The most recent preview update for Windows 11 version 22H2 is finally here. Microsoft has begun rolling out the August update bringing fresh features to the operating system, enhancing key functionalities, and fixing existing bugs.
Designated as KB5029351 and OS Build 22621.2215, Microsoft is highlighting 7 key updates and 14 improvements with this release. The changes come in the form of updates to the hover behavior on the search box and new functionality for app defaults, making it simpler to switch out default apps.
Essentially, the most profound changes reside within the app pinning and the newfound ease of swapping default apps. As announced previously, these functionalities have finally made their way into the operating system. This efficiently lets users directly head to the settings area, allowing them to switch defaults feasibly. Moreover, a new API facilitates apps with the ability to pin either primary or secondary tiles to the Taskbar.
Highlighted Changes
The new additions include a deep link URI in Settings, allowing applications to guide users directly to the appropriate area in Settings to change app defaults. Continuing, a new API empowers apps to pin either primary or secondary tiles to the Taskbar. Below, we explore the other changes:
- Search Box Hover Behavior: Hovering over the search box now brings a search flyout box, adjustable via the Taskbar settings.
- Support for DST changes in Israel: The update incorporates daylight saving time changes in Israel.
- Search Icon Fixes: This addresses an issue where the Search app would not open when selected, mainly after the machine has been in sleep mode. The update also improves the reliability of the Search app.
- TAB Key and Narrator Fixes: The update improves usability when using the TAB key to browse through search results. It also fixes an issue where the Narrator wasn’t identifying the search box correctly.
- Search Box Size: This issue has been addressed with the search box size reduction in tablet posture mode on Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Book devices.
- New “Enable Optional Updates” Policy: Administrators can now configure the monthly, optional cumulative updates for commercial devices, enabling easier control for gradual controlled feature rollouts.
- Other notable changes: Numerous other changes addressing Group Policy Service, a new API for D3D12 Independent Devices, and fixes to various other issues are among the list of updates.
The update will only be visible to those who have activated the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available Switch in Windows Update to On. For the rest, this update will be available on the second Tuesday of next month as part of Patch Tuesday.