Here's What to Expect with Windows 11 22H2

Microsoft is finally launching its first biggest OS feature update this year, the Windows 11 version 22H2 codenamed Sun Valley 2.

The OS will continue the vision of Microsoft that was first introduced with Windows 11 last year, with the continuation of new features, UI improvements, and much more, as per Windows Central.

Here's a quick rundown the most improvements that are expected from version 22H2 according to the BleepingComputer.

Here's What to Expect with Windows 11 22H2 — Windows via Unsplash

What are the New Features in Windows 11 22H2?

1. Start Menu improvements

In this new feature of Microsoft, you will be allowed to pin more apps or activities in the recommendations section of the Start Menu. Moreover, you can soon force the Start Menu recommendations tab to open files in Office web if your device doesn't come with full desktop apps, as per the BleepingComputer. There's also a chance that Start Menu features will be released using 'Windows Feature Experience Packs.'

2. Taskbar

The drag and drop capability is being restored, which means you can finally drag your files onto apps pinned to the taskbar. You can also drag apps to the taskbar to create shortcuts

3. Task Manager

Based on Fluent UI and WinUI, 22H2 will refresh Task Manager with a new design. To display processes and performance options, Task Manager will now use a new sidebar or hamburger menu, which would make the Task Manager easily accessible on touchscreen devices. Now, the Task Manager's top bar displays the brand and name of the device, its model, a picture of the device, and CPU or RAM being used.

4. New flyout design

The design for the hardware indicators like sound and brightness is refreshed. Media controls is also getting a new look. The updated flyout matches the design shown for the media controls across the operating system and Microsoft's vision for WinUI.

5. New snapping experience

By overlaying the relevant app icon on top of the acrylic background, the company has updated the experience of resizing app windows in snap layouts. You can now snap some windows using the snap assist, resize the snapped window layout using the buffer and watch the other snapped windows go out-of-focus overlaid with their app icon.

6. Tablet-optimized taskbar

There's a new taskbar state that's specifically designed to optimize the taskbar for tablets. There are two states of this taskbar: Collapsed state and Expanded state.

7. Windows Update leverages renewable energy

To perform update installations to lower carbon emissions, Windows Update will use data from partners electricityMap or WattTime. Windows 11 will try to install updates in the background at times when greater amounts of clean energy sources are available, as per the BleepingComputer. You can still install updates immediately by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and choosing "Check for Updates".

8. File Explorer improvements

Default homepage of File Explorer is now called Home. To align with Office and OneDrive, the name Quick access has been updated for the pinned/frequent folders section and Pinned files is now called Favorites.

9. Windows Spotlight

There is a new Windows Spotlight on desktop. It is similar to the existing Spotlight feature for lockscreen, as per the BleepingComputer.

10. Memory integrity

Designed to prevent attacks from inserting malicious code into high-security processes, Memory integrity can be found in Windows Security under Device Security > Core isolation. It's a new feature exclusive to new hardware.

Read Also: Should You Switch to Windows 11? Pros and Cons of Windows OS Upgrade for Remote Workers

When is Version 22H2 Coming?

Windows 11 version 22H2 is expected to be available in the second half of this year. According to Windows Central, version 22H2 is scheduled to reach a "final build" sometime in May. 16, 22

However work will continue throughout the summer on bug fixes and other improvements that will be delivered via cumulative updates to Insiders and eventually the public. Version 22H2 is likely to roll out in September or October timeframe, as per Windows Central report.

If you want to try the changes today, you can download and install the preview update. The changes are available in Windows Insider Beta channel.