All new features you can test in preview

Windows 11 is definitely Microsoft’s most complete operating system to date. However, this does not prevent Redmond from regularly adding new features to the latter. The good news: many of them can be tested even before they are made available to the general public. We explain how.

Available for a little over a year now, Windows 11 It has brought so many features that, if not completely revolutionizing the user experience, it has the advantage of updating the formula that has somewhat rested on its laurels. However, it is clear that many of its features, although announced before the operating system is published, take their time to reach our computers.

This is nothing unusual for Microsoft, especially since this bug has been largely corrected with Publish an update 22H2, known as Sun Valley 2, which brought many new features that users have been eagerly awaiting. So now is the time for the publisher to look to the future and prepare for tomorrow’s news. Lots of talk about them already. What if we told you that you could test it today? Here’s how.

What is the Insider Program?

If you’ve been following Windows 11 news closely, you’ve probably already heard about Insider برنامج. With the latter, Microsoft tests all the new features of its operating system through different channels that correspond to each of them at a different stage of development:

dev channel: This is the channel that receives new features first. Also on the latter is that architectures are the most unstable and therefore can contain many bugs, of varying severity.
Beta channel: Once you get into this channel, the features have a better chance of spreading to the public one day. The builds are more stable, although users are not immune to insects.
Preview channel: This is the last set of tests before the final launch of the features. This channel is an excellent choice for all users who want to give the experience without risking their PC.

As you understand, the Insider program is a preferred option for early access to the new features of Windows 11. Its great advantage is undoubtedly its various channels that adapt to the expectations and desires of all users. Also note that the Insider Program is also there for Xbox gamers, and allows you to test new features for future firmware updates.

All new Windows 11 features must be pre-tested

So we present to you brief overview Among all the new features planned for Windows 11, which will take some time to reach the general public, but are available today to members of the Insider Program.

Windows 22H2

Chances are you’ve already installed this year’s big update. But it is also possible that it has not yet reached your computer. If you are one of the latecomers, don’t panic: Sun Valley 2 is already available on the Insider Preview Channel. So you can test all the new features before the final version is finally available for download, such as Android apps, the new taskbar or even Tabs in File Explorer. All without the risk of harming your computer.

Also, if your computer turns out to be incompatible, there is also a way for that Force update to install.

full screen widgets

This is one of the upcoming big new features, which also confirms Microsoft’s interest in it widgets. In fact, users will soon be able to View it in full screen mode By clicking one button. Even better, Windows 11 will remember your preferences to display content that may interest you and at the size you want. Version 25227 improves this functionality further by adding a navigation bar that allows you to adjust the display and control of the content on the screen.

When talking about widgets, the Xbox Game Pass Also entitled to some improvements. This now shows the latest games added to the catalog, as well as those that are about to be left. Other titles are also featured in their own categories. Finally, it is possible to run a game directly from the gadget. Available to Dev Channel users only.

new photo app

Another major novelty, The Photos app will see its entire design changed Within the next few weeks. More accurate and easier to use, it also allows for better integration with OneDrive. Microsoft also promises that it will be much easier to navigate through its images and that it will be possible to work on several screens at the same time. On the other hand, we are sorry that the video editor has disappeared in a way like no other Return users to ClipChamp.

The latest taskbar improvements

It seems that Microsoft is determined to improve its taskbar on Windows 11. Several features are going in this direction, such as Multiple search options that are added to the application icons. Currently, these are only available in the Dev channel.

But the great modernity is undoubtedly New taskbar design for touchscreen computers and tablets. Concretely, it adapts to the format of the device by displaying only the essentials, such as battery leveland time and contact. It can then be expanded to display the widget and apps. Something to save screen space for those on the Dev channel.

Deeply Recreated Settings

Microsoft will greatly improve the operating system settings in the coming months. Start with better management of their account, particularly their OneDrive subscription by allowing them to view their remaining storage and modify their payment method. Users can also access various information about their Office subscription, and gain the ability to install Microsoft 365 apps directly. Finally, game subscriptions can also be managed in the same tab.

Added to this are new options up to Settings. This is particularly the case with Dynamic Refresh Rate (DDR), which is now compatible with external monitors and not just for laptops. As a reminder, this feature allows Windows to adapt your screen’s automatic refresh rate if it’s at least 120Hz. Finally, it’s possible to configure the touch keyboard to appear according to your preference. Smoother animations.

Screenshots are saved automatically

Screenshot junkies know the process is taking too long. Indeed, each time you have to choose the folder in which the image will be stored, name the file if necessary, etc. So Microsoft is working on the ability to automatically save screenshots as soon as you take them. It will be possible to go back from the settings if you wish.

Notifications in the start menu

Instead of having to open the notification panel to look at the latest news from your PC, Microsoft is thinking of a more direct way to access it: integrate it into the Start menu. A notification badge appears on your profile picture to let you know that certain actions require your attention.

How do you join the Insider Program?

Are you interested in any of the above features? So all you have to do is join the Insider Program. It is completely free and can be accessed directly from your Windows PC. It couldn’t be easier. Here is the procedure to follow: