What’s coming in Windows 11 22H2

Windows 11 version 22H2, the first feature update to Windows 11 since its introduction in October 2021, is expected to be officially released sometime this fall, likely in October. (The “22” stands for the year 2022, and “H2” means it’s being released in the second half of the year.) Microsoft has already issued a version of it to the Release Preview Channel of the Windows 11 Insider Program; Build 22621 is expected to be close to the final version, if not the final one.

When 22H2 gets its final release, we’ll give it a full-blown review. However, if you want a sneak peek, we’ve looked at the version in the Release Preview Channel, as well as some features introduced in later builds released to the Beta and Dev Channels that might make it into the final release. Based on that, here is what you can expect when the official version hits.

New Task Manager

Anyone who fiddles with their system to do things like check memory usage or disable programs that run on startup will find a revamped Task Manager. Rather than tabs across the top for processes, performance, startup apps, and so on, you’ll find them as icons running vertically down the left column. Icons are larger, there’s more space between the listings (which are also larger), and there’s a new dark mode as well. You can also now run new tasks such as opening a folder or running a program directly from Task Manager.

IDG

Start Menu tweaks

In this update, Microsoft continues to fiddle with the Start menu. You can create app folders to organize your apps, the way you used to in Windows 10, and you can adjust the size of the pinned apps section. There’s also a whole new section in Settings for personalizing the Start menu, including tweaking how many pinned items to display on it.

IDG

Drag and drop to the taskbar

In version 22H2, Microsoft is bringing back another feature it killed off in the initial Windows 11 release — drag and drop to the taskbar. You can drag a file onto an app icon on the taskbar, and the file will open in the application, just as in Windows 10.

Settings adjustments

With every new feature version of Windows, Microsoft fiddles with the Settings menu, and it’s no different this time around. The Accounts page gets a serious facelift, offering a surprising amount of information at a glance. In addition to name, email, and so on, you’ll find info such as whether you have Microsoft 365 installed, and if so, what version and how much you’re paying for it. There’s also a listing of who you’re sharing files with, how much OneDrive storage you’ve paid for, and how much you’ve used.