14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is getting ready to ship another major update to Windows 11 users, as the company has just promoted plenty of new features to the Release Preview ring of the Windows Insider program.
Windows 11 build 22621.1343, which is available right now as update 22621.1343, includes new features such as Quick Assist in Settings and Windows Studio Effects integration in the taskbar.
These features have previously been tested as part of the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program, and bringing them to the Release Preview ring means Microsoft is getting ready to roll them out to production devices as well.
Most likely, these are the goodies that will be included in the next Moment update, with the release for non-insiders expected to take place in March.
“This update provided access Windows Studio Effects directly from quick settings on the taskbar for devices that had a supported neural processing unit (NPU). This made it quick and easy to turn on and configure camera effects. Those effects included Background blur, Eye contact, Automatic framing, and Audio effects (Voice focus). You can still access these effects in the Settings pages,” Microsoft explains.
Another big feature that is included in this update is the improved search experience in the taskbar.
Microsoft has been trying several approaches in the Dev channel, and now the rollout is expanding to production devices as well.
“This update improved the search box experience on the taskbar. As you typed in the search box, search results appeared in the search box. You could also change the search experience you wanted for your taskbar by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. For commercial customers, this update added a new policy for IT administrators to manage how the search box on the taskbar appears in your organization,” Microsoft says.
The update also includes accessibility improvements, the tablet-optimized taskbar, energy recommendations in the Settings app.