Microsoft is not resting on its laurels and continues to study new features for Windows 11. Improvements that will arrive on our PCs in the coming months and which beta testers and developers already have access to. This is an opportunity for us to take stock before their official launch.
Windows 11 is constantly evolving. In order to offer only the most relevant features, Microsoft collects opinions from users who try beta versions of the OS. What to have an overview of what is coming soon in the “general public” version of Windows 11. We take stock of the five best upcoming features.
1. Animated icons in the Settings app
The criteria that make a good OS are numerous and among them the attention to detail. The icon animation in the Settings app is a perfect illustration of this. When you click on one of the tabs, the images move in a very successful effect that gives a little more life to the interface. We love it.
2. The seconds displayed on the clock in the notification area
Among the “improvements”, there are also features that were present in the previous version of Windows, but that Microsoft preferred to remove. This is for example the case of the display of seconds in the clock of the taskbar. Now we just have to cross our fingers that Microsoft once again offers the possibility of simply repositioning the Windows taskbar which is still under construction.
3. Better widgets for Windows 11
Widgets are probably among the least used features of Windows 11. And for good reason, their integration is anything but intuitive. To remedy this, Microsoft has two areas for improvement. The first concerns the display of widgets in full screen to give them more space. The other axis concerns the possibility for third-party developers to create their custom widgets for Windows 11 on Microsoft Store.
© Microsoft / Neowin
4. A “real” field of research
Another little detail that will make all the difference is the ability to type your query directly into the search box on the taskbar, where you click and without confusing movement to another window. Yes, like on Windows 10.
5. An Improved Task Manager
In addition to the search box that comes up in task manager, the latter will also benefit from improved support for themes (light or dark). More modern dialogs and the ability to disable the warning about efficiency mode will also be included.
Many improvements, but no specific date
These five features are just a sample of the many improvements that Microsoft plans to make to its OS in future updates. Despite the rumors around a Windows 12, the Redmond giant does not intend to abandon Windows 11 anytime soon. The company is now pushing hard to convince Windows 10 users to upgrade to new version. In effect, less than one in six PCs uses the latest Microsoft OS.
Microsoft does not communicate a launch date for the new features presented in this article. As often, the company should launch them “on the fly” in the course of 2023. If you don’t want to wait, you can always join the Windows Insider Program to take advantage of new features before everyone else.
Neowin