Category: Windows 11

Just recently we learned that a new major File Explorer overhaul is in the works for Windows 11. The app will get a new design, several new features like a new start page and improved integration with OneDrive and Microsoft 365.

Microsoft is working on enabling ReFS in the OS setup program, so Windows 11 will be able to format the drive to the latest file system and run from it. The feature is currently a work-in-progress and is hidden. However, enthusiasts have found a way to activate it, and even managed to install Windows 11 on ReFS.

Microsoft continues to refresh the appearance of aged dialogs in Windows 11. Some of them have not changed since Windows 8, some retain their look from Windows 10. The company's goal is to make the newest OS look consistent by following its Fluent Design guidelines. In Windows 11 Build 25281 you will find an updated "Enter a product key" dialog, thought you have to apply extra efforts to see it.

Microsoft is working on a new Volume flyout for Windows 11 that allows directly adjusting the sound volume level for each of the apps individually. It reminds of the popular EarTrumpet app, but is integrated in the Quick Access feature. It is a work in progress, so doesn't appear by default. But you can enable it easily.

Microsoft has started the roll-out of an updated Notepad app for Windows 11. Participants of the Windows Insider program in the Dev channel now receive a new version of the app 11.2212.33.0, that features a tabbed user interface.

In addition to Windows 11 Build 25281 in the Dev channel, Microsoft today updated the Beta channel with two new builds, 22623.1180 and 22621.1180. Traditionally, the first one is designed for testing new features, and the latter comes with them disabled. The new features in today's release are improved storage alerts for OneDrive in Settings, Widgets that can finally work without a Microsoft account, and a newer Get Help app with a connection issue troubleshooter.

Microsoft today released Windows 11 Build 25281 to Insiders in the Dev channel. It brings with it different variations of the look and feel of Windows Spotlight, improved Graphics and Bluetooth options, and many fixes.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts have discovered a new hidden option in the Settings app that is responsible for shipping some experimental features to Windows 11 Insiders. While the option does nothing as of this moment, it indicates that Microsoft may want to make its A/B testing more clear and transparent.

In addition to an update for Windows 22H2, Microsoft also updates the original release of Windows 11 with KB5019274. The patch is now available to Insiders on the Release Preview channel, and raises the OS version to Windows 11 Build 22000.1515. It brings with it two new features to Settings, a dedicated "Windows Spotlight" theme in Personalization and a new Microsoft Account page with OneDrive subscription options and storage alerts.

Windows 11, version 22H2, has got a new patch KB5022360 in the Release Preview channel. It raises the OS version to Build 22621.1192. With this update, Windows 11 will require less reboots when upgrading. Besides, .NET Preview updates will now appear as optional updates in the Settings app. Finally, KB5022360 includes a good pack of fixes that improve reliability of the operating system and apps, including Explorer, search, RDP, Edge, and many others.