Windows 11 2022 Review

 Windows 11 2022 Review: The Evolution In Operating Systems

Microsoft has made a triumphant return with a new iteration of Windows, carefully crafted to deliver a contemporary and user-friendly experience.

Windows 11 New Update

Microsoft recently unveiled the highly anticipated Windows 11 update, aptly named the version 22H2 release or 2022 update. This important release builds on the original vision introduced in Windows 11, introducing an array of fresh features, productivity enhancements, UI refinements, and other exciting additions.

All features added in new Windows 11 2022 update

• App folders in the Start menu
• Resizable pinned area in Start menu
• Drag and drop functionality on the taskbar
• Integration of Focus Assist with Information Center
• Introducing the "Spotlight" wallpaper feature
• Addition of voice access access feature
• Inclusion of live caption access feature
• New gestures and animations keep users hooked
• Enhanced snap layout bar for easy app window management
• Introducing the new Task Manager app
• "Suggested Actions" for convenient copy of facility dates/numbers
• Implementation of tabs in File Explorer
• Improved integration of OneDrive with File Explorer
• Many UI enhancements and stability updates

Availability of Windows 11

Windows 11 is now widely accessible as an update for eligible Windows 10 PCs. However, Microsoft is implementing a careful and gradual rollout approach, which means that not everyone will have immediate access to the update. When your PC meets the required criteria, the familiar notification on Windows Update will appear, guiding you through the download and installation process while Windows handles the rest.

To be eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade, your PC must meet the following requirements:

• A compatible CPU
• Minimum 4GB RAM
• At least 64GB of storage
• Enabled UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0

Windows 11 2022 is also available on new PCs from October 5, 2021. Most future PCs will come pre-installed with Windows 11, while some OEMs may continue to offer Windows 10 SKUs with Windows 11 indefinitely.

What's new on Update?

Windows 11 places its focus on three primary areas: a revitalized and contemporary user experience (UX) that aims to streamline the use of Windows, an array of new features and enhancements to increase productivity, and a new emphasis on the Microsoft Store.

The overall appearance of many core user interfaces has received a significant facelift, incorporating fresh aesthetics such as updated animations, icons and sounds. Specifically, elements ranging from the Start menu and taskbar to context menus and built-in applications have been redesigned to ensure visual consistency in the new Windows 11 interface.

Simplifying and decluttering the user experience have been key objectives for Microsoft in the development of Windows 11. The aim is to provide a user-friendly environment that is accessible to PC users familiar with the streamlined experiences found in modern operating systems such as iOS. Android. However, this approach also involves simplifying some features or behaviors, which can pose an adjustment challenge for Windows enthusiasts accustomed to traditional functionality.

The good news is that Windows 11 is great at offering simplicity without compromising functionality. It offers a remarkably seamless and fluid UX, presenting an absolute joy to use. For those who appreciate the artistry of software design, Windows 11 breathes new life into the experience. Moreover, it stands as an exceptional release for individuals who prefer productivity enhancement and a seamless transition to work-oriented tasks.

Things that we can do in new Update

Windows 11 introduces a new and improved out-of-the-box experience, guiding users through the setup process. Departing from the previous Cortana-powered installer, Windows 11 features a clean and simplified design that facilitates easy configuration of the operating system. However, it is important to be aware of some policy changes implemented by Microsoft in this regard.

For the first time, Windows 11 Home Edition requires a mandatory sign-in with a Microsoft account and a Wi-Fi connection during the out-of-box experience. While this may not be a significant concern for many users who appreciate the integration and benefits associated with a Microsoft account, it poses a challenge for those who prefer not to use one.

Once you have successfully installed and set up Windows 11, you need to navigate to the Microsoft Store app and check for updates. This ensures that you have the latest versions of all pre-installed Windows 11 applications. Additionally, it is advisable to visit the Windows Update section within the new Settings app to check for updates related to optimized drivers for Windows 11. This step guarantees that your system is equipped with the most up-to-date drivers optimized for Windows 11's Compatibility.

1. Start Menu

Windows 11 introduces significant interface changes to various aspects of the desktop experience, including the Start menu. While it may not be as drastic as the changes seen in Windows 8, adapting to the new Start menu will still require some adjustment.

The new Start menu takes a simplified approach as an app launcher. It no longer offers a fully customizable layout of app tiles but instead features a grid of icons that can be pinned, unpinned and rearranged. Live tiles are no longer present, apps show static icons and their names below. This is in line with the approach taken by other modern operating systems.

The Start menu offers three rows of six pinned icons with the option to scroll through additional "pages" for more pinned apps. Above the pinned apps, there is a full apps list accessible via the "All Apps" button, which displays all installed apps.

A search bar is located at the top of the Start menu, serving as a shortcut to a dedicated search function accessed via the search icon on the taskbar. Although Search and Start remain separate in Windows 11, the transition between the two interfaces lacks smooth animation, making typing after opening the Start menu a somewhat disjointed experience.

2.Widgets

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called "Widgets" to Windows 11, which aims to provide quick access to information at a glance. Accessed via a button on the taskbar or by swiping from the left edge of the screen, the hidden panel pops out from the left side of the desktop. The panel includes a customizable widget area at the top and the Microsoft Start news feed at the bottom.

