To celebrate the first anniversary of the operating system in early October, Microsoft just released its first major update for Windows 11.
The free download, dubbed Windows 11 2022 Update (and known as version 22H2 on your PC), has begun rolling out to users in more than 190 countries, Microsoft says. It includes several new features and improvements for laptops, desktops and tablets.
Is the upgrade worth it? Absolutely.
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Here’s what to expect with the new Windows 11
Luckily for those already familiar with Windows 11, it retains the look and feel you’re used to but adds productivity, accessibility, communications, security, and gaming.
“In many ways, flexible working feels more challenging than remote work because there’s an implicit expectation that we’re always ‘on’. Often the days I’m most behind on team messages and emails are the days I’m in the office because in the office I focus on face-to-face interactions and don’t respond to incoming messages.” , says Liz Salowitz, principal product manager, Windows User Experience.
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How to get started
If you weren’t already prompted to install the Windows 11 2022 update, Windows 11 users can click Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Or you can type “update” in the search box at the bottom of your PC to go straight to the Windows update screen, or ask your Cortana personal assistant to update your computer.
While the update won’t mess up your existing files, it’s always a good idea to back up your important information to external media or the cloud just to be safe.
And you know the drill: never turn off any device or unplug it from the power outlet during a software update, as this could corrupt the operating system and even render your computer inoperable.
It’s not a huge download, about 450MB smaller than the Windows 11 21H2 update, so you should be up and running quickly. You can also update at a later time if you prefer.
Visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 Update website for more information. The new update is already installed on future Windows 11 PCs.
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A look at some highlights
Here’s a rundown of some of the more interesting updates or additions. Accessibility has definitely improved.
Especially ideal for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, “Live Subtitles” – activated with the keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + L or Quick Settings > Accessibility – automatically generate subtitles on the device from any content with audio, including microphone audio, which can also be used for personal conversations can be helpful.
When first activated, Windows 11 will first prompt to download live subtitles of the required language pack, which is currently only supported in American English.
You’re probably familiar with the dictate button in programs like Outlook and Word that transcribe your voice into text, but the new Voice Access option uses on-device speech recognition to give hands-free control of virtually every aspect of your PC. This is ideal for people with dexterity or mobility issues.
Voice access can be turned on in Settings > Accessibility > Voice, and then you can open apps (and switch between them), search for something online, read and compose email, launch media, and more. Just like with live captions, you must first download a model and then choose a microphone input.
The new Windows 11 has language updates
Speaking of voices, the Windows 11 update also adds more natural voices for Narrator, a screen reader app built into Windows 11, ideal for people who are blind or have low vision.
Speech options like “Aria”, “Jenny” and “Guy” sound more realistic and can be used to say what’s happening on the screen in apps like Microsoft Edge, including more contextual information.
The new Windows 11 offers improvements for video chats
You may recall that Microsoft Teams’ Windows 11 integration was added when millions more relied on video communications, and this Windows 11 2022 update adds even more tools to improve video calling for any program on devices that certain meet hardware requirements.
Collectively referred to as “Windows Studio,” it’s a suite of AI-powered features optimized for today’s hybrid work environment.
Visually, this includes:
- “Auto-framing,” which centers the user’s face in the frame even as they move (similar to Facebook Portal or Apple’s FaceTime);
- “Background Blur,” which allows users to blur their background for privacy (or focus), which also includes “Portrait Blur,” for a soft bokeh-like depth of field effect;
- “Eye contact,” which makes it appear like you’re always looking at the camera, even when you’re looking away or reading notes or a teleprompter.
These options must be enabled in Windows Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras > [Integrated Front-Facing Camera] > Camera Effects.
On the audio front, Windows Studio’s “Voice Focus” removes background noise on calls, allowing you to communicate clearly and stand out from any environmental distractions your colleagues or clients might hear. Voice focus can be enabled by going to Windows Settings > System > Sound > [Integrated Microphone] > Microphone Effects.
According to Microsoft, Microsoft Teams will have native integration for Windows Studio effects with in-app controls when running on a capable system.
“In the home office, I also appreciate the new Voice Focus function, which filters out background noise during video calls,” says Salowitz. “I no longer have to apologize for my neighbor’s dog barking or my partner grinding coffee because the people on the other end of the line can’t hear it…it helps me sound professional even when I’m working in a personal space in my house.” .”
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Windows 11 Productivity Tools
Given how many rely on their PC to get things done, Windows 11 2022 Update includes some work-related features. Focus and Do Not Disturb are two such additions, both aimed at minimizing distractions.
Focus allows users to select a time and date in the notification center and choose the length of time for your Focus session, and you will be notified when your session ends, e.g. B. the end of a workday, as it works with the Clock app to include features like soothing music and a focus timer.
If you choose Do Not Disturb, you can easily mute notifications such as B. News updates sent by your web browser and when you’re ready to view them, go to Settings > System > Notifications.
You can also set specific times and rules, including important messages from family.
“So that I can concentrate on the task at hand, I use the focus function, [which] was developed by Microsoft employees with neurodiversity for neurodiverse people, including those with ADHD, and it can help anyone bring calm and serenity to their PC so they can focus,” said Salowitz.
Other productivity features include:
- New security improvements
- A redesigned taskbar experience
- New ways to open apps and other windows to see more of your screen
- Five new touch gestures
These all come with File Explorer improvements, including faster access to the folders and files you rely on most, as well as faster and more accurate search capabilities, and new Start menu options.
Follow Marc on Twitter for his Tech Tip of the Day posts: @marc_saltzman. Email him or subscribe to his Tech It Out podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
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