Upgrading to Windows 11 2022 (22H2) in the test: is it worth it?

Windows 11 es el último sistema operativo de Microsoft y está disponible para el público desde octubre de 2021. Sin embargo, Microsoft no se duerme en los laureles y ya lanzó una versión preliminar de la próxima actualización importante, con nombre en código 22H2, para Windows Insiders en los canales Beta y Release Preview.

What does this update bring to Windows 11? Is it worth installing now or waiting for the final release? In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the new features and improvements that 22H2 offers, and also discuss some of the potential risks and drawbacks of testing unfinished software.

New features and improvements in 22H2

One of the most notable changes in 22H2 is the redesigned Start menu, which now has a rounded shape and a translucent background. The Start menu also displays more pinned apps and recent files, and allows users to customize the layout and size of tiles. In addition, users can now access power options and the settings app from the bottom of the Start menu, instead of having to click on their profile picture.

Another visual improvement in 22H2 is the new taskbar, which has a more consistent and modern look. Taskbar icons are now centered by default, but users can choose to align them to the left if they prefer. The taskbar also supports multiple monitors and displays open windows on each screen. In addition, the taskbar has a new widget button that opens a panel with customized information such as weather, news, calendar and more.

In addition to cosmetic changes, 22H2 also introduces some functional improvements to Windows 11. For example, the update adds support for Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, which can be accessed through the Microsoft Store app. Users can download and run Android apps on their Windows 11 devices in either full-screen or windowed mode. However, this feature is currently limited to select regions and devices and requires an Intel processor with virtualization enabled.

Another new feature of 22H2 is enhanced instant layouts, which allow users to arrange multiple windows on their screen with ease. Users can choose from several predefined layouts or create their own custom layouts. Instant layouts also work with multiple monitors and can be accessed by hovering over the maximize button of any window.

In addition, 22H2 improves the security and performance of Windows 11. The update includes several bug fixes and patches for known vulnerabilities, as well as optimizations for battery life and memory usage. The update also enables some new hardware features, such as DirectStorage, which improves load times for games that support it, and Auto HDR, which improves color and contrast for games that use SDR.

Risks and disadvantages of testing 22H2

While 22H2 offers many benefits to Windows 11 users, it is important to remember that it is still a preview release and may not be stable or compatible with all devices and applications. Therefore, testing 22H2 involves some risks and drawbacks that users should be aware of before installing it.

One of the main risks of testing 22H2 is that it may cause data loss or corruption. Since the update modifies some major components of Windows 11, it may interfere with some files or settings that are essential to the system or the user. For example, some users reported that 22H2 removed their desktop icons or reset their wallpaper. To avoid losing important data, users should always back up their files before installing any updates.

Another risk of testing 22H2 is that it may introduce new bugs that affect the functionality or usability of Windows 11. For example, some users have experienced problems with Bluetooth connectivity, audio output, network adapters, or printer drivers after installing 22H2. These problems may prevent users from performing some tasks or using some devices normally. To fix these problems, users may need to uninstall or reinstall some drivers or software.

A third risk of trying 22H2 is that it may not be compatible with some applications or games running on Windows 11. Because 22H2 changes some aspects of the architecture and behavior of Windows 11, it may cause some programs to crash or malfunction. For example, some users have reported that 22H2 broke some antivirus programs or gaming platforms. To resolve these compatibility issues, users may need to upgrade or downgrade some applications or games.

One final drawback to trying 22H2 is that it may not be easy to revert to Windows 11 without losing data or settings. While Microsoft provides an option to uninstall updates within ten days of installation, this option may not work properly or may not be available at all for some users. In addition, uninstalling updates may not restore all files or settings that were modified or deleted prior to 22H2. Therefore, users who want to revert to Windows 11 may need to perform a clean install of the operating system, which may erase all of their data and programs.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Update 2022 (22H2) is the next major update for Windows 11 and brings some new features and improvements to the operating system. However, it is still a preview release and may not be suitable for all users or devices. Users who want to try 22H2 should be aware of the potential risks and disadvantages of installing unfinished software and should take precautions to protect their data and system. Users who are not comfortable testing 22H2 should wait for the final release, which is expected in the first half of 2022.

The time has finally come: the Windows 11 2022 update (version 22H2) is now available through the Windows Update feature. At least in theory, because experience shows that it will take some time before the update actually reaches the millions of Windows users worldwide. If you don’t want to wait, you can load Windows 11 22H2 as an ISO file and install it as a local update over an existing Windows 10 or 11.

