What's new in Windows 11 22H2, the first feature update for the latest operating system

Start Menu and Taskbar Improvements

It’s safe to say that the Start Menu and Taskbar are the most controversial changes in Windows 11. Microsoft decided to create a completely new taskbar and Start menu for its latest operating system, and as a result, a lot of things got cut. New features and the lack of beloved features have upset many Windows 11 users, so Microsoft is looking to address the situation by equipping Windows 11 22H2 with several notable improvements to the taskbar area.

Drag and drop is back!

Perhaps the biggest complaint related to the taskbar in the initial release of Windows 11 was the lack of support for drag-and-drop. Windows 11 22H2 is here to fix this problem by allowing you to grab a file and drag it to an open app to bring it to the foreground. You can also drag the file to the "Show Desktop" area in the lower right corner to copy the file to the desktop.

The implementation is a bit weird. For example, Windows displays a stop icon when you hover a file over an open application. Technically, it does what it's supposed to do, but it feels like a traffic light that says green and red at the same time.

It’s hard to explain what exactly this icon is trying to say

Another confusing thing is that the Start menu allows you to select ” list pins apps to the taskbar, but not from the Pinned section.

More Pins and Less Recommended Content

Microsoft doesn’t want to give Windows 11 users the option to get rid of the Recommended section in the Start menu, but it could You shrink it. The Start menu in Windows 11 22H2 has three new layouts: More Pins, Defaults, and More Suggestions. Disabling suggestions still leaves a large empty space in the Start menu.

You can't get rid of the Recommended section, but you can at least make it smaller and get more space for pinned apps.

Also, you can enter Start menu settings faster by right-clicking on the open Start menu.

Folders on Start Menu

The Start Menu folder is another thing from Microsoft. After deleting it along with Live Tiles (RIP), it will bring Back to Windows 11. Folders on the Start menu now feel more generic and more Android/iOS-like. You can drag and drop an app onto another to create folders, add more apps, delete existing apps, and rename folders.

Folders on the Start menu let you pin more apps and keep them organized.

The only thing missing is the option to quickly delete folders by right-clicking. You need to drag each app out of the folder to delete it.

New touch gestures

The Start menu and taskbar are easier to operate in Windows 11 22H2 on touchscreen computers, thanks to several new gestures. Here they come:

• Swipe up and down from the taskbar to open and close the Start menu.
• Swipe left or right on the Start menu to switch between pinned apps and the All Programs list.
• Swipe up and down from the lower right corner of the screen to turn Quick Settings on and off.

Teams-specific taskbar improvements

Microsoft Teams users can now benefit from two convenient call-related features. 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 in their messengers). The second lets you quickly share open windows. Hover over the application on the taskbar and click Share this window.

One-click window sharing can now be used during Microsoft Teams calls

Improved Quick Settings for Bluetooth

Windows 11 22H2 brings an updated Quick Settings menu, with major improvements focused on Bluetooth. You don't need to navigate to the Settings app to quickly find and connect to Bluetooth devices. Many users wanted Microsoft to make this change, and we're glad to see Microsoft listened.

Pairing a new Bluetooth device in Windows 11 22H2 is now as fast as connecting to Wi-Fi. No app setup required.

Speaking of quick settings, it’s also worth noting that Microsoft has redesigned the battery charging indicator. The new version is easier to read, especially when the battery is low. You'll find the same battery light on the lock screen.

File Explorer Improvements and Window Management

Microsoft promised to release a tabbed File Explorer for Windows 11, but as of this writing, this feature has not made it to Windows 11 22H2 candidate Version. Despite this, the operating system has received quite a few improvements and new features for File Explorer.

Pin files to Quick Access Favorites

File Explorer can now pin to not only Quick Access folders, but specific file. Additionally, Microsoft has renamed the Quick Access section to Favorites to help Windows users better understand how the section works. Do you have files that you access frequently? Just pin it to favorites to make it permanently available on your homepage.

The default home page in File Explorer now allows pinned files as well as folders and files.

