What’s New and Improved in Windows 11 22H2, Coming Soon

Windows 11 version 22H2 aka Sun Valley 2 is set to launch later this year. Unlike the original Windows 11 release, it won’t be a massive update with radical design changes.

Instead, Sun Valley 2 will be similar to Windows 10 Anniversary Update, so you can expect minor improvements and a few new features.

The version 22H2 will contain a number of improvements and it will be offered as a full feature update rather than an enablement package.

Start Menu improvements

Microsoft is testing a new feature that will allow you to pin more apps or activities in the recommendations section of the Start Menu.

Additionally, you can soon force the Start Menu recommendations tab to open files in Office web only if your device doesn’t come with full desktop apps.

There’s a possibility that Start Menu features will be released using ‘Windows Feature Experience Packs,’ which is a new way to update and improve the OS without major feature updates.

Taskbar

Microsoft is restoring the drag and drop capability. This means you can finally drag your files onto apps pinned to the taskbar. Or you can also drag apps to the taskbar to create shortcuts.

Task Manager

22H2 will refresh Task Manager with a new design based on Fluent UI and WinUI. 

Like the current version of Task Manager, the new version can also display the same set of screens, such as Processes, Performance, App history, Startup apps, Users, Details, and services. However, there are a few noticeable changes.

As you can see in the below screenshots, Task Manager will now use a new sidebar or hamburger menu to display processes and performance options. This would make the Task Manager easily accessible on touchscreen devices.

Additionally, Task Manager’s top bar now displays the brand and name of the device, its model (if available), a picture of the device, and CPU or RAM being used.

New flyout design

Microsoft is refreshing the design for the hardware indicators like sound and brightness.

Media controls that appear on the Lock screen when playing music in a supported app are 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.

Interestingly, the media controls will use a dark theme to complement the rest of the Lock Screen visual style.

Microsoft also noted that updated media controls reflect the Windows 11 design principles, and more flyouts will be updated in future preview releases.

New snapping experience

Microsoft has updated the experience of resizing app windows in snap layouts by overlaying the relevant app icon on top of the acrylic background.

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.

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Tablet-optimized taskbar

Microsoft is adding a new taskbar state that’s specifically designed to optimize the taskbar for tablets and make you feel more confident and comfortable using your device as a tablet.

There are two states of this taskbar

• Collapsed state: The taskbar gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar.
• Expanded state: The taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch, but common options remain on screen.

Windows Update leverages renewable energy

Windows Update will use data from partners electricityMap or WattTime to perform update installations to lower carbon emissions. Windows 11 will try to install updates in the background at times when greater amounts of clean energy sources are available.

You can still install updates immediately by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and choosing “Check for Updates”.

File Explorer improvements

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

Windows Spotlight

Microsoft is trying out new Windows Spotlight on desktop and it’s similar to the existing Spotlight feature for lockscreen.

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Memory integrity

Memory integrity is designed to prevent attacks from inserting malicious code into high-security processes. This feature can be found in Windows Security under Device Security > Core isolation and it’s a new feature exclusive to new hardware.

How to try these changes today

If you’re interested, you can download and install the preview update today as these changes are currently available in Windows Insider Beta channel

If you’re a member of the Windows Insider Program, head to the Windows Update page, click on the Windows Insider program settings, and select Beta Channel to install the update.