Windows 11 version 22H2 aka Sun Valley 2 is set to launch later this month. Unlike the original Windows 11 release, it won't be a massive update with radical design changes.
Instead, Sun Valley 2 will be similar to Windows 10 Anniversary Update, so you can expect minor improvements and a few new features.
The version 22H2 will contain a number of improvements and it will be offered as a full feature update rather than an enablement package.
Start Menu improvements
Microsoft is testing a new feature that will allow you to pin more apps or activities in the recommendations section of the Start Menu.
Additionally, you can soon force the Start Menu recommendations tab to open files in Office web only if your device doesn't come with full desktop apps.
There's a possibility that Start Menu features will be released using 'Windows Feature Experience Packs,' which is a new way to update and improve the OS without major feature updates.
Taskbar
Microsoft is restoring the drag and drop capability. This means you can finally drag your files onto apps pinned to the taskbar. Or you can also drag apps to the taskbar to create shortcuts.
Task Manager
22H2 will refresh Task Manager with a new design based on Fluent UI and WinUI.
Like the current version of Task Manager, the new version can also display the same set of screens, such as Processes, Performance, App history, Startup apps, Users, Details, and services. However, there are a few noticeable changes.
As you can see in the below screenshots, Task Manager will now use a new sidebar or hamburger menu to display processes and performance options. This would make the Task Manager easily accessible on touchscreen devices.
Additionally, Task Manager's top bar now displays the brand and name of the device, its model (if available), a picture of the device, and CPU or RAM being used.
New flyout design
Microsoft is refreshing the design for the hardware indicators like sound and brightness.
Media controls that appear on the Lock screen when playing music in a supported app are also getting a new look.
The updated flyout matches the design shown for the media controls across the operating system and Microsoft's vision for WinUI.
Interestingly, the media controls will use a dark theme to complement the rest of the Lock Screen visual style.
Microsoft also noted that updated media controls reflect the Windows 11 design principles, and more flyouts will be updated in future preview releases.
New snapping experience
Microsoft has updated the experience of resizing app windows in snap layouts by overlaying the relevant app icon on top of the acrylic background.
Snap some windows using the snap assist, resize the snapped window layout using the buffer and watch the other snapped windows go out-of-focus overlaid with their app icon.
Tablet-optimized taskbar
Microsoft is adding a new taskbar state that’s specifically designed to optimize the taskbar for tablets and make you feel more confident and comfortable using your device as a tablet.
There are two states of this taskbar
- Collapsed state: The taskbar gives you more screen space, and prevents you from accidentally invoking the taskbar.
- Expanded state: The taskbar is optimized to be easier to use with touch, but common options remain on screen.
Windows Update leverages renewable energy
Windows Update will use data from partners electricityMap or WattTime to perform update installations to lower carbon emissions. Windows 11 will try to install updates in the background at times when greater amounts of clean energy sources are available.
You can still install updates immediately by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and choosing “Check for Updates”.
File Explorer
File Explorer getting support for tabs in Windows 11 version 22H2.
With tabs support, you'll be able to manage folders/directories with ease and the experience will be similar to tabs in Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft is also working on a new modern sidebar called 'Home' and it will house options like This PC. The update will also improve OneDrive integration in File Explorer, thus making it easier to find what you’re looking for, allowing you to see all files in one centralized place.
You can pin files and make files as favourites similar to Microsoft 365 or OneDrive.
Additionally, Microsoft is also testing the contextual suggestions feature. This will allow users to easily share files with their contacts.
Windows Spotlight
Microsoft is trying out new Windows Spotlight on desktop and it's similar to the existing Spotlight feature for lockscreen.
Memory integrity
Memory integrity is designed to prevent attacks from inserting malicious code into high-security processes. This feature can be found in Windows Security under Device Security > Core isolation and it's a new feature exclusive to new hardware.
How to try these changes today
If you're interested, you can download and install the preview update today as these changes are currently available in Windows Insider Beta channel
If you're a member of the Windows Insider Program, head to the Windows Update page, click on the Windows Insider program settings, and select Beta Channel to install the update.
Comments
plat1098 - 2 years ago
Love that new Task Manager design. NOT.
KeiFeR123 - 1 year ago
I was hoping that they will bring back the right-click access to Task Manager. The design is completely pointless. I guess that I will be sticking to Ctrl + Alt + Esc keys still.
BH0 - 1 year ago
CTRL + ESC is enough, no need to press ALT
horsedoggs - 2 years ago
Well said. NOT. Such a primitive comment to make.
sadsteve - 2 years ago
And still there's nothing in Windows 11 that makes me want to install it.