Folder Preview

This is another feature Microsoft is bringing back after killing it in the initial release of Windows 11 in 2021. File Explorer in Windows 11 22H2 can show previews on folder thumbnails.

Unfortunately, unlike Windows 10, the folder preview in Windows 11 22H2 only shows a single file. Still, it's better than nothing.

We should also note that you can customize folder thumbnails using a neat third-party app.

Better integration with OneDrive

With Windows 11 22H2, it’s now easier to check OneDrive status and storage. File Explorer receives a new button that triggers a flyout with OneDrive details. You can view remaining space, check sync status, open OneDrive for Web, and enter OneDrive settings. It's not the most groundbreaking change, but it makes using OneDrive in Windows 11 more convenient and intuitive.

You can now check your OneDrive status directly in File Explorer.

New shortcut for copying paths to files

Press Ctrl Shift C to copy the patch to the selected file without opening the context menu.

Improved snapshot layout

It is now easier to snap windows on the desktop using the touch screen or mouse. Grab a window and drag it to the top of the screen to reveal available snap layouts and quickly arrange other apps. This feature is customizable, so you can disable it if you don't like it.

The new Snap layout is running.

If you like using keyboard shortcuts to perform tasks, you'll be happy to know that you can now press Win Z and the corresponding number key to create a snapshot layout.

Previously, you could only trigger snapshot layout by hovering over the maximize/minimize buttons, which wasn't the most convenient option for tablets or PCs with touch screens.

Align the layout with the corresponding keys, which you can use to quickly arrange your windows.

Various Noteworthy UI Changes

Ye-olde Windows 8 style volume slider is finally gone!

Microsoft has finally ditched the old and outdated Windows 8-style volume and brightness sliders. Instead, Windows 11 offers a clean, compact, and modern indicator located above the center of the taskbar.

It's just beautiful...

Desktop Windows Spotlight

Windows 11 Spotlight extends to desktop. Now you can let Microsoft change your wallpaper using images pulled from Bing. This feature also makes it easy to access more information about a specific picture.

You can enable Windows Spotlight on your desktop by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background > Windows Spotlight. Note that opening Windows Spotlight places an additional icon on the desktop. Disabling Windows Spotlight is the only way to remove the icon.

Updated Lock Screen

The lock screen in Windows 11 has received updated media controls to follow the operating system’s general design language. It's a small change, but it helps create a slightly more consistent UI.

Updated icons and more mica effects

Microsoft has made some tweaks to make context menus easier to understand in Windows 11 . The company made changes to renaming, properties, and optimized icons to improve discoverability and consistency.

Two update icons in the context menu.

Finally, the mica effect now appears in more areas throughout the operating system, especially on window title bars.

Moving from Control Panel to Settings

Windows 11 22H2 continues the ongoing migration of legacy Control Panel to the “modern” Windows Settings app. In this version, Microsoft has made some changes to redirect the following sections of Control Panel to the Settings app:

• The Programs and Features section of the old Control Panel is now in Settings > Apps >> Open in the Settings app under the Installed Apps page.
• Uninstalling Windows Updates now happens in the Settings app instead of Control Panel.
• Some network and device entry points in Control Panel now redirect to the corresponding page in the Settings application.
• Finally, you can manage advanced sharing settings in Advanced Network Settings within the Settings app. This includes network discovery, file and printer sharing, and public folder sharing.

Redesigned and Improved Task Manager

New Design

After installing Windows 11 22H2, you will notice that Task Manager There's a completely new design (the first visual update since 2012), which follows Windows 11 UI principles. You still can't invoke Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar, but the app makes up for that with support for dark mode and the ability to follow system accent colors.

The new Task Manager looks great and the dark mode is great, but there are no tabs by default, which can confuse even experienced users. What should I click on?

Productivity Mode

The redesigned UI isn’t the only change coming to Task Manager in Windows 11 22H2. The application now supports Efficiency Mode, which allows you to manually restrict applications or processes with high resource consumption. To switch a process to efficiency mode, right-click on it and select the appropriate option.

It is worth noting that you cannot apply efficiency mode to system processes or process groups.

