Windows 11 22H2 is the next major update to Microsoft's desktop operating system. Codenamed "Sun Valley 2," the update continues to update the desktop interface, bring back previously removed features, and introduce new features and improvements
New Task Manager
Anyone who wants to do things like check memory usage or disable apps that run at startup. Mess with your system, it will find a modified Task Manager. Instead of tabs at the top for processes, performance, startup programs, etc., you'll see them as icons running vertically down the left column. The icons are bigger, there is more space between the lists. (which are also bigger), and there's also a new dark mode. You can also now run new tasks like opening a folder or running a program directly from the Task Manager.
Start menu settings
In this update, Microsoft is still tinkering with the Start menu. You can create app folders to organize your apps, the same way you did in Windows 10. You can also adjust the size of the pinned apps section. So there's a whole new section in Settings for personalizing the Start menu, including setting how many pinned items to display there.
Drag and drop to the taskbar
In Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft brought back another feature that was removed in the original version of Windows 11: drag and drop to the taskbar. You can drag a file onto the program icon in the taskbar and the file will open in the program like in Windows 10.
Settings
With every new Windows feature release, Microsoft tinkers with the settings menu, and this time is no different. The accounts page is getting a serious makeover. And it provides a surprising amount of information at a glance. In addition to your name, email, etc., you'll find information like whether or not you have Microsoft 365 installed, and if so, what version and how much you're paying for it. There's also a list of who you share files with, how much OneDrive storage you've paid for, and how much you've used.
There are various tweaks throughout the settings, including the ability to disable the system tray overflow menu, have Bing show you a different image as your desktop wallpaper every day, and more.
Facelift file explorer
File Explorer gets a new look in Windows 11 22H2. Including a cleaner-looking, more useful left navigation panel that lets you access frequently used folders and pinned folders. At the top right is an icon for OneDrive. Clicking on it will show you the sync status, total capacity, total space used and quick access to settings and storage management options. You only see that icon when you're viewing a OneDrive folder.
If you dig deep enough into the File Explorer options. You can set OneDrive to show as your default folder so that it opens whenever you launch File Explorer. It is also possible for File Explorer to receive tabs.
New apps: Clipchamp and Family Safety
There are also two new programs in Windows 11 22H2: Clipchamp and Family Safety. Clipchamp is a free and basic video editor. If you want to work with videos in 1080p resolution, there will be a paid version, probably available for $19 per month.
Family Safety works with Windows devices, Xbox PCs, and Android devices with software installed to show children's locations. It also has several other features including a shared family calendar.
New touch screen gestures
If you have a touchscreen device, you get several new gestures. You can swipe up to go to the Start menu and use the three-finger swipe to minimize your apps. Swipe from the right to go to quick settings, and use a three-finger swipe left or right to switch between running apps.
Other tricks
There are a bunch of additional minor tweaks in Windows 11 22H2. One such trick is the Snap Layouts feature, which lets you group your open windows into one of several pre-built screen layouts. Also in the Windows 11 update, you can drag a window to the top of the screen and then drop it into the snap layout. Additionally, Task View (Windows key + Tab) shows your Snap Groups so you can easily switch between them.
A few tricks may help you reduce your carbon emissions. Depending on where you live, you may see the message "Windows Update is committed to helping reduce carbon emissions" on the Windows Update page. As a result, if you do this, Windows will try to schedule updates at times that might reduce carbon emissions. For example, when more solar or hydropower is used by your utility company. Similarly, there will be energy adjustments aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Sys admins will not be forgotten in Windows 11 update. So they will get new group policies to control the start menu, taskbar and system tray for their users
