2024-07-29 07:23:37
Windows 11 gets a makeover with its latest update 24H2. Let’s take a look at the main new features.
Relatively late in the month, Microsoft finally released the promised but optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2. The patch KB5040529 brings the operating system to build version 26100.1297 and introduces numerous long-requested features from testers.
Microsoft is currently deploying build 26100.1297 (KB5040529), initially available for beta testers of the Release Preview channel. This update promises to be feature-rich.
A lock screen that says more
One of the most significant changes in this update concerns the lock screen. Gone are the days when it only showed you the time and weather! Now, you can also see sports scores, traffic information, and even the latest financial news scrolling by.
To activate this feature, it’s as simple as heading to “Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.” And there you go, you have all the information you need without even having to unlock your PC.
The Start menu gets a facelift
The Start menu has not been overlooked in this update. Microsoft has integrated a new account manager that gives you a quick overview of the benefits of your Microsoft account.
But the real star of this update is the return of a feature that many users have been clamoring for: the ability to pin applications to the taskbar by simply dragging and dropping them from the Start menu.
This was a highly appreciated feature in previous versions of Windows, and its absence in the early versions of Windows 11 caused quite a bit of frustration.
The file explorer gains flexibility
The file explorer has also received attention. The new feature? You can now drag files between items in the breadcrumb trail in the address bar.
For novices, the breadcrumb trail is that series of folders that appears in the address bar and shows you where you are in the hierarchy of your files. For example: “This PC > Documents > Work > Projects.”
Previously, if you wanted to move a file from “Projects” to “Documents,” you had to manually navigate back up the hierarchy. Now, a simple drag-and-drop is all it takes. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, especially if you often juggle between different folders.
More inclusive emojis (and that will annoy some)
Windows 11 24H2 now supports emoji standard 15.1. Among the new emojis are shaking head emojis both horizontally and vertically, a phoenix, a lime, a brown mushroom, and a broken chain. Enough to enrich your digital conversations!
But what’s really interesting is how Microsoft handles family representations. While some systems opt for symbolic forms, Windows maintains human representations. This choice aims to make emojis more inclusive and diverse.
Revamped sharing
The Windows sharing window has undergone a complete makeover. Goodbye to accidental closures by clicking outside the window! Now, you need to use the close button in the top right corner. This may seem like a trivial change, but it can prevent a lot of frustrations, especially in a professional context where every second counts.
For fans of Microsoft Teams, there’s something new: direct sharing to specific Teams channels and group chats is now possible. However, be careful, as this feature is only available if you are logged in with a Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure Active Directory) account.
Another handy new feature is the ability to create QR codes for website URLs and cloud files directly from the sharing window. This is particularly useful if you often work across different devices (from different ecosystems).
A more precise task manager
The task manager has also received its share of improvements. The first notable change is: DDR speed units now switch from MHz to MT/s (megatransfers per second). This may seem like a technical change, but it allows for a more accurate measurement of your RAM performance.
Microsoft has also fixed several issues, including those related to USB devices. The reliability and performance of the sorting process have been improved, and a bug that prevented safe removal of USB devices while the Task Manager was open has been corrected.
Accessibility has not been forgotten, with improvements to keyboard focus, tab navigation, text scaling, and compatibility with screen readers. Resizing windows has also been made easier, which is particularly appreciated on high-definition screens.
The widget icons in the taskbar have been redesigned and now appear sharper. Microsoft has also added a larger selection of animated symbols. The stated goal is to enhance the “visual appeal” of the taskbar.
Patience…
For now, these new features are not available in the stable version of Windows 11. So, a little patience is required. Experience shows that it often takes several weeks, or even months, for features tested in the Insider program to be rolled out widely.