Windows 11 22H2 New Features and Changes

Everything you need to know about Microsoft's latest OS update

UPDATED 1/3/2023: Windows 11 22H2 (2022 Update) has been available since September 20, 2022. It includes all features and fixes in previous cumulative updates to Windows 11, version 21H2, the original Windows 11 release version

On September 20, 2022, Microsoft made available the Windows 11 2022 Update as a free upgrade for devices already running Windows 11 21H2 (and those compatible computers running Windows 10) that are known to have a smooth upgrade experience. Over time, the update will continue to expand to more devices based on hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of the hardware, and other factors. Then sometime during the first half of 2023, Windows 11 22H2 will be fully available.

This guide highlights the improvements as they appear in previews through the Windows Insider Program and will be updated regularly to reflect the changes. Last updated on January 3, 2023, with the changes available to build 22622.963 in the Stable Channel.

Here are the features everyone who updates to Windows 11 22H2 should check out and start using.

• New App folders in Start menu .
• New option to change the number of pins in the Start menu.
• Taskbar ability to drag and drop files and apps.
• Taskbar Overflow menu to hide apps that don’t fit.
• New Snap layouts drag and drop interface.
• New Task Manager with a modern interface.
• New Live captions feature to improve understanding of spoken content.
• New Voice access feature to control a device with voice.
• New touch gestures for tablets.
• News Smart App Control (SAC) feature to block dangerous apps.
• Legacy interface with visual changes.
• Updated Focus feature with focus session integration.
• Updated File Explorer with tabs and redesigned navigation pane.
• Updated Quick Settings with options to control Bluetooth devices.
• Updated Print Queue and Print dialog apps with automatic printer detection.
• Improved power management tweaks to reduce energy composition.
• Option to uninstall updates from the Settings app.

What’s new on Windows 11 22H2

Settings

As is the case with every new version of Windows, Microsoft has added several new settings pages to the Settings app with 22H2. There's a new Microsoft Account page in the Accounts area, providing an overview of your Microsoft 365 subscription, with quick access to other online settings and services. There's also a new Family Safety page in the same area, designed to provide quick access to all the Family Safety options if you use that service.

Windows Update can now time itself with your local electricity grid to help reduce emissions. Instead of installing updates when available, Windows Update will attempt to time downloads and installs with your electricity grid to use as much renewable energy as possible.

Other new settings include the ability to adjust how many pinned or recommended rows you see in Start, the ability to set the Bing daily image as a desktop wallpaper, the option to turn off the System Tray overflow menu, and more.

Apps

Microsoft has updated a number of in-box Apps and experiences with version 22H2. Starting with File Explorer, which now features a new tabbed interface that runs along the top of the app. Just like a web browser, you can now have multiple File Explorer directories open under one window, which should help keep your desktop tidy.

There's also an updated sidebar navigation UI that better groups different shortcuts to common areas of the file system, such as user folders or OneDrive. Microsoft has also updated the nearby share feature, which will now show other devices on a private network in addition to devices within Bluetooth range. Additionally, you can share local files directly to OneDrive using the file share UI.

The File Explorer also has a new "pinned files" section in the Quick Access area when you open the app. Users can pin any files to this area and have them stored permanently for quick access at a later date. The File Explorer now has more OneDrive integration too, with a new drop-down menu that appears when inside a OneDrive directly which shows you how much cloud storage you're using.

TaskManager has been updated with a new interface that brings it more in line with the rest of Windows 11. It has a new sidebar navigation UI that automatically collapses when you shrink the size of the window. There's also a new Sound Recorder app coming that has new output options, an audio visualizer, and a much better UI.

Pre-loaded with version 22H2 are two new apps called Clipchamp and Family Safety. Family Safety is a webapp that gives you quick access to your family overview, including the locations of your children, upcoming activities in your shared family calendar, and other tools to manage your household. This service is great for families who use Windows and Xbox PCs, or Android devices with the Microsoft Launcher and Family Safety app installed.

Clipchamp is a new web-based video editor, also shipping with Windows 11 moving forward. The app is free to use, though there are paid monthly tiers that you can subscribe to if you want access to more effects and rendering options

Windows Shell 

It is getting a lot of love with version 22H2. Microsoft is continuing to clean up the UI by updating legacy interfaces with more modern, consistent Windows 11 designs. For example, version 22H2 introduces modern designs for things like the volume and brightness interfaces that pop up when adjusting those controls via physical hardware buttons. Focus Assist (now called Do Not Disturb) has been integrated into the Notification Center for easy access to that feature.

Start menu

Microsoft has added back several features that were present on the Windows 10 Start menu, including the ability to create app folders and adjust the size of the pinned apps area. Now, users can choose to have an extra row pinned apps, or reduce the pinned apps area to two rows in favor of a larger "Recommended" area.

The Taskbar 

It has also been updated with the return of drag and drop support, meaning you can drag files into app icons on your Taskbar to paste that file into it. This has been a functionality of the Taskbar for years, but it was missing from the first version of Windows 11. Good to see it's finally back with version 22H2.

and If you want to activate the Windows 11 22H2 , you can get a Windows 11 22 H2 Product Key from Keyingo.com, it is working for all editions of Windows 11