Over the last few weeks, we’ve been bringing news of updates coming to Windows 11. These have included tweaks to the Microsoft store, better Android app compatibility, and improved Windows 11 gamer features. Now, Microsoft has moved to make Windows 11 update 22H2, the first major Windows 11 update since its launch last October, available through the Release Preview Channel. Let’s have a look in a little more detail.
This step means we are all still on track to receive the update later on this year, likely around the Fall. The Release Preview Channel gives Microsoft a chance to test out the update in the wild, so we know it is nearly ready for a wider rollout. Here is what we can expect to see with the update:
The Start menu and taskbar will be getting tweaked in a bid to overturn the disappointment many Windows 11 users have expressed following the major overhaul both elements received between Windows 10 and 11. The Start menu is going to allow you to pin more items rather than showing you recommended content and you will also be able to once again add folders to the Start menu too. You will also be able to drag and drop icons onto the taskbar again too.
Control Panel is moving in the new update too. Its new home will be in the dedicated Windows 11 Settings app, which makes perfect sense. Some key Control Panel features, such as uninstalling Windows 11 updates, are also going to move into the Settings app, so again, it is good that these two apps will be right next to each other. Another change you will notice in the update is a new interface for the Windows 11 Task Manager app, which is also getting a new Efficiency Mode, which will allow you to throttle any apps or processes that are eating up your device’s resources.
A neat little update coming to File Explorer is the ability to pin files as well as folders to the Quick Access tab. Folders are also going to get folder previews too, which will show you miniaturized versions of what is in the folder on top of the folder icons themselves.
There you have our three top changes coming with Windows 11 22H2 update later this year. If you are excited about the update you might want to check out our guide to the top 10 essential apps for Windows 11.
