017321 is listed but will not download nor install. Also bitdefender firewall is disabled and no amount of effort can turn it back on again.
Those new tabs on the left side of Task Manager make it appear terrible. The information we’re looking for is enlarged by width, thus they ought to have kept it at the top.
Ah, it’s a shame that File Explorer tabs weren’t included today. I use Snap Assist extensively, so Snap Layouts is easily my favorite feature in this update. I’ll uninstall ClipChamp though.
The above article mentioned this as well: “The first feature drop is scheduled for October, and it will bring tabs to File Explorer and the following confirmed features”
So, we are very close, aren’t we?