Windows 11 22H2: Update Moment 1 with many notable features

After a long wait, the first major update of Windows 11 has officially been released.

In this article, TipsMake.com will summarize how to update as well as all the most notable features of Windows 11 22H2 for your convenience.

How to update Windows 11 22H2

Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 22H2 for computers running Windows 11. The update will automatically download and notify you to confirm the installation if you turn on the automatic update feature. If not, you can check for updates and install them manually by going to Settings > Windows Update and tapping Check for updates .

Microsoft often deploys 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.

New features updated in Windows 11 Moment 1

Besides the release of Windows 10 22H2, Microsoft has also started rolling out the promised new features for Windows 11. This small update is codenamed Moment 1 and it is ready for all Windows computers. 11 22H2.

Here are all the new features updated in Windows 11 Moment 1:

File Explorer with tabbed interface and improved favorites

Now, File Explorer on Windows 11 allows you to open folders in tabbed format to reduce the number of windows on the screen. In addition, the favorites section has also been updated, allowing you to pin the files you use most often.

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Suggestions for action

Windows 11 provides improvements to collaboration and productivity by detecting phone numbers or future dates in text and suggesting actions in related apps like Phone Link, Teams, Skype, Calendar.

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Taskbar Overflow

When too many apps are open, the apps that no longer have room to display on the Taskbar will be displayed in a new overflow menu like what you usually see in the notification area, providing a space for all the programs. program is running.

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Right-click to open Task Manager

Now, you can right-click on the Taskbar to open Task Manager. Microsoft says this feature was so requested by users that they decided to bring it back.

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Improved sharing

Microsoft has also improved the Windows Share experience to allow the operating system to discover multiple discoverable devices nearby directly from the desktop, File Explorer, Photos, Xbox and other applications.

Supports Android apps and Amazon App Store

Currently, Windows 11 supports opening Android applications in 31 countries through the Amazon App Store with more than 50,000 applications.

Other features such as screen recording ability integrated into the Snipping Tool application, the new Photos application will be updated later.

Notable new features of Windows 11 22H2

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 additional Apple applications.

Integrated screen recording tool

Windows 11 finally has a built-in screen recording tool. Microsoft will integrate screen recording capabilities into the Snipping Tool app, allowing you to take screenshots and record your screen in a single app.

This eliminates the need to use PowerPoint or third-party applications just to get back to your computer screen.

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Integrate iCloud with the Photos app

The redesigned Photos app that Microsoft just introduced will soon be able to receive photos from iCloud as well, not just from OneDrive. This helps your Windows 11 computer pair better with your iPhone. Microsoft said to be integrated you need to install the iCloud app for Windows from the Microsoft Store.

Currently, users participating in the Windows Insider program can test this feature.

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New Apple TV and Music apps

Windows 11 users are also preparing to say goodbye to iTunes because Apple is ready to launch Apple TV and Music applications on the Microsoft Store. The first trial version will be released later this year and the official version is expected to be released in 2023.

Improved Start menu and Taskbar

Changes to Windows 11's Start menu and Taskbar caused quite a bit of controversy. Microsoft decided to create a completely new Start menu and Taskbar for the new operating system, so many things have been eliminated.

Many users were disappointed when their favorite features were removed while new features did not meet expectations. To solve this, in the Windows 11 22H2 update, Microsoft has made many notable improvements in the Taskbar area.

Drag and drop returns

When Windows 11 was released, the biggest complaint related to the Taskbar was that the ability to drag and drop was killed. Windows 11 22H2 will fix that mistake by allowing you to drag a file and drop it into an open application to bring it to front. You can also drag a file and drop it on the Show desktop button in the lower right corner of the screen to copy the file to the Desktop.

However, the operating system's actions and displays are still not very synchronized. For example, when you hover a file over an open application icon on the Taskbar, Windows will display a stop icon even though the file will still be open when you drop it.

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Another confusing thing is that the Start menu allows you to pin an application to the Taskbar from the All apps list but does not allow you to do the same from the Pinned area.

Add more pinned apps and reduce suggested content

Microsoft doesn't want to give Windows 11 users the option to completely turn off the "Recommended" area in the Start menu, but does allow you to minimize it. Windows 11 22H2 offers three new layout styles for the Start menu: More pins (More pinned applications), Default (Default, balance between pinned applications and suggested content) and Mor recommendations (Add more content proposed content). Disabling suggestions still creates a large space in the Start menu.

