Windows 11 — 3 big changes I want to see in 2022

Windows 11 — 3 big changes I want to watch in 2022

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Windows 11 launched backbone in October 2021 every bit a surprise follow-upward to Windows 10, and at present that it's been live in the feral for a some months it's clear Microsoft's latest operating system needs few work.

That's significant because Windows 11 embodies Microsoft's vision for the future of Windows, and right straightaway it's hard to recommend, just as a emancipated upgrade. That's not to say it's a bad operating system; on the contrary, Windows 11 refines a lot of what's good about Windows 10 without conciliatory too many of its strengths.

The problem is, Windows 11 ISN't compelling plenty to merit upgrading to right now if you're already enjoying Windows 10. Luckily you assume't have to, since Microsoft has pledged to continue supporting Windows 10 through 2025. But over the holidays I've fielded a few questions from common people in my sprightliness about whether Windows 11 is worth the hassle of upgrading, and and then far I've had to say nary.

That could modification succeeding year, after Microsoft has time to for unfashionable Windows 11 and make whatever much-needed updates. To give you a sense of what I'm talking nearly, here's a summation of some of the top Windows changes I'd like to see in 2022.

Native Android app support

This is the most notable and glaring feature missing from Windows 11 because it was a significant part of Microsoft's marketing plan. A autochthonal Android variant of Tiktok running on the same desktop as Surpass was showcased during the official unveiling of Windows 11 in June 2021, and despite the unsatisfactory news that Windows 11 users would (at least initially) be limited to downloading Android apps from the Amazon Appstore, we were conservatively excited about the possibilities of native Android app support (via Intel's Bridge Technology) in Windows.

Android game on Windows laptop — The promise of Android apps (like Genshin Impact, visualised) jetting natively on Windows 11 is a compelling one that needs to be fulfilled. (Image credit: Future)

Now it's been nearly four months since Windows 11's debut, and the operating system of rules quiet lacks this secure lineament. Sure, on that point's a limited selection of Mechanical man apps available for download in the Windows Store as progressive web apps (rather than native Android), indeed you can at to the lowest degree get a gumption of what running apps on your desktop will feel comparable.

We probably won't have to wait long for sounding native Android app patronage happening Windows 11, either, as Microsoft is tapping Windows Insiders to help of import-test native Android apps forward of a full rollout in 2022. And sure, if you really put your mind to information technology there's already a few ways to induce Android apps jetting on your Windows PC, without any extra help from Microsoft.

But when people ask me about Windows 11, a lot of the prison term they ask about whether they really can run their Mechanical man apps and games on their laptop computer without any hassle. And good now, I have to read no; I have to say that Android app support on Windows 11 is still MIA, and that even when information technology does arrive IT bequeath beryllium limited by what Android app storefronts Microsoft allows into the Windows Store.

So far thither's no more indication Windows 11 will gain full access to the Google Play library of Mechanical man apps, which is a flagrant failing, though Google has committed to making a immense swathe of Android games playable on Microsoft's new OS by pledging to launch a Google Play Games screen background app on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. If Microsoft wants to kickstart the migration to Windows 11, it needs to deliver on its assure of endemic Android app livelihood earlier rather than later.

Windows 11 isn't just a slicker Windows 10 with a centered Start computer menu and Android app support. Microsoft has successful a host of changes to the way Windows works, and many an of them seem corresponding smart improvements. For instance, Gingersnap Serve is ace of the best hot Windows 11 features as it gives you more chondritic control complete how you arrange the windows happening your desktop, while at the same time making it easier to arrange them.

But if Snap Assistance is an example of a Windows 11 feature that adds obvious note value out of the box, the Widgets computer menu is an example of a promising new feature film that needs a minute more work before it's really worth mentioning.

If you're non familiar Windows 11 Widgets, know that they're auto-updating tiles which domiciliate in a hidden tray that slides out from the left side of the test when you murder the Widgets clitoris. Said Widgets button is a new addition to the Windows taskbar, single you'll find nestled next to the newly-concentrated Starting signal button by default all fresh Windows 11 establis. However, you can and should hide information technology (via the Taskbar Settings menu accessed by right-clicking the Start barricade), because insofar the Widgets on offer in Windows 11 have been disappointing.

The problem is that, at least at the sentence of writing this, Windows 11 Widgets are too rigid and too limited to offer much value to users. There are currently eight Widgets you privy enable, displaying updated info about everything from your Outlook calendar to local traffic to stocks and the weather. These are decent offerings, but none of them are more effectual or quicker to access than a bookmark in your browser to a page with the same information.

Windows 11 interface widgets — The Windows 11 Widgets menu surfaces a ceaseless smorgasbord of tidings stories and articles, but fails to give users enough verify to make it worth exploitation. (Effigy cite: The Verge)

Beneath the Widgets themselves is a Top Stories faculty that shows a selection of sestet stories from outlets like USA Today, Political leader, and to a greater extent. Beneath that is what seems like a never-ending river of more stories from media outlets around the world, a river you can choose to "personalize" by selecting broadly-worded interests from a list provided by Microsoft.

