Windows 11 is perhaps the biggest software surprise of 2021. Microsoft has repeatedly announced in previous years that Windows 10 will never be replaced by a successor, but will be continuously developed. Microsoft also knows that this surprise effect does not last forever and is therefore continuing to work diligently: work on the first major update of Windows 11 began even before it was released. This should appear in a few months – under the name Windows 11 22H2. COMPUTER BILD clarifies what is likely to be in it according to the current status.
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Windows 11 22H2: Fall feature update?
Anyone who has been following version numbering at Microsoft for a long time knows the inconsistency of the manufacturer: Windows 3.11 was followed at the time by Windows 95. The Redmond company later switched to short name suffixes such as ME and XP. Then, surprisingly, version number 7 followed and Windows 9 simply skipped over Microsoft. Even when naming major updates, the strategy shifted from letter suffixes (Windows 95a, b and c) first to service packs, then in the case of Windows 8.1 to point versioning, in Windows 10 first to code names like Anniversary Update and finally to the combination of which is still current today Year abbreviation and half-year information, such as the current 21H2.
According to the current status, there will no longer be H1 updates, because Microsoft has moved away from the original six-monthly cycle and only wants to publish function updates annually. Ergo, Windows 11, which was released in autumn 2021, should be followed by the first major update in autumn 2022. However, it is currently becoming apparent that the first users could already receive 22H2 in the summer.
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Windows 11 22H2: Optical changes
As early as September 2021, the test version Build 22449 in the developer channel (Dev Channel) of the Windows Insider program changed, among other things, the loading animation when Windows starts: In future, the rotating circle will no longer consist of dots, but a solid line. Microsoft implements the rounded corners of the new design in many places where they are still missing in the current Windows 11, and in some places the readability is improved by more contrast. In the future, notifications will get the partially transparent “Acrylic” background look and sometimes several will be displayed as a stack at the same time.
From the streamlined context menus in Windows 11, you currently open after clicking on Show more options essentially the previous Windows 10 context menu. Microsoft wants to implement the Windows 11 design more consistently in the future. This also applies to the context menu of the recycle bin, which so far still shows the old look from Windows 10. Microsoft has also redesigned the emoji menu in the Fluent design. In addition, the settings for personalizing the text input will affect this menu and the mini-window for voice input in the future. For emojis with families or lovers, the skin color can be selected individually for each person.
When changing tasks via ALT+TAB or Windows key+TAB the currently selected window will be more visible and only part of the background will be blurred. Windows will now show the time and date on all connected screens. The previously automatically changing backgrounds on the lock screen can be moved to the desktop if desired – with the “Spotlight Collection” function. If you don’t like the current picture, click to switch to the next one. If you use hardware buttons on the notebook to control brightness or volume, for example, small windows (“flyouts”) appear that display the current setting with a bar. In the future, the flyouts will appear in a modern look and, if necessary, in dark mode. Microsoft also donated the latter to the new Task Manager.
In the settings, see after clicks on personalization and on-screen keyboard various designs. They will also affect the emoji menu in the future.
More performance and compatibility
With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced SMB compression, which automatically shrinks data as it travels across a network and restores it to its original state at the destination. Microsoft has now adjusted the algorithm here, which should reduce the amount of data sent. The update stack packages are intended to prepare the installation of feature and maintenance updates and increase their reliability.
The virtual environment of the Windows Sandbox can be restarted in the future and works after the update on PCs with a 64-bit ARM processor. The latter also applies to the new .NET Framework 4.8.1. Microsoft is experimenting with expanding the search index to more locations to make finding files and folders faster. And the quality of voice calls when using Apple AirPods should improve – thanks to support for broadband voice output.
Improved operation
In the new update, network shares can be pinned to quick access with just two clicks. If a file or folder is selected in Windows Explorer, the path can be quickly copied to the clipboard – with the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Shift+C. In the settings for the notification assistant, you can now choose whether it should withhold notifications for the first hour after a function update. If you use a second screen with a webcam, you can log in using face recognition if you wish, even if your laptop lid is closed.
You can also change the volume with the mouse wheel when the mouse pointer rests on the volume icon. Speaking of volume: In the future, the taskbar will show a new, conspicuous microphone mute switch during an ongoing call, which can be operated with the new shortcut Windows+Alt+K. Microsoft makes the Snap Groups introduced with Windows 11 available via the shortcut ALT+TAB and in the “Active View” (Task View). If you search for a file or link type in the default apps setting, matching options will appear in 22H2 without you having to press Enter first.
The list of installed apps is clearer and can be sorted alphabetically by program size or vice versa. If you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in Airplane mode, those connections will stay on the next time you enter Airplane mode. There are major improvements in accessibility: With “Voice Access”, Microsoft has designed a completely new voice control for the entire operating system.
A new mic-mute button appears prominently in the taskbar during calls and can be operated with a click or hotkey.
Restructured menus
In the future, you can also access the login options by clicking on the switch-off symbol in the start menu. The Windows Ease of Access folder (under All Apps in the Start menu) is called less bulky Accessibility. The drilled-out new task manager also comes with a new menu structure: instead of the above tabs, a sidebar with submenus appears on the left. In the VPN settings, Microsoft adds statistics about individual networks. After right-clicking Recommended or More In the start menu, the list there can be updated in the future. If necessary, show more entries in the “Pinned” or “Recommended” area at the expense of the other area.
Microsoft splits the “Apps & features” menu in Windows settings into “Installed apps” and “Advanced app settings”. Information about the Microsoft 365 subscription is only available on one website. With 22H2, this information goes directly into the Windows settings. In addition, the advanced sharing settings, some information about printers and scanners and the menu for uninstalling updates are moving from the old-fashioned control panel to the newer Windows settings. Oh, the button for calling up the widgets has moved – by default to the left end of the taskbar. If you have set the taskbar icons to appear left-aligned, the new widget button blends in with the icons instead.
More than three rows of pinned apps in the Start menu or more recommendations? In the future you have the choice.
More privacy and security
Hover your mouse over the new search icon in the taskbar to bring up a list of recent search terms. This can be hidden in the future with a new option. With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced the DNS over HTTPS feature, which improves with 22H2. It ensures that not only the data traffic between your PC and the website you visit is encrypted, but also the translation of Internet addresses in text form into linked IP addresses – a mechanism that browsers use to find Internet pages.
The previously common unencrypted “domain name resolution” made it easier for scammers to redirect you to fake websites or to sniff out your surfing behavior. In certain situations, however, the new “DNS over HTTPS” has failed so far – not anymore with the upcoming update.
Revamped Windows 11 apps
Microsoft is also diligently working on the included apps. The simple text editor Notepad shines in a fresh look in the future – optionally in light or dark mode – and improves the function for searching and replacing text. It is more convenient to share open program windows in Teams calls. Microsoft has improved surfing in Edge with the “Narrator” screen reader in many places. The previous system function Winside Ssubsystem for Linux (WSL) outsources Microsoft to a separate app.
In the Windows 11 app “Alarm & Clock” works with a business or school account. In this way, the new productivity-enhancing focus sessions can also be used outside of the private context. And if you don’t use the app, you can uninstall it in the future. The Your Phone app will display a redesigned window during ongoing calls.
