To help commemorate the operating system’s first anniversary in early October, Microsoft has just rolled out its first major update to Windows 11.
Named the Windows 11 2022 Update (and referred to as the 22H2 version on your computer), the free download began being made available to users in over 190 countries, Microsoft says. It includes several new features and improvements offered on laptops, desktops and tablets.
Is it worth upgrading? Absolutely.
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Here’s what to expect from the new Windows 11
Luckily for those who are already comfortable with Windows 11, it retains the look and feel of what you’re used to, but increases productivity, accessibility, communication, security, and gaming.
“In many ways, flexible working is more demanding than remote working because there is an implicit expectation that we are always ‘active’. In the office, I focus on personal interactions and don’t respond to incoming messages, ”said Liz Salowitz, general product manager, Windows User Experience.
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How to start
If you have not yet been prompted to install Windows 11 Update 2022, Windows 11 users can click Settings> Windows Update and select Check for Updates.
You can also type “update” in the search box at the bottom of your computer to go directly to the Windows update screen, or ask Cortana’s personal assistant to update your computer.
While the update will not disrupt your existing files, it’s always a good idea to back up your important information to external media or to the cloud to be careful.
And you know the rule: never turn off or disconnect any device during the software update, as this may damage the operating system and even prevent the machine from working.
It’s not a large download, about 450MB smaller than the Windows 11 21H2 update, so you should get started quickly. You can also update later if you prefer.
For more information, visit Microsoft Windows 11 Update. In the future, a new update will already be installed on computers running Windows 11.
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A glance at some of the highlights
Here’s a general look at some of the more recent updates or additions. Accessibility has definitely improved.
Especially ideal for the deaf or hard of hearing, “Live Subtitles” – enabled with the keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + L or Quick Settings> Accessibility – will automatically generate captions on your device with any content with audio, including microphone audio that can also be helpful with personal conversations.
When turned on for the first time, Windows 11 will first prompt you to download the live subtitles of the required speech pack, currently only supported in US English.
Many people are familiar with the Dictate button in programs like Outlook and Word that take your voice over to text, but the new “Voice Access” option uses speech recognition on your device to virtually control every aspect of your computer, hands-free, which is great for people with dexterity or movement problems.
Voice access can be turned on in Settings> Accessibility> Speech, then you can open (and switch) applications, search for something online, read and compose email, launch multimedia, and more. As with live captions, you’ll need to download the model first and then select the mic input.
The new Windows 11 has voice updates
Speaking of voices, the Windows 11 update also adds more natural voices for Narrator, a screen reader app built into Windows 11 that is perfect for blind or visually impaired people.
Voice options like “Aria”, “Jenny”, and “Guy” sound more realistic and can be used to say what’s happening on the screen in applications like Microsoft Edge, including contextual information.
The new Windows 11 has video chat improvements
You may remember that the added Microsoft Teams integration in Windows 11 came when millions have relied more on video communication, and this Windows 11 2022 update adds even more tools to improve video calling with any program on devices that meet certain hardware requirements.
Collectively referred to as “Windows Studio”, it is a set of AI-powered features optimized for today’s hybrid work environment.
Visually, this includes:
- “Auto-crop” that centers the user’s face in the frame even when it is moving (similar to Facebook or Apple’s FaceTime);
- “Background blur” which allows users to blur the background for privacy (or sharpness) reasons, which also includes “portrait blur” for a soft bokeh-like depth of field;
- “Eye contact” which makes it seem like you’re always staring at the camera, even if you’re looking away, reading notes, or a teleprompter.
These options must be turned on in Windows Settings> Bluetooth and Devices> Cameras> [Integrated Front-Facing Camera] > Camera Effects.
When it comes to audio, Windows Studio’s “Voice Focus” feature removes background noise during calls, so you can communicate clearly and stand out above any background noise your co-workers or clients may be hearing. You can activate the voice focus by going to Windows Settings> System> Sound> [Integrated Microphone] > Microphone effects.
Microsoft says Microsoft Teams will have Windows Studio effects natively integrated, with in-app controls when running on a working system.
“Working from home, I also appreciate the new Voice Focus feature, which filters out background noise during video calls,” says Salowitz. “I don’t have to apologize anymore for my neighbor’s dog barking or the sound of my partner grinding his coffee because the people on the other side of the conversation can’t hear it … it helps me sound professional even when I’m working in a personal space in my home.”
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Windows 11 productivity tools
Considering how many of them rely on their computer, Windows 11 2022 Update includes some work-related features. “Focus” and “Do Not Disturb” are two such additions, both designed to minimize distractions.
With Focus, users can select the time and date in the Notification Center and specify the amount of time for a focus session, and you’ll get a notification when the session is over, such as the end of the workday, as it works together with the Clock app to integrate features such as calming music and a countdown timer focus.
Selecting Do Not Disturb allows you to easily silence notifications such as news updates from your web browser, and when you’re ready to see them, go to Settings> System> Notifications.
You can also set specific times and policies, including priority messages from your family.
“To help me focus on the task at hand, I use the Focus function, [which] It was designed with the neurodiversity in mind by Microsoft’s neurodiverse employees, including those with ADHD, and can help anyone bring peace and quiet to the computer so you can focus, ”said Salowitz.
Other productivity features include:
- New security improvements
- Redesigned taskbar
- New ways to snap open apps and other windows to see more on your screen
- Five new touch gestures
All of these items come with File Explorer improvements, including faster access to the folders and files you rely on the most, as well as faster and more accurate search capabilities and new options in the Start menu.
Follow Marc on Twitter to see 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 section are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of USA TODAY.