Technopath47 - 2 years ago
Ah, more Windows 11, the reason I'm finally thinking of actually upgrading my main rig to Linux.
A7XSaga - 1 year ago
I can't wait to have these news, Windows 11 is running perfect here for me, whoever talks bad is because they have a computer from the time of the dinosaurs LOL
TsVk! - 1 year ago
Like the millions of corporate users who couldn't log on using Windows 11 the other day. Dinosaurs corporations... lol
h_b_s - 1 year ago
"I can't wait to have these news, Windows 11 is running perfect here for me, whoever talks bad is because they have a computer from the time of the dinosaurs LOL"
People like you are why MS is forcing Microsoft cloud accounts on everyone. You don't have a clue despite being beaten over the head with them for almost a year.
yawnshard - 1 year ago
Glad you enjoy your theme pack with more telemetry! Even the version number is still 10.0.22000.xxx in CMD haha. It is a mere Windows 10-clone with less features.
All whilst the original and good Windows 10 has full security support until 14th Oct 2025. It is extremely amusing to see people being proud about a number going up, whilst everything else is going downhill for their OS.
Also post your specs, mine are 3700X, 32GB RAM and RTX3070.
bokoxthexchocobo - 1 year ago
I admit, I don't like Windows 11. I upgraded my rig to it a month or so ago, and its missing the taskmgr when you right click the task bar. So in order to get the taskmgr quickly you gotta do ctr + alt + del. Ugh.
I'll gladly post my specs.. mine is 5950x, 128gb ram, rtx 3090, 2 1tb nvme's, 6tb sata drive, 1tb sata drive, 1200 watt corsair psu.. custom waterloop that cools everything but the ram.
alex2012 - 1 year ago
CTR+Shift+ESC doesn't work on windows 11?
Tofab - 1 year ago
> CTR+Shift+ESC doesn't work on windows 11
It does
NoneRain - 1 year ago
Ctrl+Shift+Del, or right-click the start menu icon.
Why they removed (didn't add) this option in the taskbar like before, is beyond me…
ZdejPoham - 1 year ago
The memory integrity component causes horrible micro-stutter, reducing overall system performance by around 50%. If you are into gaming or any other form of real-time 3D visualization, AVOID this release!
BH0 - 1 year ago
Cometic changes (apart of the memory integrity) over and over again. Just test it, guinea pigs!
ZdejPoham - 1 year ago
Ironically I like the cosmetic changes more than MI which renders my system unusable.
BH0 - 1 year ago
Good for you, honestly. I quitted Windows for my personal computing long time ago and since then, the Start menu has been reworked 15 times I think :D and still its worse than menu in the Linux ;)
ZdejPoham - 1 year ago
For work, I use Linux too. Windows are for gaming.
jfkl23948 - 1 year ago
Lipstick on a pig ?
BH0 - 1 year ago
I think Susan Bradley already hates this sentence. On the other hand, I love it, cause its so true :)
dsp4 - 1 year ago
Nobody cares about any of that. Why are the idiots in management still trying to push these inane features and "improvements", when Feedback Hub clearly shows that what people really want is:
1. Having the ability to move the taskbar to the top and sides;
2. Having the ability for taskbar icons to never combine.
transcendreamer - 1 year ago
Agree. Plus narrow taskbar with window names. It looks like those crazy MS managers don't actually use Windows themselves for WORKING purposes! And I hope custom utilities like ExplorerPatcher will continue to save us.
DyingCrow - 1 year ago
W11 is like going to buy some cool vintage car from the owner and realizing the trunk is completely full of trash. We still want or need the car, so whatever
transcendreamer - 1 year ago
Yes, terrible marketers say "It's like old sweet home" but actually they are harshly broking user experience. W10 has 3 UI types (classic, new classic and metro) and now W11 is having four of them.
BH0 - 1 year ago
There seems to be strong inconsistency in Windows apps, specially in all UI types. (And where is the famous UWP, that should have been the future of Windows?)
One well-debugged UI should be enough instead of 3-4 half-baked solutions. I think some users also noticed "buggy" rendering, when objects are re-drawed few times before they are finally shown. This is really wasting our computational possibilities. Thats why Teams are so slow and memory consuming - its just complicated source code full of holes, that tries to be everything and somehow fails to be solid.
AMDGamer016 - 1 year ago
Honestly i'm happy with Windows 11 on my System, Memory Intergrity is on, and i don't notice any peformance problems in my games at all
Specs are Intel 10700, 32GB of Ram, Geforce 1660 Super, 500Gb NvMe Boot drive, 1TB Game SSD, and 4TB storage.