In a recent update, Microsoft added a "Weather" button to the taskbar for direct access to the widget panel. However, the overall usefulness of the widget panel in daily workflows may vary. Some users find it forgettable or unnecessary, especially when the panel needs to be reloaded after being inactive for a while. Available widgets include weather, photos, to-do, calendar, sports, family safety, watchlist (stocks), and tips. The weather widget tends to be the most valuable, while the need to use Microsoft Edge for certain interactions within the panel can feel disjointed.

Clicking on a widget or news article redirects users to Microsoft Edge, disrupting the user experience. Unfortunately, there is no option to configure the widget panel to open in a different browser. Overall, widgets in Windows 11 have received mixed reviews, with some considering it a feature that can be briefly explored but not widely used. The addition of the weather button to the taskbar is a positive addition, but further improvements to the widget feature may be necessary to enhance its overall appeal.

3. File Explorer

Microsoft has finally updated Windows File Explorer for Windows 11, giving it a modern and simplified design while preserving its essential features. The UI on top now displays commonly used tasks in a clean and spaced-out way, such as creating files or folders, copying, pasting, renaming, sharing, and deleting files. Despite the simplification, all the legacy functions of File Explorer are still available. Older options have been moved to the secondary menu, which may be inconvenient for apps that haven't been updated yet, while the context menu has also been revamped. The new context menu design uses both horizontal and vertical layouts, which can be confusing to navigate at first. Overall, the updated File Explorer brings a fresh makeover to Windows 11 while maintaining its original functionality.

4.Taskbar and Action Center

In Windows 11 2022, the taskbar and Action Center undergo significant improvements, enhancing the user experience and providing convenient access to key features. The taskbar displays a centered layout by default, providing a sleek and modern appearance. It provides quick access to frequently used apps, enabling users to pin their favorite apps for easy launch. The taskbar also introduces new capabilities such as the ability to drag and drop apps for easy rearranging.

Meanwhile, the Action Center provides a unified hub for notifications and quick settings. It adopts a clean and visually appealing design, offering a streamlined view of notifications from various apps. Users can customize notification settings for individual apps, ensuring a personalized experience. In addition, Action Center provides quick access to essential system settings, allowing users to adjust volume, brightness, network settings, and more with just a few clicks. The enhanced taskbar and action center in Windows 11 2022 contribute to improved workflow and efficient management of notifications and system controls.

5. Microsoft Store & Android Apps

The Microsoft Store for Windows 10 has been a disappointment due to its limited app selection and strict submission rules for developers. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft is allowing developers to submit most Windows apps to the Store, aiming to create a wider market. This change means that if an app is missing from the Microsoft Store, it's because the developer chose not to submit it. While the new store is still in its early stages and may not have all the expected apps, Microsoft is confident that more developers will join soon. The ability to find all apps in one place and discover new ones is convenient. Additionally, Windows 11 introduced Android app support, although it relies on the Amazon Appstore as the default storefront. This decision is considered unfavorable due to limited app availability in Amazon Appstore. Although emulation of Android apps works well on Windows 11, it requires a significant amount of system resources. Overall, while the option for Android apps on Windows 11 is appreciated, the reliance on the Amazon Appstore and the limitation of available apps are seen as a drawback.

6. Snap Assist & Task View of Microsoft

Microsoft has put significant effort into improving multitasking and productivity in Windows 11, making it an attractive upgrade. Snap Assist, an improved version of Aero Snap from Windows 7, provides convenient ways to snap applications. Hovering over the Maximize button reveals different snap layouts, eliminating the need to move the cursor to the edge of the screen. New Snap layouts optimized for larger displays, such as three apps in a row, take better advantage of screen real estate. Tablet users benefit from intelligent snapping in portrait mode and intuitive switching orientation animations.

The Tasks view, an overview of running applications, has undergone several changes. The old timeline feature has been replaced, and open apps and virtual desktops now appear at the bottom of the screen. Virtual desktops are now more customizable, allowing users to rename them and set custom wallpapers. Desktops can be reorganized by dragging and dropping and continuing across reboots. However, there are still areas for improvement, such as the ability to customize pinned apps for each virtual desktop. Overall, these multitasking enhancements in Windows 11 greatly improve the user experience.

7. Windows Touch and Pen

Microsoft has significantly improved the touch-first experience in Windows 11, especially for devices with tablets and pens. However, the removal of the dedicated "tablet mode" is a notable regression. Instead, there are improvements to the desktop user experience, making touch usage more enjoyable. New gestures are introduced, such as three- or four-finger swipes to minimize apps, switch between apps, access the task view, and switch virtual desktops. Window management has also been improved with subtle animations and larger hitboxes for easy manipulation of app windows with a touch.

The touch keyboard experience is a highlight for tablet users, with different sizes, swipe typing, and an emoji panel. The touch keyboard offers satisfying sounds, animations, and accurate spelling correction powered by SwiftKey. Pen users also benefit from updates to the Pen menu (formerly the Windows Ink Workspace), allowing pinned apps to be customized for ink. Inking directly into the text box is now possible, eliminating the need to switch between ink and tap for text input.

