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Microsoft delivered on its annual promise with the first feature update for Windows 11, released yesterday. The 2H22 update will be made available to users in phases. Anyone running the Windows 11 2H21 version on their PC will have the opportunity to download the first major update to one of Microsoft’s prized creations.

The update brings many seemingly small but noticeable changes to the user interface. Key features of Windows 11 like the start menu, taskbar, notification center, and applications like the file explorer, task manager, and others have received worthy tweaks.


5 Key Features of Windows 11 2H22 Feature Update

1) Useful changes to the taskbar and start menu

Windows 11 22H2 update applied – finally a start menu/taskbar that works. I feel my blood pressure drop.

The much-loved drag-and-drop support for the taskbar was not available in Windows 11 at release. It was an unwanted change from Windows 10’s offering, causing many users to ask for a refund.

The latest feature update has finally brought back the small but easy-to-use feature and one can now drag and drop files into applications onto the taskbar for a seamless and productive experience.

Freeing up space in the Start Menu has never been easier, with the latest feature update that allows users to group apps into folders. This is similar to what Android and iOS devices offer and is a welcome change for those looking to clear out clutter in their Start Menu.


2) Interesting additions to File Explorer and a refresh of Task Manager

Windows 11 22h2 is a good update, but it comes without the File Explorer tabs… coming next month, via another update. IT will now have better control over updates, but I can’t help but feel that the nearly monthly feature updates complicate yearly releases.

Another interesting addition will make File Explorer much easier to use. The popular file directory application will now have a tabbed interface, allowing users to access more than one directory under a single application instance. It will be a similar experience to Microsoft Edge, which will allow users to open different websites in tabs.

In addition to the tabs, the feature update also adds the ability to pin certain files or folders to the Quick Access page. It should be noted that the feature does not currently ship with the aforementioned updates; those will be made available next month via an additional patch.

The Task Manager app has also received an overhaul and now has an improved user interface. It has a new side navigation UI design that seems to work well with the overall look and feel of the OS.


3) New features for users’ gaming experience

(Xbox Wire) Windows 11 2022 update available today• New controller bar• Graphics improvements• Improved display latency• Auto HDR• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)• New gaming features for Microsoft Edge• Clarity Boost• Efficiency modenews.xbox.com /en- nl/2022/09/… https://t.co/34dphh6KVs

The new update includes new features for a smoother gaming experience. Users who depend on controllers for navigation will now have it easier with the all-new Controller bar. You can access their recently played games or recently used game launchers by pressing the Xbox button (or main menu button) on their controller.

The update also brings some optimizations for games running in windowed mode, allowing users to experience better display latency, Auto HDR, and variable refresh rate. In addition, there’s a new HDR Calibration app that lets you adjust features for the times it’s on.


4) Clipchamp, the new integrated video editor in Windows 11

Clipchamp can be a really easy way for users to quickly edit videos for sharing, and it is available under the hood of their operating system. It is free to use for basic purposes but one can choose to go premium with various subscription rates available.


5) Smart App Control redefines built-in security features in Windows 11

Enormous @Windows 11 update out. My Highlights:-Security: Smart App Control, Driver Protection, Defender Credential Guard, Config Lock-Accessibility: Live Captions, Natural Narration-Productivity: Enhanced Snap-Connect: Studio Effects 🔥 -Store: 20K @Android apps https://t.co/6efdNx0gqc

Another prominent addition that the Windows 11 2H22 update brings is the new Smart App Control, which is expected to protect the system from file-based malignancies and script attacks using an AI model. It builds on the same operating system core capabilities as the iconic Windows Defender Application Control.


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Interested users can jump into Windows Settings to check if the 2H22 update is available for their system. Note that it is not mandatory for users to install, but it is well worth it.