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Additionally, you can access Start menu settings more quickly by right-clicking the button that opens the Start menu.

Folder in Start menu

Folders in the Start menu are another feature that Microsoft brought back to Windows 11 after removing it along with Live Tiles. Folders in the Start menu now look similar to what they have on Android/iOS. You can drag and drop apps into other apps to create a folder, add more apps, remove apps, and change folder names.

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The only option missing is the ability to quickly remove folders using the right-click menu. You need to drag each app out of a folder to delete it.

New touch gestures

Thanks to a few new touch gestures, the Start menu and Taskbar will be easier to operate on Windows 11 computers with touch screens. Here are the new touch gestures that have just been updated:

  1. Swipe up and down from the Taskbar to open and close the Start menu.
  2. Swipe left and right on the Start menu to switch applications and list all programs.
  3. Swipe up and down from the bottom right corner of the screen to open and close Quick Settings.

Teams-specific Taskbar improvements

Now, Microsoft Teams users will benefit from two handy features related to video/voice calling. The first feature is the ability to turn off the microphone using the microphone icon in the notification area (developers can optimize their applications to support this feature). The second feature allows you to quickly share an open window. Hover over the application on the Taskbar and press the "Share this windows" button.

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Improved Quick Settings for Bluetooth

Windows 11 22H2 brings an updated Quick Settings menu with major improvements focused on Bluetooth. You can quickly find and connect to Bluetooth devices without accessing the Settings app. A lot of people want this change and it's great that Microsoft has listened.

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Talking about Quick Settings, we cannot ignore 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 the same battery indicator on the lock screen.

Improved File Explorer and window management

Microsoft has promised to release File Explorer with a tabbed interface for Windows 11, but this feature is not yet ready to appear on Windows 11 22H2. However, in this update, users will still enjoy many improvements and new features for File Explorer.

Pin files to Favorites

Now, File Explorer allows you to pin entire files to Quick Access, not just folders like before. Besides, Microsoft has renamed the Quick Access section to Favorites to help Windows users better understand how this section works. Do you have a file that you often open? Pin it to Favorites so it appears permanently on File Explorer's Home page.

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Preview folders

This is a feature that Microsoft "revived" after its death in the Windows 11 version released in 2021. File Explorer in Windows 11 22H2 can display a preview in the folder thumbnail.

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Better integration with OneDrive

With Windows 11 22H2, it's now much easier to check your OneDrive storage capacity and status. File Explorer has a new button to display detailed information about your OneDrive. You can see how much space you have left, check sync status, open OneDrive in your browser, and access OneDrive settings.

This isn't a groundbreaking change, but it will make using OneDrive in Windows 11 more convenient and intuitive.

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A new shortcut for copying file paths

Now you can press Ctrl + Shift + C to copy the path of the selected file without opening the context menu.

Snap Layouts improved

Now it's easier to choose the layout for the windows on your screen whether you're using a touchscreen or a mouse. Select a window and drag it to the top edge of the screen to display the available snap layout and quickly organize other apps. This feature is customizable so you can turn it off if you don't like it.

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If you like performing side effects using keyboard shortcuts, you'll be happy to know that you can now use Win + Z and a corresponding number key to quickly create Snap Layouts.

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 touch screens.

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Many notable changes to the user interface

Windows 8's outdated volume slider is finally gone

Microsoft finally got rid of Windows 8's outdated volume and brightness sliders. Instead, Windows 11 now offers small, compact, and modern indicators located right above the center of the taskbar.

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Windows Spotlight for Desktop

Now, Microsoft has supported Windows Spotlight for Desktop. This means you can allow Microsoft to change your wallpaper with images taken from Bing. This feature also provides access to easily view specific information about a picture/photo.

You can turn on Windows Spotlight for Desktop by going to Settings > Personalization > Background > Personalize your background > Windows Spotlight. You should note that Windows Spotlight will add an icon on the screen. Turning off Windows Spotlight is the only way to remove that icon.

Updated lock screen

Now, the Lock Screen on Windows 11 has been updated so that multimedia controls follow the overall design language of the operating system. It's a small change but contributes to a more consistent user interface.

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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, attributed, and optimized for increased discoverability and greater consistency.