Settings App Improvements

Do Not Disturb and Focus

Windows 11 22H2 brings proper Do Not Disturb mode and separate focus model. Do Not Disturb (formerly Focus Assist) is a more traditional way of turning off incoming notifications using various rules.

Focus is a slightly more advanced feature that allows you to create timers to focus on specific tasks and increase your productivity by reducing distractions. You can start a new session from the Clock app, the Settings app, or the calendar popup on the taskbar. Focus meetings can automatically activate Do Not Disturb mode, hide notification badges and disable icon flashing.

You can start a focus meeting from the calendar popup.

Overall, managing notifications and using Do Not Disturb mode in Windows 11 is easier to understand and customize.

Improved AirPods support

Windows 11 now works better with various AirPods models. The operating system gets wideband voice support to provide better audio quality for voice calls.

Faster animations on displays with high refresh rates

Dynamic refresh rates on supported devices with fast screens now work in many parts of the operating system, And not just in Office or while inking. Windows 11 can boost to 120Hz when displaying animations, scrolling, and moving the cursor. This will make the operating system feel smooth and more responsive on supported hardware.

Improved Airplane Mode

Windows can remember the status of available radios in airplane mode to keep them running the next time you switch modes.

Accessibility Improvements

There are not enough accessibility features in modern software. There is always room for improvement to make modern technology work better for people with physical limitations. With Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft is bringing several major new accessibility features.

System-wide live subtitles

Windows 11 22H2 brings system-wide on-device real-time subtitles. The operating system can automatically transcribe speech content from any audio source, including microphones. The latter means users with hearing problems can get subtitles and follow face-to-face conversations in real time.

When enabled, live captions appear at the top of the screen, just below where most computers have their cameras. This will help people follow the conversation and remain engaged in remote meetings. Microsoft allows the live caption panel to be moved to other locations at the user's convenience.

This is the standard live subtitles layout in Windows 11 22H2. The operating system lets you reposition panels and customize titles to suit your needs.

One of the best aspects of Live Subtitles in Windows 11 22H2 is that this feature does not require an active Internet connection and remains entirely local (you will need to download the feature pack on first boot). The only 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 about using it. One of the big changes that Voice Access brings is the ability to simulate standard input and clicks. Windows will display a grid overlay that you can use with your voice to tell the operating system where to click.

Voice Access Grid. Tell Windows which area you want to click, and the operating system will break the area into smaller chunks.

Like Live Subtitles, voice access does not require an internet connection and all processing data remains local. As for languages, currently only US English is available.

Natural Narrator

Finally, Windows 11 22H2 brings a more natural voice to Narrator (US English only). Those who rely on the default Windows screen reader will be happy to hear more human voices and less robotic voices. Again, no internet is required for this feature as all processing happens locally.

Natural Voices for the Narrator requires a few megabytes of download during initial setup and then works completely offline.

Windows 11 22H2 does not change the hardware requirements. You still need a relatively modern processor and a TPM chip to officially run the operating system. What has changed is the initial setup process. Now, all SKUs must have an active Internet connection, and you need to use a Microsoft login account (you can try this tutorial to bypass this restriction).

Another thing that can annoy you is updated searches. It's still pretty silly (try searching "recycle bin"), but now there's more recommended content, or just ads. Additionally, many of the best features are region-locked. Want to do basic calculations but live outside the United States? Well, too bad.

This is another place where Windows 11 now serves you ads. Wow.

Microsoft has somehow managed to make the less useful and less smart Windows Widgets borderline annoying. Windows 11 mixes standard widgets with a variety of news and stories from a clean install, so finding the widget you need will keep you scrolling through tabloid news and other ads. Fortunately, Microsoft will respect the widget layout on systems upgraded from the initial Windows 11 version to version 22H2.

Apparently the "most iconic fictional character" is more important than the calendar widget, which is buried even lower.

Despite numerous rumors, Windows 11 22H2 still won’t allow third-party developers to create and distribute custom Windows widgets. Some stock widgets are still your only option, now fully blended with the yellow press.

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