While these improvements bring Windows touch UX in line with other touch-first operating systems, there are still limitations. The lack of automatic full-screen opening for apps hampers the tablet experience, especially on smaller displays. Users have to manually maximize each app the first time they open it, which can be inconvenient.

8. Windows 11 App

Windows 11 brings significant updates to many in-box apps, both in terms of design and functionality. Apps like Photos and Microsoft Paint now feature designs that match the overall Windows 11 aesthetic, including rounded corners and blur effects on buttons in context menus and headers.

The new Notepad has also received a modern design overhaul while retaining its core functionality. It maintains the same clean and modern appearance as Microsoft Paint, and offers the same features as its predecessor. Notepad now includes a dark mode, catering to developers and users who prefer dark themes.

The Alarm & Clock app introduces a new "Focus Session" feature that integrates with Microsoft To Do and Spotify. This feature provides an integrated platform for workflow management and task completion. Users can set a 30-minute timer, choose a playlist, sync with Microsoft To Do and track their tasks. While this may not be useful for everyone, it presents a clever concept.

Microsoft Edge will also receive an update to align with Windows 11 design, including a blur effect in the header and matching context menus in File Explorer. This update will be available soon after the initial release of Windows 11.

Moreover, Groove Music app has undergone rebranding and functionality expansion. It is now called Media Player and serves as a versatile music and video player. Like the classic Windows Media Player, it supports local video and audio files. Previously, "Groove Music" only handled audio files, while local video files were managed by the Movies & TV app, which now focuses primarily on DRM content streamed from the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft Office gets a small design update to better align with Windows 11 with rounded corners. Although Office retains its distinct design language, it's nice to see the new Office app embrace Windows 11's characteristic rounded corners.

The collaboration and alignment of Microsoft's product teams in updating apps to match the Windows 11 aesthetic is commendable. This solves a problem observed in Windows 10, where different teams often follow independent design guidelines. Windows 11 represents a more cohesive and integrated approach.

Expect more updates and improvements to Microsoft's in-box apps over time with updates delivered through the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 users.

9. Windows 11's Settings

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned Settings app with improved organization and aesthetics. It offers a wide range of new settings and options for users to explore. Notably, detailed battery statistics have been added, allowing users to track power usage by various apps over time. The Personalization category prioritizes themes, and user interfaces such as the taskbar, start menu and lock screen are easily accessible. The Bluetooth and Devices section has been revamped, displaying connected devices and providing convenient access to settings, device information, and pairing options. A notable addition is the ability to customize touchpad gestures, providing more flexibility for users. However, the browser's default setting has become more cumbersome, requiring manual configuration rather than a one-click option for each file type, which some perceive as anti-competitive and less user-friendly than the previous method.

10. Extra New Things

Windows 11 introduces many notable features and improvements. First, it extends Windows compatibility on ARM devices, enabling the execution of 64-bit Intel applications. Performance on ARM-powered PCs will vary depending on the specific ARM chip being used.

Additionally, Microsoft introduces ARM64EC, a new application binary interface that combines native speed performance with compatibility for x64 applications. This feature allows developers to optimize parts of their apps for ARM while simulating the rest, providing improved performance without requiring a complete recompilation for ARM.

Windows 11 also introduces support for graphical interfaces powered by the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), which benefits developers who frequently switch between Windows and Linux applications.

Furthermore, Windows 11 offers various security and performance enhancements, as well as new features aimed at gamers, such as support for DirectStorage and DirectX12 Ultimate.

CONCLUSION

Finally, exploring the world of Windows 11, I'm really impressed with the new features and improvements it brings to the table. From visually appealing design elements to enhanced touch and pen capabilities, Windows 11 presents a polished and modern user experience.

Updated in-box apps, such as Photos, Microsoft Paint and Notepad, reflect Windows 11's cohesive design language while maintaining their core functionalities. The addition of the Alarm and Clock app's "Focus Sessions" feature demonstrates Microsoft's efforts to seamlessly integrate productivity tools.

The revised Settings app offers a more organized and intuitive interface, although changes to browser defaults may be a drawback for some users. However, the inclusion of detailed battery statistics and the ability to customize touchpad gestures demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to providing a comprehensive and personalized user experience.

Windows 11 also introduces significant advancements for Windows on ARM devices, enabling the use of 64-bit Intel apps and introducing ARM64EC for improved performance. Support for graphical interfaces powered by WSL2 increases the versatility of developers working with both Windows and Linux applications.

Furthermore, Windows 11 prioritizes security and performance improvements, meeting the needs of a wide range of users. Gamers, in particular, can benefit from features like DirectStorage and DirectX12 Ultimate, which provide a more immersive and seamless gaming experience.

Overall, Windows 11 has the opportunity to surpass its predecessors and become the last version of Windows. However, some decisions made by Microsoft regarding team chat, widgets, browser defaults, incomplete dark mode, and taskbar functionality hinder its potential. It is our hope that these issues will be addressed and resolved in the next release of Windows 11.