The next round of updates is scheduled towards Windows 11

What you should be aware of

• Windows 11 version 22H2 is the next major update due to Microsoft’s operating system in the second quarter of this year.
• Its primary focus is on ongoing refinements, OS productivity enhancements, and enhancements to tablet owners.
• 22H2 is the latest version of Windows. 22H2 will be released as a no-cost update to all Windows 11 users.

Microsoft is currently working on the new significant version of Windows that will be Windows 11’s initial major OS upgrade for features. The current version is known under the name “version 22H2” and codenamed “Sun Valley 2,” the next version is expected to carry on the idea that was introduced by Windows 11 last year, and will include the latest features and functions, UI enhancements, as well as many other improvements.

The development of version 22H2 started just prior to the time Windows 11 was finalized, and is currently in the process of testing with Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program, which has regular “active development” builds delivered to the Beta Channel with new features that we expect to release with the release of version 22H2.

The 22H2 version will be released this season as a no-cost update to all Windows 11 users. We’ll keep updating this article as new features become available. Don’t forget to look over our selection of top Windows 11 PCs in the interim.

VERSION 22H2: Availability

Microsoft isn’t yet ready to reveal an official date for the release of Windows 11 version 22H2, but I’ve been informed by my contacts that the current general availability date has been set on September 20. The date is subject to alter, but this is the date I’ve been told by Microsoft is working towards in the present moment. The initial build of version 22H2 will come with 22621 build.

Furthermore, I’ve heard Microsoft plans to release their debut “moment” update for version 22H2 by the end of the year. It will include some other features that were not finalized before the release build like tabs inside File Explorer and Suggested Actions. This is the feature Microsoft is testing on Windows Insiders running build 22622 at the moment.

In the meantime, until the plans are announced officially the dates listed here may change. This is however the current schedule.

VERSION 22H2: NEW FEATURES

This is a deeper review of some of the new features that will be available with Version 22H2. Be aware that some of the features discussed below will be available to users soon after the release of version 22H2 in the first “moment” update.

Windows Shell

It’s no secret that the Windows Shell is getting a lot of praise with the Version 22H2. Microsoft continues to clean the UI by updating the interfaces of previous versions with more contemporary uniform Windows 11 designs. For instance Version 22H2 features modern design options for things like the brightness and volume interfaces that appear when you adjust the controls using physical buttons on the hardware. Focus Assist (now called Do not Disturb) is added to the Notification Center for easy access to this feature.

The Start menu Microsoft is bringing back various features that were available in previous versions of the Windows 10 Start menu, for instance, the ability to create folders for apps and change how big the pin app area. Users can now select to add an additional row of apps pinned or limit the area of pinned apps to two rows instead of a bigger “Recommended” area.

The Taskbar has also been upgraded to include drag and drop functionality that allows you to drag your files to the icons of apps on your Taskbar to copy and paste the document into the. This was a feature in the Taskbar for a long time, but it was absent from the very first Version of Windows 11. It’s good to see it’s back in Version 22H2.

A new feature has also been added that’s called “Suggested Actions” which will provide a few choices when you save a date or phone number. The options are simple ways to create an event calendar or adding a number to your list of contacts.

Users will see a brand new snapping layouts menu which is displayed at above the display when they move their cursor around an app’s windows. This makes it easier to initiate Windows snapping. It is in addition to the drop-down menu that is displayed when you hover over an app window’s increase button.

If you are using a tablet, Microsoft is introducing several major new features that are designed to improve the experience of users using touch with Windows 11. There are new gestures available for touchscreen users that provide users to easily access the common sections of Windows Shell. It is now possible to swipe upwards from the bottom of the screen to open the Start menu, or swipe to the right to open Quick Settings.

Three fingers swiping down to the centre of the display will decrease your applications, while an easy swipe to the left or right can toggle between apps running. These animations are fluid, which means they adhere to your fingers when executed, and feel more responsive.

Settings

As with each new Version of Windows, Microsoft has added numerous new settings pages to the Settings app that comes with 22H2. There’s a brand new Microsoft Account page in the Accounts section, which provides the overview for the details of your Microsoft 365 subscription, with the ability to quickly access other settings and services on the internet. The newly created Family Safety page in the same section, which is designed to make it easy to access all Family Safety options if you utilize the service.

Windows Update can now time itself to the electricity grid of your area to reduce emissions. instead of making updates as they become they are available, Windows Update will attempt to schedule downloads and installations in conjunction with your electricity grid to make use of the most renewable energy feasible.

Other changes include the ability to change the number of recommended or pinned rows are displayed in Start as well as the option to change an image from the Bing daily image to be wallpaper for your desktop and the option to turn off your System Tray overflow menu, and many more.

Apps

Microsoft is updating a variety of its in-box applications and experiences with Version 22H2. Beginning with File Explorer, which now has a tabbed interface that runs across on the upper part of the application. Similar to a web browser, you’re able to be able to have multiple File Explorer directories open under the same window. This should make your desktop more tidy.

Additionally, there’s a new sidebar navigation UI that makes it easier to organize the various options to the most common file systems for example, user folders and OneDrive. Microsoft has also upgraded the sharing feature for nearby devices that will now display the other devices that are connected to a private network, as well as devices that are within Bluetooth range. You can also transfer local files directly to OneDrive through the file share interface.

It is also possible to save files in the File Explorer also has a new “pinned files” section in the Quick Access area when you launch the application. You can add any of their files to this area and keep them saved for a long time for access at a later time. File Explorer is now a lot more user-friendly. File Explorer now has more OneDrive integration as well, including the new drop-down menu which is displayed when you are inside OneDrive directly, which will show you how much cloud storage space you’re using.

The Task Manager has been upgraded with a fresh interface that is more on par with the other components in Windows 11. It features a brand new sidebar navigation interface that automatically reduces its size. The app also comes with a newly-released Sound Recorder app coming that includes new options for output as well as an audio visualizer and a more user-friendly interface.

In the version 22H2 that is preloaded are two new apps namely Clipchamp as well as Family Safety. Family Safety can be described as a Web application that offers the ability to quickly access your family’s overview, which includes the location of your children as well as upcoming events in your family calendar shared with you and other tools to help manage your family. This is a great service for families using Windows or Xbox PCs, as well as Android devices that have Microsoft Launcher and the Microsoft Launcher and Family Safety application installed.

Clipchamp is a brand new web-based video editor. It will also be being offered on Windows 11 moving forward. It is completely free to use but there are also paid monthly levels that you can sign up to for access to additional possibilities for effects or rendering.