Windows 11 passes the fifth and is enriched with new features. The February 2022 update makes it possible to enjoy Android apps and the Amazon Appstore, while the taskbar improves. But that’s not all, since Microsoft has also reviewed and corrected its Media Player and its notepad. Come on, let’s go, we go around the owner.
We knew it for a few days: a new version of Windows 11 was about to be announced by Microsoft. We had already had a glimpse of it through better management of the dual-screen and the taskbar, but the Redmond editor had not said everything. Because Android applications are finally arriving in a finalized version of Windows 11, and are no longer reserved for users of the Windows Insider program. But that’s not all.
In short, here is the list of new features for February 2011 in Windows 11:
- Android app and Amazon Appstore support (US only)
- Taskbar improvement
- New version of Media Player
- New version of Notepad
But now let’s see these different novelties in detail.
The Amazon Appstore and Android apps are officially available within Windows 11
Here they are finally officially, these famous Android applications for Windows 11. Until then, it was possible to take advantage of them by installing a preview of the operating system. The Amazon Appstore and Android applications are now available in the new finalized version of Windows 11. However, this feature is currently only available in the United States, pending deployment soon in the rest of the world .
Microsoft explains that it has added more than 1,000 games and applications in partnership with the Amazon Appstore. The application is now accessible from the Microsoft Store. There are apps like Audible, Subway Surfers, Kindle, etc. To take advantage of the Amazon Appstore and its applications in Windows 11, simply update the Microsoft Store by launching the application and going to the Library icon, located at the bottom left of the interface, and clicking the Get updates button.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6SpHPF40Ik
The taskbar improves
The Windows 11 taskbar is full of relevant new features. Muting the sound or reactivating it has never been easier: in Windows 11, it is now possible to mute Microsoft Teams using an icon in the taskbar. Windows 11 also makes it easier to share windows with contacts. Note that you must have a work or school account to take advantage of these new functions.
Another novelty: when the taskbar icons are centered, the left part of the latter now hosts the weather icon. Enough to always keep an eye on the weather, without having to overload the right part of the taskbar (which is already quite crowded).
Finally, as we announced a few days ago, the date and time can now be displayed on all taskbars when you have two screens. On the other hand, we may regret the absence of the various drag and drop functions. Microsoft has still not reintroduced the possibility of dragging a file into the icon of an application present on the taskbar, in order to open its content directly, as was the case on previous editions of Windows. A return which is however planned.
Windows Media Player and Notepad get a makeover
Microsoft is taking advantage of this new edition of Windows 11 to unveil new versions of two applications: the Media Player and the notepad both have a new design and new features. Let’s start with Windows Media Player. If it has long been subject to ridicule because of its “gas factory” side, Microsoft is currently doing everything to simplify it. Taking advantage of a much easier to understand interface and a less busy side menu, it becomes much easier to manage your music library, launch a video, etc. The short video below demonstrates this well:
The notepad also benefits from an overhaul. Now taking advantage of dark mode, the application benefits from simplified menus to facilitate the search for possible actions. Finally, it is also possible to undo changes made to a document at several levels.
To take advantage of the February update of Windows 11, nothing changes: you just have to go to the System Settings (simultaneously press the keys [Windows] + [I]). Then click on Windows Update and then run an update search. Cumulative update KB5010414 should appear. Click the Download and Install button, and you’re done. Note that you will also need to update the applications affected by this update via the Microsoft Store.
