For example, the next feature drop for Windows 11 22H2 is expected to include a new version of the Taskbar optimized for tablets, drag-and-drop support for the System Tray, and live search for File Explorer. If you are unfamiliar, “moments” are new kinds of updates that enable the Windows team to roll out new features and improvements as soon as they are ready outside major releases. You can think of it as “feature drop” updates for mobile devices. However, the operating system will continue to have yearly feature updates, and the company plans to release new versions every three years. This guide highlights the best new features and changes expected to arrive with the “moment 2” update for Windows 11 22H2.
Windows 11 22H2 moment 2 update new features
These are the new features and changes for the next feature drop:
Taskbar design for tablet
The next feature drop for Windows 11 will introduce a new Taskbar design for tablets that will automatically transition to tablet mode when disconnecting or folding the keyboard on a convertible device. (The feature won’t be available on laptops or desktops.) The Taskbar offers two modes: “collapsed” and “expanded.” The “collapsed” state hides all the icons except those essential ones from the system tray, giving you more space and preventing you from accidentally invoking the Taskbar when holding your tablet. In the “expanded” state, the Taskbar is optimized for touch with bigger icons. You can easily switch between the two states by swiping up and down on the bottom of your device. You can always control these experiences on Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors with the “Automatically hide the taskbar when using your device as a tablet” setting.
File Explorer live search
This update also will bring the ability to show results as you type in File Explorer. The full search results page will update live without pressing the Enter key.
System Tray drag-and-drop support
As part of the Taskbar’s System Tray experience, you will receive an update allowing you to drag and drop icons in the tray. You can always control the websites in the “Recommended” section by right-clicking the item and selecting the “Remove from list” option, and you can also choose to stop showing the website entirely.
Start menu website suggestions
In the Start menu, you can expect suggestions of your frequent websites under the “Recommended” section, in addition to the recent files and recently installed apps. You can always control the websites in the “Recommended” section by right-clicking the item and selecting the “Remove from list” option, and you can also choose to stop showing the website entirely.
Suggested actions search copied text
As part of the Suggested Action experience, the new feature drop update will now display an interface that suggests searching this text in Microsoft Edge upon selecting the text.
Taskbar with seconds
Microsoft is also updating the Taskbar with a new option that allows you to show seconds in the System Tray alongside the hours and minutes. You can turn this feature on or off from the Taskbar settings page. In addition, the company made performance improvements that will allow more files and content on your computer to appear as results in the Windows search box. In the Taskbar settings page, the “Touch keyboard” setting has been converted to a drop-down menu with new options, including “Never,” “Always,” and “When no keyboard attached.”
Energy Recommendations
The “Power & Battery” settings page now includes “Energy Recommendations” with suggestions to configure features to save energy and lower your carbon footprint.
Task Manager
Windows 11 is also rolling out an updated version of Task Manager with a new filter feature to search processes using the binary name, PID, or publisher name. The filter algorithm matches the context keyword with all possible matches and displays them on the current page. The filter is also applied as you switch between pages. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “ALT + F” to focus on the filter box. Microsoft is also improving the theming experience with a new option that allows you to change the color mode regardless of the system color mode you use. In addition, Task Manager now supports themes for in-app dialogs. All dialog except for the “Run new task” and “Properties” dialog now supports themes. Finally, this version of the app makes it easy to apply efficiency mode and offers the ability to opt-out of the confirmation dialog. You can change the “Efficiency mode” dialog box by unchecking “Don’t ask me again,” or you can disable it from the Task Manager settings.
Studio Effects on Quick Settings
The “Quick Settings” flyout (Windows key + A) is expected to include quick access to the Windows Studio effects for devices with support for Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The features available for Studio Effects will depend on the hardware. However, they can include camera effects, such as Background Blur, Eye Contact, automatic framing, and audio effects, such as Voice Focus.
Widgets in full-screen
The Widgets board will get an update to expand the experience to full-screen mode.
Taskbar search tips
Microsoft is now experimenting with new ways to show tips in the Taskbar to make it easier for users to use the Search feature with shortcuts.
After updating to the next feature drop, you may see popup suggestions for using the search experience with shortcuts. These are only a few of the new improvements that Microsoft plans to roll out through a non-security update sometime in February or March 2023. However, since the company still hasn’t shared any official details, it’s unclear what the update will include in the final release. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