In the latest Windows 11 feature update, many of the most useful features are somewhat hidden. However, most of the obvious new features in the 2022 update won’t blow you away. Microsoft promises some performance improvement and numerous utility optimizations for Windows 11 22H2. Not everything that was seen in the countless internal releases finally made it to the final version. Here are the most important new features.

Optics and design: only minor adjustments

Microsoft has not addressed the basic design of Windows 11. The Windows button context menu, which you can still open with Win-X, has been slightly updated. «Installed Applications» replaces the «Applications and Features» menu item and «Windows Terminal» becomes «Terminal». If the Terminal application is not installed, Windows will display Powershell instead.

In the Start menu, the folders in the «Pinned» area should provide a better overview. This allows you to group shared or thematically related programs and apps together, as you already know in Windows 10. Creating a folder works like on Android or iOS: drag an app icon over another with the mouse and a folder is created. Within folders, symbols can be sorted as desired. Enter a name for the folder above.

Performance and safety: faster and more stable

One of the main objectives of Windows 11 22H2 is to improve performance and stability. Microsoft claims that the new version reduces CPU usage by up to 32% and memory usage by up to 37%. This should result in faster boot times, smoother multitasking and longer battery life for laptops and tablets.

Another improvement is related to security. Windows 11 22H2 supports TPM 2.0 (Secure Platform Module), a hardware-based encryption technology that protects your data and credentials from unauthorized access. TPM 2.0 is also required for some features such as BitLocker, Device Encryption and Windows Hello.

Features and applications: more options and customization

Windows 11 22H2 also brings some new features and applications that improve the user experience. For example, you can now customize the taskbar with different icons, colors and sizes. You can also choose to align it to the left, center or right of the screen.

Another new feature is Snap Layouts, which allows you to quickly arrange multiple windows on your desktop. You can access Snap Layouts by hovering over the maximize button of any window or by pressing Win-Z. You can choose from several predefined layouts or create your own.

Windows 11 22H2 also introduces a new application store, called Microsoft Store. The new store has a redesigned interface that makes it easier to find and install apps, games, movies and TV shows. You can also use Microsoft Store to manage your subscriptions and payments.

One of the most anticipated features of Windows 11 22H2 is support for Android applications. This means you can run Android apps on your PC, just as you would on your phone or tablet. You can download Android apps from the Amazon Appstore, which is integrated with the Microsoft Store. You can also use Intel Bridge technology to run Android apps from other sources.

Conclusion: a worthwhile upgrade

The Windows 11 2022 update (version 22H2) is an important update that brings significant improvements in performance, security and usability. It also adds some new features and applications that make Windows more versatile and customizable. If you are already using Windows 11, you should definitely install this update as soon as possible. If you are still using Windows 10, you may want to consider upgrading to Windows 11 to enjoy its benefits.

Windows 11 facilitates window management

One of the challenges of working with multiple applications on a desktop is keeping windows organized and accessible. Windows 11 offers a new feature to help with this: automatic window layout. This feature allows you to quickly adjust windows to different layouts by dragging them to the edge of the screen or using keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how it works:

– To use the mouse, drag a window to the edge of the screen and hold it there until you see a thin bar appear. When the window touches the bar, Windows 11 will show you a preview of the available layouts for that side of the screen. You can then drag the window to the desired layout and release the mouse button. Windows 11 will prompt you to choose another window to fill the remaining space in the group.

– To use the keyboard, press Win+Z to open the layout menu. Windows 11 will display a number for each layout option. You can then press the corresponding number key to select the desired layout. Windows 11 will prompt you to choose another window to fill the remaining space in the group.

Windows 11 treats captured windows as a group, which means you can easily maximize, minimize or restore them together by clicking the group icon in the taskbar or Alt+Tab switch. This is different from the virtual desktops feature that was introduced in Windows 10 and removed in Windows 11. Virtual desktops allow you to create separate workspaces for different tasks or projects, while instant groups allow you to organize windows within a single workspace. Both features are useful for improving productivity and multitasking.

Windows 11 also has a feature that keeps windows aligned on multiple monitors when you undock your laptop. This prevents windows from rearranging or resizing when you switch between different display configurations. Another tool that can help with window management is FancyZones, which is part of the PowerToys suite of utilities for Windows 10 and 11. FancyZones allows you to create custom layouts for your windows and assign them to different areas of your screen.

As you can see, Windows 11 offers many ways to make window management easier and more efficient. Whether you use the mouse, the keyboard or a combination of both, you can find a method that suits your preferences and workflow.