Microsoft is expected to introduce the newest version of Windows 11 in September. It is known as 22H2, but the name is subject to change. We will explore everything we know about the next update.
When will the Windows 11 update be released?
As promised, Windows 11 will continue to evolve and improve with this year’s major update, after a slow rollout last year. The new version could be released in early September, however, the Microsoft event that is planned for October 12-14 seems to be set to host the big reveal. This would also be almost a year after it was first released in 2021. This update has been in the works for several months with the Windows Insider program testing the preview build. If you’re a member of the Windows Insider Program, you can download the nearly finished version of the Windows 11 update today.
What are the new features in the Windows 11 update?
Unlike previous updates, this version will be a true evolution. Let’s remember that, contrary to what was done a few years ago with Windows 10, Microsoft decided to implement only one “big” version of its system each year, bringing true functional innovations —like Apple—, instead of intermediate updates (maintenance), essentially to fix minor issues and improve stability.
Considering the various flaws and shortcomings of the current Windows 11, the 22H2 update could be considered the first truly finalized version of the new system. These are the main improvements and features that you will find when updating your operating system to this version:
File Browser: Windows 11 Explorer will show you folder icons with a preview of their content. Microsoft is also promising better integration of OneDrive, its standard built-in online storage system. And the best thing: the Explorer will include tabs to facilitate navigation in a single window, like in web browsers.
Start Menu: The revamped Windows 11 Start menu will bring the ability to create folders to group apps. It will also offer a new setting to choose the number of pinned and recommended items.
Taskbar: The taskbar also evolves allowing you to drag and drop files into apps, just like in Windows 10. It will also display a three-dot menu to hide or show additional apps to avoid overflow. It is not yet known if we can move it to put it somewhere else on the screen, like in Windows 10.
Quick settings: The control area to the right of the taskbar will accommodate new options, in particular for controlling Bluetooth devices, which are becoming more numerous and varied.
Interface: Microsoft continues with the aesthetic modernization of its system by adapting many old modules to the style of Windows 11, for example, with rounded corner windows.
window mesh: The docking (snapping) windows feature introduced with the first version of Windows 11 benefits from a new interface that lets you create groups of dockers simply by dragging and dropping them to the top of the screen.
Task Manager: Windows Task Manager adopts a new, more modern interface, with Dark Mode, which shows more information, and Efficiency Mode, to control the resources used by applications.
File sharing: Microsoft aims to improve and simplify the sharing of files between Windows 11 computers located on a private local network, thanks to the Near Share (Proximity Sharing) function, which also uses Bluetooth.
Windows Security: The module that manages all security systems in Windows 11 includes a new feature, Smart Application Control (Smart App Control or SAC), capable of automatically blocking malicious or unapproved applications.
Ransomware protection: Windows 11 will integrate an automatic account lockout feature to prevent increasingly frequent ransomware attacks. This tool will also be available for Windows 10.
Widgets: In the latest version of Windows 11, widgets will get even better by opening up, in particular, to third-party (non-Microsoft) publishers to offer various functions in modules.
Energy saving: The power management system will be optimized to intelligently reduce the power consumption of the PC. An advance that is part of Microsoft’s program to make Windows more respectful of the environment and energy resources.
Updates: In addition to Windows Update, it will be possible to uninstall updates from Windows 11 settings.
voice control: A new feature will allow you to control your PC with your voice.
Gesture control: Windows 11 will manage new gestures, especially for touchscreen tablets.
Focus Assist: The Focus function, which prevents you from being disturbed by multiple notifications, will allow you to create personalized sessions.
Running Android: Windows 11 22H2 will finally let you run Android apps, opening up Windows and PCs to a whole new world. This function is possible thanks to the integration of a virtual machine (via the “Windows Subsystem for Android”).
Modernization of native applications: Windows 11 will benefit from several modernized apps installed out of the box, including Microsoft Store (the certified app store), Notepad, Media Player (new audio and video player), Clipchamp (video editing software, that now allow exporting in HD), Sound Recorder (recorder) and Designer (graphic creation).
How to know what version of Windows 11 I have?
If you want to check that the update was successful and you already have the latest version of the operating system, you can quickly check your current version of Windows. Just press Windows + R, type “winver” and click OK. A window will then appear with your version details and the build installed on your PC.
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