You can also choose to hide stories from outlets you wear't like, which I appreciate, but in general I've found this river of stories completely skippable. Again, you in all likelihood already have the website(s) you like to read bookmarked in your browser or news reader of choice, and the Widgets menu doesn't give you decent dominance over what information it surfaces to make using it worthwhile.

That's really regrettable, because when Windows 11 was first disclosed to the world I persuasion Microsoft's decision to bring back Widgets was a auspicious one. I always liked the idea of Widgets in Windows, flatbottomed if I thought their implementation in Windows Prospect and Windows 7 was to a lesser degree nonsuch. But the notion of apace pulling up a Thingumabob to monitor my C.P.U. performance Beaver State quickly jot down a greenbac always seemed comparable a cool affair for my Personal computer to DO, which is why it's so frustrating that Windows 11 doesn't ingest Widgets that let you do these basic tasks.

On the silver lining, that agency there's lots of elbow room for Microsoft to improve on Windows 11 in 2022. I hope one of the first volumed improvements is a significant overhaul of Windows 11 Widgets, with more options and more grainy controls, because exact now I can't help but recommend that Windows 11 newcomers hide the Widgets button as soon as possible — and never look back down.

No Internet connector required to set u Windows 11

The heavy Windows 11 system requirements have inspired a number of articles just like this cardinal, with expert reason: they're non easy to meet and exclude huge numbers of PCs built before 2018, plus they cause some perplexing workarounds that let you circumvent some or all of them, effectively revealing they aren't all that required after all.

Simply I don't gestate Microsoft to change the requirements to install Windows 11 very much in 2022. What I do hope the company does is re-evaluate why you need an Internet connecter to install Windows 11 Home, but not Windows 11 Pro.

This may not be a huge deal for the many mass who will have No trouble connecting to the Internet to wind up background upwards Windows 11 Plate, only information technology's a frustrating necessity that doesn't seem to offer any benefit to the drug user in return for the chevy of meeting it. It's deeply slanted to people who Don't have wanton operating theater honest Internet access, and it can cause real headaches if you suddenly need to reinstall Windows without a Wi-Fi connection.

I know from experience. Not aware ago I had an issue with a laptop computer running Windows 11 Home that caused it to for some reason lose its network adapter drivers, cutting it off from Wisconsin-Fi networks. I tried few tricks to get it back on the WI-Fi, to no avail. I eventually tried rolling back the drivers, and then in a moment of desperation I tried resetting the PC to its factory defaults using the Readjust this PC option in the Windows 11 Recovery menu.

Windows 11 laptops — Microsoft's requisite that you must consume an internet connection to instal Windows 11 Rest home is onerous and needs to go. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Big mistake. When it was completely over I found myself staring at the setup screen of a fresh Windows 11 establis, with one problem: the meshwork drivers hadn't magically reappeared. That meant I could only progress partway through the Windows 11 frame-up process ahead I was strained to stop and connect to the Net, only I couldn't link to the Net without first acquiring into my Windows desktop to install drivers, so I was effectively cursed a useless device where my laptop used to be.

I eventually solved the trouble by downloading the needed drivers on other PC, putting them on a USB drive connected to the laptop, then installing them via a complex series of commands inputted via the Command Prompt. It was, quite frankly, a ridiculous set of hoops to jump through just so Windows 11 could attach a Microsoft account to my copy of Windows.

It's still many ridiculous that I learned how to do that from Microsoft's support page for this issue, which outlines the extended series of steps users own to take to reinstall electronic network drivers ready to commence their PCs online before they've tied finished setting up their in operation system. While I appreciate that the company at any rate put the information upfield someplace undemanding to uncovering, it's baffling to ideate any of my little tech-taken up friends and family nerve-wracking to reinstall web drivers via the Command Prompt.

It's specially ridiculous that Windows 11 National users have to put up with this garbage requirement while Windows 11 Pro users do non. Of course, you'll have to invite out the exclusive right of sidestepping it, as Microsoft is charging $99 to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro from the Menage edition.

I don't have a problem with Microsoft charging more for the Pro variant, as it offers some useful upgrades like Bitlocker device encryption. I do undergo a problem with the accompany putting this discretional requirement along the most democratic version of Windows 11, creating plentiful opportunities for defeat without offering customers anything in return. Hopefully Microsoft will ensure fit to drop this particularly onerous Windows 11 requirement in 2022.

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games partizan with more a decade of experience application both for outlets like Gritty Developer, Black Hat, and PC World cartridge clip. He currently serves arsenic a older editor at Tom's Steer application all things computation, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.