Windows 10: The first feature drop for the Windows 11 2022 Update is now available

Microsoft released the first feature drop for its Windows 11 operating system today. The company published the first feature update for Windows 11, called the Windows 11 2022 Update, late last month. It announced back then that it would introduce some new features in October, using a new delivery technology that it developed over the course of the year.



You can check out my analysis of Microsoft's new approach to introducing new features here, in case you missed it. Basically, it is separating some features from feature updates. The main idea behind this is that it is now possible to drop features and updates of certain features, without having to roll out a major feature update for the operating system.

Feature drops install much like cumulative updates for Windows, and Microsoft revealed that another one is coming at the beginning of the next year. For now, the first feature drop is bringing a set of smaller features to the Windows 11 operating system. The main feature of this first update is tabs for File Explorer, but there is also the suggested actions feature, a tweaked "open with" interface, taskbar overflow and link to Task Manager options, the Amazon App Store in more countries, a share to more devices feature, the ESPN app, and an updated Photos app.

As usual, all features may not launch in all markets, or may launch at a later time. In any event, it is necessary to install an update to get these. Microsoft released optional updates for Windows 11 today, and the new features are part of it. Windows 11 administrators who do not want to install optional updates on their devices may wait for the November 2022 security update releases, as these will include the features as well.

Here is a quick overview of all features that Microsoft included in the update (availability still varies):

• File Explorer tabs: adds tabs to File Explorer to display different directories in a single File Explorer window. The functionality is still very basic, and third-party solutions offer better functionality.
• Suggested Actions: Windows may highlight phone numbers or dates to suggest certain actions, such as calling or scheduling an appointment.
• Taskbar: the new overflow option adds all taskbar icons that are not visible on the taskbar itself to the menu. Good for small resolution devices with crowded taskbars. A right-click displays a link to the Task Manager again, which Microsoft removed in the release version of Windows 11.
• Share to more devices: Windows Share detects and displays more devices to share files with.
• Photos app. The updated Photos app makes the organization of photo collections easy, according to Microsoft. Also, there is a new Memories experience that displays pictures that were saved to OneDrive before. Also, seamless access to the iPhone "with direct connection" to the iCloud photo library.
• The Amazon Appstore, and along with it support for installing Android apps on Windows, is now available in 31 different countries.
• The ESPN application is now available across 239 markets.

Closing Words

The new features are released with an optional update, which essential is a beta release. Most Windows administrators may want to wait for the November 2022 cumulative update to install these new features.

Now You: are you excited about the new features?

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Cumulative monthly updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 - October 2022

The following release notes coincide with Cumulative updates for all the supported versions of Windows, released on October 11th, 2022.

Windows 11

Windows 11 (original release): KB5018418 (OS Build 22000.1098)
October 11, 2022—KB5018418 (OS Build 22000.1098) (microsoft.com)

Improvements

This security update includes improvements that were a part of update KB5017383 (released September 20, 2022). Key changes in this release include:

• This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.
  

Windows 11, version 22H2: KB5018427 (OS Build 22621.674)

October 11, 2022—KB5018427 (OS Build 22621.674) (microsoft.com)

Improvements

This security update includes improvements that were a part of update KB5017389 (released September 30, 2022). Key changes in this release include:

• This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.
  

Windows 10

October 11, 2022—KB5018410 (OS Builds 19042.2130, 19043.2130, and 19044.2130)

October 11, 2022—KB5018410 (OS Builds 19042.2130, 19043.2130, and 19044.2130) (microsoft.com)

Improvements

This security update includes improvements that were a part of update KB5017380 (released September 20, 2022). Key changes in this release include:

• This update contains miscellaneous security improvements to internal OS functionality. No additional issues were documented for this release.
  

If you installed earlier updates, only the new updates contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.

Also read:

• Windows 11 2022 update now available - Microsoft Community
  
• How to get the Windows 11 2022 Update | Windows Experience Blog
  
• Available today: The Windows 11 2022 Update | Windows Experience Blog
  

IMPORTANT All editions of Windows 10, version 21H1 will reach end of service on December 13, 2022. After December 13, 2022, these devices will not receive monthly security and quality updates. These updates contain protections from the latest security threats. To continue receiving security and quality updates, we recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows.

Important for Windows 11 22H2 release: As shared in the Windows 11 2022 update Blog post by Panos Panay, CVP Microsoft, an update later in October would add an additional set of features including Tabbed File Explorer, New Photos app, Better Taskbar overflow experience, Nearby Share improvements (Build 22622). Subscribe to this thread for notifications.

 

Windows 11 Drag & Drop (on task bar)

The feature is back in Beta and Dev Insider Builds - it would be available for stable channel in the future.

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22557

• Drag and drop is now supported on the Windows 11 taskbar. Quickly drag and drop files between app windows, by hovering over apps in the taskbar to bring their windows to the foreground. Try attaching a file to an Outlook e-mail by dragging it and hovering over the Outlook icon in the taskbar to bring the window to the foreground. Once in the foreground, drop your file into the e-mail to attach it. You can also customize your taskbar with your favorite apps from Start’s All apps list by dragging and dropping over the taskbar to pin them. You can also drag and drop to the desktop via “Show desktop” at the very right corner of the taskbar.
  

 

Drag and drop in Windows 11

Drag and Drop is now available in Windows 11 Beta Channel.

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22581 | Windows Insider Blog

Changes and Improvements

[Taskbar]

• Drag and drop is now supported on the Windows 11 taskbar. Quickly drag and drop files between app windows, by hovering over apps in the taskbar to bring their windows to the foreground. Try attaching a file to an Outlook e-mail by dragging it and hovering over the Outlook icon in the taskbar to bring the window to the foreground. Once in the foreground, drop your file into the e-mail to attach it. You can also customize your taskbar with your favorite apps from Start’s All apps list by dragging and dropping over the taskbar to pin them. You can also drag and drop to the desktop via “Show desktop” at the very right corner of the taskbar.