In September, we reported that Microsoft would add more of the features that were lost during the redesign to Windows 11. Lists of links remained on the taskbar, but were not available in the redesigned Start menu. That is changing. Link lists have made their way from the Dev channel to the Release Preview channel.
This means that Microsoft will release them in regular Windows 11 installations that are not part of the Insider testing program in a matter of weeks. Specifically, it should happen on December 10, when the next scheduled and mandatory service update will be released.
Lists of links in Start are not a they won’t be the only news. We select the most interesting ones:
- When you hold down Shift+Ctrl while clicking an item in the link list, the item will run with administrative privileges.
- The date in the notification area is displayed in abbreviated form and the bell symbol next to the clock will be hidden when there is no missed notification in the notification center. You can change the settings.
- When you connect your mobile phone to your computer, you can send files to your smartphone directly from the context menu.
- Task Manager shows the type for each repository. The disconnect and logout dialogs support a dark theme and text scaling.
- Windows Search searches files in a less privileged mode, which reduces the possibility of exploitation if the relevant process is compromised.
- In Settings, you can choose from more dynamic light effects and it has added a section for finger gestures on the edge of the screen.
- The Narrator tool has several new options, including jumping to texts for links.
- Microsoft has improved text-to-speech and speech-to-text features. We don’t know more, the update of the language files is distributed via the Store.
Lists of links make certain functions or sections of programs available in the context menu
The news described above are part of the updates KB5046732 for Windows 11 23H2 (build 22631.4534) and KB5046740 for Windows 11 24H2 (build 26100.2448). From November 14, they are available in the Release Preview channel, or she ran controlled activation.
From November 21, the above updates are also available outside of the Insider program. Microsoft released them as optional updates with a Preview stickeras he is wont to do. The number of updates has not changed, but the revision numbers have been slightly increased compared to the builds in the Release Preview channel by 22631.4541 to 26100.2454.
By the way, on the list we find one new item intended only for the 23H2 version. There is a simple reason behind this – Windows 11 24H2 already has this function:
- In Settings, you turn off the increased precision of the mouse pointer and change the direction of scrolling when turning the mouse wheel.
Updates in both versions of Eleven fix a number of bugs. Again, if you don’t want to join the trial program or install optional updates, wait. Mandatorily, their content will spill over into stable Windows 11 with the standard December update.
Sources: Microsoft Support (1, 2) | Windows Insider Blog (1, 2)
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Update – What’s Cooking?
Well, well, well, look who’s back with more updates than a teenager’s profile on social media! Microsoft is pulling out its magic wand for Windows 11 and making some fixes that can only be described as long overdue. Yes, folks, it’s less about style and more about functionality, but let’s not kid ourselves—Microsoft is trying to sprinkle a bit of both in there.
The Taskbar Tango – A Fresh Dance with Link Lists
Ah, the lists of links! They’ve finally decided to leave the taskbar and venture into the redesigned Start menu—think of it as that awkward uncle finally showing off some dance moves at a wedding! These link lists are making their way from the Dev channel to the Release Preview channel, which means they’ll soon be in our regular Windows 11 installations. Just in time for a scheduled mandatory update on… December 10! Who needs Christmas when you have patch notes?
What’s in the Update? Here’s the Juicy Bit!
Now, hold your applause, but there’s more to this update than just dancing with link lists. Here are some of the highlights:
- Administrative Powers: Holding down Shift+Ctrl while clicking an item in the link list will launch it with administrative privileges. So, yes, your mundane tasks can now feel like a power trip!
- Date Drama: The date in the notification area will now play it cool, going for an abbreviated display. Plus, the bell next to the clock disappears if there are no missed notifications—it’s practically on a holiday.
- Mobile Connectivity: Connect your phone and send files straight from the context menu. It’s like being your own postman but without the funny hat.
- Task Manager Transparency: Task Manager now shows repository types. Because knowing what you’re dealing with is half the battle!
- Sneaky Search: Windows Search will now function in a less privileged mode, making it tougher for pesky exploits. Just call it your new security blanket.
