Exciting New Features in Windows 11's Upcoming 24H2 Update

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Windows enthusiasts, get ready for a breath of fresh air – Windows 11 is about to get even better! With several new features on the horizon, builds on the Developer and Beta channels are already showcasing enhancements that will soon be part of the upcoming 24H2 update. Whether you’re a power user craving efficiency or someone who loves a visually appealing interface, these improvements are designed to make your daily computing experience more intuitive and engaging. Let’s dive into the details.

s Upcoming 24H2 Update'. A glowing, abstract blue and pink swirl with a reflective orb against a city skyline.
A Battery Icon That Packs a Punch​

Dynamic Colors and Real-Time Details​

One of the standout updates is the revamped battery icon. In build KB5050103Z, Microsoft introduces a dynamic and colorful battery indicator to the system tray that goes far beyond just showing a static percentage:
  • Color-Coded Status:
  • Neutral (Black & White): When your laptop is operating normally off-battery.
  • Yellow: Signifying the battery-saving mode is active.
  • Green: Clearly indicates that your device is charging.
  • Red: A sharp alert for critically low battery levels.
  • On-Demand Information:
    Next to the icon, a digital readout shows the exact battery percentage—without having to hover your mouse over the icon. For those who prefer a more minimalist look, this percentage display can be toggled on or off through Settings > Power & battery.
This small yet significant change brings an experience more akin to what smartphone users have long appreciated. It’s intuitive and offers vital information at a glance—so you’ll always be in charge of your device’s power performance.

Explorer Gets Smarter with Recommendations​

Tailored File Discovery at Your Fingertips​

Another exciting update comes in the form of refined “Recommended” sections within the Explorer app. In the Windows 11 Beta Channel (build 22635.4800), a new feature offers smart file recommendations based on your recent activities:
  • Streamlined Access:
    By enabling the “Recommended” section in folder settings, you can access files that you’ve recently used. Initially showcasing only your latest files like screenshots or recently opened documents, this section is set to evolve further, providing more personalized and context-aware suggestions in the finalized version.
  • Local and Cloud Integration:
    What makes this update particularly handy is its seamless integration with OneDrive. It compiles data from your local device and your cloud storage, ensuring you have quick access to a full spectrum of files without the hassle of digging through numerous folders.
Imagine opening Explorer and having a digital assistant subtly handing you the files you need without having to perform any extra searches – a welcome, time-saving feature in today’s fast-paced digital workflow.

Enhanced Window Management with Tooltips​

Intuitive Snapping Just Got Better​

Window snapping is already one of Windows 11’s celebrated features, but Microsoft isn’t stopping there. Upcoming builds will introduce an intelligent tooltip with the Snap window snapping feature:
  • Helpful Hints:
    As you drag a window to the top of your screen, you’ll now see a compact tooltip that not only lists available positioning options but also displays the keyboard shortcut to quickly access these features. This little nudge can significantly boost productivity by reducing the need to memorize or look up shortcuts.
  • User-Friendly Design:
    Microsoft is testing different versions of this tooltip, all designed to keep the interface clean yet informative. It’s part of a broader move to make the operating system more accessible and intuitive, blending minimalism with functionality.
For many users, especially those who multitask heavily across multiple screens, this feature will simplify window management, making it easier to arrange tasks without fuss.

A More Organized Start Menu and Integrated Phone Features​

A Fresh Look for Programs and Connectivity​

The Start menu is also getting a makeover, focused on enhancing organization and connectedness:
  • Categorized Programs:
    Soon, the Start menu will display a grouped format for programs, organized under an “All programs” tile. This change aims to help users locate applications faster by categorizing them logically rather than relying solely on an alphabetical list.
  • Seamless Phone Integration:
    In a bid to bridge the gap between PC and mobile, the new Start menu will offer insights from your phone, including recent photos, messages, and call logs. Plus, there’s an integrated option dedicated to sending files to your mobile device directly, enhancing cross-device productivity.
These tweaks are a testament to Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to improve connectivity between devices, ensuring that your ecosystem stays unified regardless of where you are.

Other Noteworthy Tweaks​

Apart from these headline improvements, Windows 11 is also testing a few other changes aimed at refining the overall user experience:
  • Compact Taskbar:
    A slightly more compact taskbar is under evaluation to optimize screen real estate, though it’s yet to be fully rolled out due to some inconsistencies.
  • Revisited Gamepad Support:
    With an eye on gamers and accessibility, the temporarily removed keyboard layout for “Gamepad” input is being re-evaluated. This experiment aims to harness Xbox controllers more effectively for navigation and input, offering another layer of versatility to your Windows experience.
  • Suggested Actions Feature:
    In the latest developer builds, the suggested actions feature has been temporarily disabled as part of ongoing testing, signaling further refinements ahead.

Wrapping Up: A More Responsive and Connected Windows 11​

The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update promises to elevate the user experience significantly. From a visually instinctive battery icon to a smarter Explorer and a more organized Start menu, these modifications show that Microsoft is listening closely to its user base. Whether you’re casually browsing or deep into productivity tasks, these enhancements will streamline your workflow and add a polished touch to everyday interactions with your system.
So, are you excited for these new updates? Do you think these features will transform your daily computing routine? Let us know your thoughts and how you plan to use these new functionalities on your Windows devices. Stay tuned, as we continue to monitor and report on these developments in the world of Windows 11 updates and Microsoft security patches.
Happy computing!

Source: ITC.ua Coming soon to Windows 11: functional battery icon, «Explorer» improvements, and more
 

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