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

Move from Control Panel to Settings

Windows 11 22H2 continues the relentless migration of controls from Control Panel to Settings. In this update, Microsoft made some changes to redirect the following sections of Control Panel to Settings:

  1. The Programs & Features section of Control Panel will now open in Settings on the Settings > Apps > Installed Apps page.
  2. Now, you can only uninstall Windows updates in Settings, not in Control Panel.
  3. Now when accessing some network and device settings on Control Panel you will be redirected to the corresponding page in Settings.
  4. Finally, you can manage advanced sharing settings in "Advanced Network Settings" within the Settings app. It will include Network, Discovery, File and Printer Sharing.

Task Manager is redesigned and improved

New design

After installing Windows 11 22H2 you will see that Task Manager has a completely new design (the first interface update for Task Manager since 2022) following Windows 11 user interface guidelines. You still don't You can open Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar, but the app makes up for that with dark background support and the ability to follow the system accent color.

The new Task Manager looks pretty good and the dark mode is great, but the lack of default labels for tabs will confuse even experienced users.

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Efficiency Mode

The redesigned interface is not the only change to Task Manager in Windows 11 22H2. This application also supports Efficiency Mode, which allows you to manually adjust an application or process with high resource consumption. To convert a process to Efficiency Mode, you need to right-click on it and select the corresponding option.

It is important to note that you cannot apply Efficiency Mode to system processes or process groups.

Improvements to the Settings app

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 turn off incoming notifications using different rules.

Focus is a slightly more advanced feature that allows you to set 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 that opens from the Taskbar. Focus sessions can automatically switch to Do not disturb mode, hide notifications, and disable app icon flashing.

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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. The operating system has now received broadband voice support which allows it to provide better sound quality for voice calls.

Animations are faster on screens with higher refresh rates

Dynamic Refresh Rate on supported devices with high refresh rate displays now works in many parts of the operating system, not just in Office or while printing. Windows 11 can now increase to 120Hz when displaying animations, scrolling, and cursor movement. This will make the operating system run more smoothly and responsively on supported hardware.

Airplane mode has been improved

Windows can remember the state of your airplane mode connection settings to re-enable them the next time you switch modes.

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Improved accessibility

It's never enough when it comes to accessibility features in modern software. There is 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 throughout the system

Windows 11 22H2 brings system-wide live captions right on the device. The operating system can automatically transcribe spoken content from any audio source, including microphones. This means people with hearing problems will receive subtitles and have the ability to follow live chats.

Once enabled, Live Captions will appear at the top of the screen, just below where most laptops place the camera. This will help everyone follow conversations and stay engaged in remote meetings. Microsoft also allows users to move the subtitle panel to wherever users find convenient.

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One of the best aspects of Live Captions in Windows 11 22H2 is that the feature does not require an internet connection because it works completely locally (you will 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 inputs and clicks. Windows will display a grid overlay, which you can use with your voice to tell the operating system where to click.

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Like Live Captions, Voice Access works without an internet connection and all data processing remains local. Regarding language, Voice Access only supports US English.

Natural narrative voice

Finally, Windows 11 22H2 brings more natural voices to Narrator but still only has support for US English. Those using the default Windows screen reader will be happy to hear a more human voice. This feature also processes locally, no internet connection required.

You will also need to download the voices on your first run.

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The nasty stuff still exists

Windows 11 22H2 does not change the minimum hardware requirements. You still need a relatively new processor and TPM chip to be able to install this operating system properly. What changes is the initial installation process. An internet connection is required for all Windows versions, in addition you need to log in with a Microsoft account.

Another thing that might annoy you is the updated search engine. It's still pretty stupid but now there's more suggested content or just ads. Plus, a lot of great features are region-locked. You won't be able to do basic calculations if you live outside the US.

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Somehow, Microsoft has made Windows Widgets scary even though they were previously unuseful and unintelligent. The Widgets window now displays a mix of news, ads, and other things. This means you'll need to scroll more to find what you need. Luckily, when updating to Windows 11 22H2 Microsoft keeps the Widgets layout you installed from the previous Windows 11 version.

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Despite many rumors, Windows 11 22H2 still does not allow third-party developers to create and distribute custom Windows widgets.

Conclude

Honestly, Windows 11 22H2 should be something Microsoft released last year. While some things still need to be tweaked, the 22H2 version feels significantly more mature than the original release. Many of the new features that Windows 11 introduced are now more user-friendly, more flexible, and a little less imposing.

Aside from the new accessibility features, Windows 11 22H2 doesn't have any groundbreaking capabilities. However, many small changes create a better, more enjoyable operating system. Windows 11 22H2 will please those who have migrated to the latest operating system and give Windows 10 users the confidence and courage to update.

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