- Visual Vibes: New dynamic light effects in Settings—get ready to impress your friends with a little eye candy!
- Narrator Upgrades: The Narrator tool now has more options, including jumping through links like a virtual acrobat. Who needs a real-life tour guide?
- Speech Superpowers: Text-to-speech and speech-to-text features are being polished. Maybe it will finally pronounce your name correctly!
Remember, Patience Is a Virtue!
If you’re not keen on joining the Insider program or dripping with excitement over optional updates, no worries! You can simply bide your time until December, when the mandatory update rolls out. Then and only then, these features and bug fixes will flood your Windows 11 experience.
Ah, staying on top of software updates really feels like herding cats. One moment you’re working frantically on that report, and the next you’re navigating a maze of software features. But fear not, dear readers, Microsoft hasn’t just been tinkering away! They’re attempting to toss in a few enhancements to make Windows 11 a bit more… well, friendly.
Final Thoughts:
These updates seem to be Microsoft’s version of spring cleaning in December. Sure, it may not be the groundbreaking revolution we were all hoping for, but at least they’re trying to tidy up the corners of the long-neglected Windows 11. Expect a mix of functionality boosts and aesthetic updates; the perfect blend to make you feel like you’ve treated yourself to a digital spa day!
So, stay tuned as we await the big rollout on December 10. And remember, in the words of classic comedians—life is like an operating system; it’s the updates that keep it from crashing!
Sources:
Microsoft Support (1, 2) | Windows Insider Blog (1, 2)
In September, we reported that Microsoft would enhance Windows 11 by reintroducing features that were absent after its redesign. Lists of links had been present on the taskbar; however, they were notably missing from the redesigned Start menu. Thankfully, this oversight is being rectified, as link lists have transitioned from the Dev channel to the Release Preview channel.
- When you hold down Shift+Ctrl while clicking an item in the link list, the item will run with administrative privileges.
- The date in the notification area is displayed in abbreviated form, and the bell symbol next to the clock will be hidden when there are no missed notifications in the notification center. Users can modify these settings to their preference.
- Task Manager displays the type for each repository, enhancing user awareness of system processes. Additionally, the disconnect and logout dialogs now support a sleek dark theme and include text scaling for better accessibility.
- Windows Search operates in a less privileged mode for file access, mitigating exploitation risks in the event of a process compromise.
- In the Settings menu, users can choose from more dynamic light effects, and there’s a new section dedicated to finger gestures along the screen’s edge, improving touch navigation.
- Microsoft has upgraded the Narrator tool, adding multiple new options, including the ability to jump to texts linked within the interface.
- Microsoft has boosted the functionality of its text-to-speech and speech-to-text features. However, further specifics are limited as the update to the language files is being rolled out via the Store.
Lists of links make certain functions or sections of programs available in the context menu. These updates, identified as KB5046732 for Windows 11 23H2 (build 22631.4534) and KB5046740 for Windows 11 24H2 (build 26100.2448), became available in the Release Preview channel starting November 14, utilizing a controlled activation process.
From November 21, the aforementioned updates expanded beyond the Insider program, being released as optional updates with a Preview sticker. While the number of updates remained unchanged, revision numbers slightly increased from 22631.4541 to 26100.2454.
Updates in both versions of Windows 11 address numerous bugs. For users who prefer not to participate in the trial program or install optional updates, patience is advised. The mandatory rollout of their content will coincide with the standard December update.
What are the benefits of the Task Manager transparency feature in Windows 11?
He Task Manager transparency feature allows for a refined view of background activities, making it easier for users to track what’s running on their system.
As we edge closer to the December 10 rollout, it’s a good time to consider how these updates might impact your daily use of Windows 11. The effort to refine both functionality and aesthetics reflects Microsoft’s commitment to creating a user-friendly operating system that adapts to the evolving needs of its users. while these updates may not signify a groundbreaking change, they do represent a concerted effort by Microsoft to address user concerns and enhance the overall Windows 11 experience. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that these additions will finally bridge the gap between utility and enjoyment in the Microsoft ecosystem.
