Microsoft is in the process of rolling out the stable version of the next major Windows 11 update to its Insiders members. This new version introduces, among other things, folders in the Start menu, new touch gestures, and restores drag and drop on the taskbar. Here is a brief overview of the main new features.
The next major Windows 11 update is officially available as a stable version. However, Windows 11 22H2, which has build number 22621, is currently only available in the program which allows Insiders to preview stable versions of future Windows updates.
For the general public, it will still be necessary to be patient, Microsoft having planned a gradual deployment of its update over the coming months. However, if you don’t want to wait, you can install this update on your PC today by joining the Insider program and selecting the Preview channel. Windows 22H2 build 22621 should then be offered as an optional update in Windows Update, provided of course that your machine meets the criteria required by Microsoft for installing Windows 11.
With this new version of Windows, Microsoft is introducing new functions, revising the interface of certain applications, and correcting certain errors made when Windows 11 was launched. Here are the main ones.
Folders in the Start menu
For starters, managing the items displayed in the Start menu should be a little easier. In this build 22621, Microsoft indeed inaugurates the possibility of creating folders there by dragging the icon of one application onto another, a good way to keep your most important applications within easy reach, and above all to keep a Start menu straight out.
The return of drag and drop on the taskbar
When Windows 11 was launched, the Redmond firm had removed the ability to drag and drop content onto the taskbar, a feature that is very practical for quickly performing certain common operations.
If hacks had been put in place by developers and exasperated users, drag and drop on the taskbar is making a comeback in Windows 22H2.
Quick Bluetooth connection
Among the other notable improvements inaugurated in Windows 22H2, the arrival of a quick connection button for Bluetooth devices. From the Windows quick settings panel, you can now quickly connect a device via Bluetooth by clicking on the icon with a small arrow, as you currently do to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
A new task manager
The Windows 11 Task Manager is evolving. The module abandons the aging interface based on tabs in favor of a more discreet icon bar, grafted on the left of the window, design more in phase with the graphic codes of Windows 11. Above all, this new version of the Task Manager now supports native OS dark theme.
In addition, this new task manager introduces the Efficiency mode option which allows you to reduce the priority of processes that are potentially too resource intensive.
Window docking easier to use
The window docking module, which allows you to resize and place open windows on the screen according to a defined scheme, is now easier to use. If you previously had to hover over the window’s zoom button to access it, now all you have to do is drag the window to the upper part of the screen to display the different anchoring options.
Live captions
With Windows 11 22H2, your PC is now capable of captioning everything. Microsoft indeed integrates in this update an automatic subtitling function, generated locally on your PC. In concrete terms, the system designed by Microsoft is capable of transcribing spoken content from any source.
The option, which works without an Internet connection and can be activated from Windows 11 Settings or using the Windows + Ctrl + L keyboard shortcut, will prove particularly practical for keeping the thread going during a videoconference meeting. Please note, however, that it is initially only available in English.
New gestures for tactile navigation
This new version of Windows is also an opportunity for Microsoft to introduce new touch gestures to navigate more easily on devices equipped with a touch screen. With this build 22621, you can bring up the Start menu by swiping from the taskbar to the top of the screen, swiping to the right or left of the screen to from the Start menu to switch pinned items to the full list of installed apps, or swipe up or down from the bottom right corner of the screen to show or hide the quick settings panel.
New options for Teams
If you use Microsoft Teams (https://www.01net.com/actualites/vous-pouvez-maintenant-utilisation-microsoft-teams-gratuitement-en-famille-ou-entre-amis-2042831.html) with your colleagues from offices or in your family circle, you can now mute the sound of the microphone by pressing directly on the icon of the latter from the Windows notification area. Also, when Teams is running, it is possible to quickly share the contents of an open window on your desktop simply by hovering the mouse over its icon on the taskbar.
Source: https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2022/06/07/releasing-windows-11-version-22h2-to-the-release-preview-channel/