Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for Windows 11, labeled as KB5032190, introducing a plethora of new features and improvements to enhance user experience. This update applies to both Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 11 22H2, with OS Builds 22621.2715 and 22631.2715. Let’s delve into the key additions and enhancements:
Taskbar Enhancements:
- “Never Combined” Mode:
- Users can now view application windows and their labels on the taskbar separately by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and setting Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels to Never.
Task View and Desktop Features:
- Desktop Labels in Task View:
- Desktop labels now appear when switching between desktops in Task View (WIN + CTRL + left or right arrows).
- New sliding animations when changing desktops using various gestures.
System Tray and Notifications:
- Customizable System Tray:
- Users can hide the time and date in the system tray by right-clicking the system tray clock and choosing Adjust date and time.
- Notifications now display as a bell icon in the system tray with a fill color based on the system’s accent color.
- Improved Notification Experience:
- A “view notification” button for urgent notifications during do not disturb mode.
- Distraction-free notification toasts with the option to turn off banner display for specific apps.
File Explorer Enhancements:
- Modernized File Explorer Home:
- A new File Explorer Home powered by WinUI, showcasing recommended files in a carousel.
- Address bar recognition of local and cloud folders, displaying OneDrive sync status.
- Details Pane and Gallery:
- Introduction of a details pane in File Explorer for contextual information about files.
- Gallery feature for easy access to photo collections within File Explorer.
- File Sharing Improvements:
- Enhanced file sharing capabilities, including email integration with Outlook from the Windows share window.
- Improved performance when sending a large number of files to the recycle bin.
Windows Backup and Migration:
- Windows Backup App:
- Introduction of the Windows Backup app for quickly backing up the current PC for migration to a new PC.
- Seamless restoration of settings and app positions from the previous device.
Emoji and Narrator Updates:
- Unicode Emoji 15 Support:
- Native support for Unicode Emoji 15, accessible via the emoji panel (Windows logo key + .).
- Enhanced Narrator Features:
- New natural voices for Narrator with on-device text-to-speech.
- Commands for correcting words that voice access may fail to recognize.
Security and Phishing Protection:
- Enhanced Phishing Protection:
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen now includes Enhanced Phishing Protection for safeguarding passwords from phishing attempts.
- Passwordless Experience Policy:
- Enterprise users can set the EnablePasswordlessExperience policy, hiding passwords for specific authentication scenarios.
Innovative Features:
- Windows 365 Switch and Dev Drive:
- Windows 365 Switch allows seamless integration between local desktop and Windows 365 Cloud PC.
- Introduction of Dev Drive, a storage volume for developers built on ReFS technology.
- Dynamic Lighting and Adaptive Dimming:
- Control of lighting devices using the open HID LampArray standard, including the “Match my Windows accent color” feature.
- Adaptive Dimming for PCs with presence sensors, adjusting screen brightness based on attention detection.
UI and Settings Improvements:
- New Settings Home Page:
- Interactive cards representing devices and account-related settings for a personalized experience.
- Available on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.
- Design Enhancements:
- Improved design for various Settings pages, Task Manager dialogs, and firewall notification dialogs.
Miscellaneous Updates:
- Improved Bluetooth and Network Settings:
- New options for Bluetooth Personal Area networks, a cellular toggle, and enhanced Data Usage page.
- Convenient App Uninstallation:
- Users can now uninstall Win32 apps directly from the Start menu.
- Time Zone and Language Improvements:
- Enhanced experience when changing time zones with accurate location data verification.
- Camera and Network Flyout Enhancements:
- Detection of camera streaming issues with recommended troubleshooter activation.
- Redesigned network flyout box on the Lock screen.
This comprehensive update brings a host of features and improvements, ensuring a more user-friendly and efficient Windows 11 experience. Users are encouraged to explore the new functionalities and customize their systems according to their preferences.
Source:
Microsoft
