Windows 11 has been available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users since October 2021, provided the PC meets the system requirements. The free update can be performed manually for users who have installed a non-compatible CPU in their computer. Statistics recently showed that only a good 20 percent of all Windows users have already switched to the new operating system. Under the motto “The future of hybrid working”, Microsoft invited to the online event and showed all sorts of innovations in Windows 11. In addition to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Windows and Surface boss Panos Panay also has new ones Features of Windows 11 Version 22H2 presentedwhich mainly revolve around the topic of productivity and should perhaps bring more users to the switch.
File Explorer gets tabs
With Windows 11 version 22H2, File Explorer gets a long-awaited feature – tabs. There was already a test run with tabs in Explorer in an insider preview of Windows 10, but only with Windows 11 tabs actually come into File Explorer. In addition, Windows Explorer has a new start page, which not only displays the files last used, but also offers the option of filing files as favorites – just like folders. If the files are in the cloud, the favorites list is synchronized across multiple devices. The last column also shows which user last edited the file.
In the future, anyone who uses Onedrive will be able to see the status of the cloud storage in the file explorer. If you want to share a file, Explorer automatically tries to guess which contacts you could share the file with and displays a suggestion. If you have purchased Microsoft Outlook in the Office Home & Business package or are a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you can integrate Outlook directly into File Explorer. A file can be shared via email with just a few clicks, without having to open the Outlook program. In addition to the Microsoft Outlook Desktop, which is subject to a charge, the prerequisite for use is also the free one App Microsoft Office Outlook Desktop Integrationwhich you can download at no extra cost from the Microsoft Store.
Start menu gets nameable folders
It is well known that Windows 11 has a new start menu, but not all users are happy with this menu. Since Insider Build 22557 there is the possibility to create folders in the start menu. This should give the pinned area a little more clarity. Since Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22579, it has been possible to name the app folders – as was the case with Windows 10. To create a folder, simply push two app icons together, then an animation is displayed and a folder created.
App folders in the Start menu in Windows 11 version 22H2 [Quelle: PCGH]
App folders in the Start menu in Windows 11 version 22H2 [Quelle: PCGH]
Splitting of the start menu in Windows 11 version 22H2 [Quelle: PCGH]
New in Windows 11: Microsoft shows features for hybrid work (1) [Quelle: PCGH]
Focus is designed to reduce distraction
The focus sessions within the new clock app are already available in version 21H2, which is currently available to all Windows 11 users. With the Windows Insider Preview 22557, such a session can also be conveniently started via the notification center. This allows you to work for a self-defined period of time without being annoyed by notifications. In addition to the settings within the settings app in the system area, you can also activate other options related to the focus sessions via the pre-installed clock app. This includes playing music via Spotify or creating and editing task lists in Microsoft To-Do.
So far there is the notification assistant, which opens in the notification center or when you click on the clock/date display (on the main monitor). With Build 22557, Microsoft is renaming the wizard to make it clear what the task is. The notification assistant becomes “Do not disturb”, after all rules can be defined with this when you do not want to be disturbed. So you can set specific times or disable notifications when you play or give a presentation. In addition, users can store exceptions, for example for certain apps.
Revamped snap layouts & new meeting features
Microsoft has revised the snap layouts. If you now drag a minimized window to the top edge of the screen, a navigation bar appears with which you can choose between different layouts. Windows 11 then automatically adjusts the open program windows so that up to four windows can be displayed in parallel on one screen. Alternatively, you can call up the Snap Assist at any time using the key combination Windows + Z and then select the layout. In addition, there is still the option of calling up Snap Assist by hovering over the maximize button.
So far, there are features in Microsoft Teams to blur the background, for example. With Windows 11 Version 22H2, this feature is available as an operating system function. This allows any application to access it without having to program and deploy the feature itself. In addition to the blurring effect, the new meeting functions also include optimizing the voice and automatically centering the person in front of the webcam.
New Microsoft Defender smart screen
Windows 11 version 22H2 will come up with an extended integrated virus scanner Microsoft Defender. With the Smartscreen feature can identify phishing attacks and users will be warned about the malware-infected application or hacked website. However, the Smart App Control can only be activated with a new installation of Windows 11 if the user so wishes.
It is still unclear when Windows 11 version 22H2 will be available. However, it could also happen relatively quickly. After all, Microsoft already proved in February with the optional update KB5010414 and with the most recent patch day in March that new features can also be released outside of the annual feature update for Windows 11 users. The only requirement is that the updates have successfully passed through various stages in the Windows Insider program, then they can be distributed as an optional update for all users of Windows 11. Functional updates, on the other hand, become a kind of update collection. In addition to these innovations, the first feature update also contains a few new UI elements and other new features, which we will present in a separate article.
Also worth reading: Update for Windows 11: This includes the first feature update version 22H2
Collection of new features in Windows 11 for hybrid working:
- In an online event, Microsoft presented innovations for Windows 11 with a focus on productivity.
- In Windows 11 Version 22H2 there will again be nameable app folders in the start menu. In addition, the file explorer has a new start page that makes it possible to attach files as well as folders and synchronize them with other devices.
- In the future there will be tabs in the file explorer.
- Focus is designed to reduce distraction by not showing notifications for a period of time.
- Windows 11 version 22H2 will come up with an extended integrated virus scanner Microsoft Defender, which can identify phishing attacks using a smart screen and warn PC users.
Swell: Microsoft (1), microsoft (2)
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