Microsoft begins rolling out Windows 11 update with video editor and folders in the Start menu

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it was beginning to release the first major update to Windows 11, the current version of its PC operating system. Installing the free update could make PCs more accessible, convenient, secure, and maybe even greener.

Over the past decade, Microsoft has diversified its business away from Windows by expanding its Azure public cloud and acquiring assets like social network LinkedIn, but Windows still generates 12% of the company’s revenue.

The updates help Microsoft show that it hasn’t given up on modernizing Windows, which dates back to the 1980s and is more popular than any other PC operating system. But the company only ships one major update for Windows each year, compared to two a year for Windows 10, the predecessor to Windows 11.

“Our job is never done to ensure Windows evolves and adapts with you,” wrote Panos Panay, Microsoft’s head of product, in a blog post about the changes.

Among Windows versions, Windows 10 remains the most popular with a share of about 72%, according to data collected by privately held StatCounter. Support for this operating system will end in 2025, and many companies still rely on it for their PC fleets. But Windows 11, first released in October 2021, is growing in popularity, with a 13% share in August, up from 2.6% in January.

The Windows 11 2022 update, as the new version is called, comes with a video editing program, new customization options for the start menu and access to additional Android apps. Here are some of the biggest changes:

Changes in the start menu. Users were able to pin apps to the Start menu, which is now centered on the screen. Now it’s possible to create a folder of apps in this start menu by dragging one app icon over another. Also, the density of the apps grid in the Start menu may change. In the Settings app’s home area, you can click a button that says “More Pins.” Alternatively, you can click More Suggestions to see more suggested files in the Start menu.

A new way to organize windows. Windows 11 offers a way to neatly organize windows on your screen. The new update goes even further. Instead of hovering over a window’s maximize button to see what Microsoft calls Snap layout options, you can drag a window to the top of the screen and then drop it into a zone that appears on the screen. You can then place additional windows in other zones. This feature now works with a touch screen.

New video editing app. A year ago, Microsoft acquired Clipchamp, a startup that developed a video editing app. Now it comes pre-installed in Windows. With the free version, you can rotate and crop videos, apply a variety of filters, draw on stock images and videos, and create exports without a watermark.

Energy saving. Windows Update, the tool for downloading and installing operating system updates, can schedule updates to be installed when local utilities rely on lower-emission energy resources. To use this feature, your PC must be plugged in, turned on and connected to the internet, and information about the CO2 intensity in your area must be available. Microsoft said it also updated the default power setting for “Sleep” and “Screen off” modes, which lower emissions when PCs are doing nothing.

Extended access to Android apps. One of the most notable features of Windows 11 is the ability to run Android apps thanks to the inclusion of the Amazon Appstore. It’s now available in 31 countries with over 20,000 Android apps, Microsoft said. The company promises improved graphical performance for Android apps.

Do not open this app! A feature called Smart App Control can automatically prevent you from opening an unsafe application or file. You can turn off the feature, but Microsoft doesn’t recommend it, and you can’t turn it back on without reinstalling Windows.

Better graphics for older games. Graphics gains are also evident in games based on older DirectX 10 or DirectX 11 application programming interfaces that are not running in full-screen mode. This includes a variable refresh rate, which can result in devices with higher refresh rates displaying more new frames per second.

Better video calls with advanced PCs. Some new PCs come with artificial intelligence chips, and if you have one, Windows 11 can remove background noise on video calls, let the camera follow you as you move on calls, and change your video feed to appear to show you Make eye contact with others when you call.

Search better. When you search for apps and settings in the search box on the taskbar, the results are faster and more accurate.

Close all things. People are increasingly turning on captions when they watch videos, and a new accessibility feature in Windows called Live Captions makes this possible for audio or video in any application.

voice commands. Another accessibility feature, Voice Access, gives you the ability to control your PC by speaking. Sometimes this is an easier way to navigate than typing on the keyboard or clicking the mouse.

More language choices. Not everyone liked the sound of the voice reading text on the screen in Windows’ Narrator accessibility feature, so Microsoft now offers three natural-sounding voices powered by artificial intelligence.

People running Windows 11 can install the new update by opening the Settings app, navigating to Windows Update, and clicking the Check for Updates button. Those using Windows 10 can use the PC Health Check app to see if their PCs can run Windows 11, and Windows Update will show them if they need to upgrade to Windows 11 2022 Update, also known as Windows 11 version 22H2, are eligible.

Not all Windows features made available to early adopters through Microsoft’s Windows Insider program will be available immediately. The ability to view multiple folders as tabs in File Explorer, a feature that debuted on Apple’s macOS in 2013, should be available in October.

CLOCK: Impact of Apple and Microsoft on the market