- Microsoft releases the Windows 11 22H2 feature drop (moment 2).
- The update brings AI for Taskbar and a new UI design for tablets.
- The update also rolls out updates for Phone Link, Snipping Tool, and more.
- You can download and install the update now, but it ll roll out automatically in March.
The second feature drop update (moment 2) for Windows 11 22H2 was formally announced by Microsoft. The business claims that the update includes a number of repairs, enhancements, and new features, such as Taskbar AI. Beginning on February 28, the rollout will be fully accessible as a cumulative update on March 14, 2023, which is the next Patch Tuesday release.
The new Windows 11 update will raise the version number to 22621.1344 and provide a variety of new features and enhancements, but it doesn’t have an official name because it’s not a feature update and doesn’t need to be reinstalled. For instance, the update includes various improvements for the Taskbar, Quick Settings, Widgets, and Voice Access, as well as the new Bing AI with ChatGPT in the search box.
Updated versions of numerous built-in applications, like as Notepad, Snipping Tool, Quick Assist, Phone Link, and Windows 365 apps, are included in this release.
Additionally, Windows 11 has a revamped Taskbar that grows and shrinks in tablet mode as part of the touch enhancements.
Windows 11 22H2 new features coming in March 2023
This is a summary of the new features in the most recent Windows 11 22H2 feature drop update.
Taskbar search with Bing Chat
With this update, the Windows team is integrating the new Bing Chat into the Taskbar search box, providing you with instant access to the desktop chatbot service that uses natural language.
AI has not been included to the chat experience to look for or interact with your files or settings. Rather, you will see the Chat button to finish the request with Bing when you type a question.
Everyone will be able to use this function, but in order to gain early access to the Bing Chat experience, you will still need to register.
Taskbar Chat (Microsoft Teams)
The business claims that the Chat feature has been redesigned to make it simpler to share a call link with others via any app, preview your video, or start a call right away.
Taskbar for tablets
A new tablet taskbar design is also included in this moment 2 update, which will switch to tablet mode automatically when the keyboard on a convertible device is disconnected or folded.
This new design gives you two modes. By hiding all except the most important icons from the system tray, the collapsed mode frees up more space on your tablet and keeps you from inadvertently bringing up the Taskbar while holding it.
With larger icons, the Taskbar is touch-optimized while in expanded mode. By swiping up and down on the bottom of your device, you may quickly transition between the two states.
Neither desktops nor laptops will be able to use the feature.
Start menu (business)
The Start menu can now customize the experience by displaying AI-powered content if you’re using Windows 11 Pro linked to Azure Active Directory (AAD).
File Explorer live search
Additionally, this update will enable File Explorer to display results as you enter. Without using the Enter key, the entire search results page will be updated in real time.
Widgets
In order to experience full-screen mode, the Widgets board now grows. This update now makes third-party widgets like Game Pass, Messenger, Spotify, and Phone Link available on the Widgets panel.
Quick Settings with Windows Studio Effects settings
Devices that support the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) can now access the Windows Studio effects through the Quick Settings flyout. The hardware will determine whether Studio Effects features are available. Nonetheless, they can incorporate audio effects like Voice Focus and camera effects like Background Blur, Eye Contact, and automatic framing.
Energy recommendations settings
Energy Recommendations are now included on the Power & Battery (or Power) settings page, offering advice on how to set up features to reduce energy consumption and your carbon impact.
Voice Access and Braille
Several enhancements to the Voice Access and Braille functions are also included in this upgrade, which will be automatically distributed to all users in March 2023.
For instance, Narrator has been improved with this edition to enable additional Braille displays, including three new HumanWare Designed for Surface displays.
In order to make sure that blind people can use Windows with ease, it is now possible to switch between Narrator and other screen readers while using your Braille display.
Last but not least, the Windows team is releasing voice access capability from preview and offering a more versatile and improved speech experience on Windows 11.
Phone Link
Additionally, Microsoft is updating a number of its apps, such as Phone Link, which now supports connecting iPhones to Windows 11. As a result, you may now send and receive emails, texts, and other iMessage capabilities without ever opening your phone.
You must install the app’s preview version because this feature is still in development.
With just one click, you can now activate the hotspot feature on your Samsung Android phone from within your computer’s Wi-Fi network list. Additionally, you can move your browser sessions from your smartphone to your device using the Recent Websites feature.
Notepad
Notepad has been modified to include tabs, which let you work with numerous text files in a single window. The new tabs function is identical to that of File Explorer. Dedicated buttons in the UI above the file menu allow you to open and close tabs. Additionally, you can use the mouse to duplicate and reorganize tabs. Additionally, you can create tabs using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N or close tabs with Ctrl + W.
Other enhancements offered by Notepad include an updated unsaved changes indicator and the ability to automatically generate the file name and tab title depending on content. Additionally, there is a new Opening files option in the settings that lets you select whether to open your files in a new tab or window.
Snipping Tool
Now that the Snipping Tool has been updated, you may record the screen and pause while doing so. Nevertheless, sound recording is not possible with this feature.
Quick Assist
There are no new features in the Quick Assist app. Nevertheless, the update makes it simpler to locate and launch a remote desktop session by moving the Quick Assist function from the Windows Tools folder to the Start menu’s All applications list.
Also, the Troubleshootsettings page now offers the option to initiate remote assistance.
Windows 365
Installing the Windows 365 app from the Microsoft Store will allow you to access your cloud-based PCs from your desktop if you use the Cloud PC service.
Users who wish to update manually can now sample the feature drop (moment 2). Microsoft is unsure whether the update is presently accessible through the stable channel as an optional upgrade or exclusively through the Release Preview Channel. However, it is anticipated that everyone will receive the update on March 14, 2023. The Microsoft Store will offer the updated versions of the apps.
You can read more about this release in this guide. The changes listed above are only the official upgrades; the update also contains a number of other refinements.