Microsoft has unveiled a series of enhancements in the latest iteration of Windows 11, particularly catering to gamers and developers alike. Among the standout features is an innovative on-screen keyboard specifically designed for gamepad users. This new layout allows players to seamlessly enter text and navigate the interface using their Xbox controllers, making it an ideal solution for those who enjoy gaming from the comfort of their couches with portable devices like the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go.
Main features:
- On-screen keyboard for gamepads: The newly optimized keyboard layout facilitates text entry and screen navigation, enhancing the overall gaming experience for controller users.
- Update rollout: This feature is currently available for testing in Windows 11 Preview Build 22631.4387, allowing users to explore these exciting changes prior to their official launch.
Other updates:
- The messaging system has undergone refinements, resulting in a more user-friendly and clearer interface.
- Quick access to Phone Link from the Start menu enables users to swiftly open the app, integrating smartphone functionalities directly on their computers.
- Copilot key remapping now allows users to customize the Copilot button, assigning alternative functions based on personal preferences.
In addition to these features, the Windows 11 24H2 update introduces support for the ReFS (Resilient File System) on desktop computers, a capability previously reserved for server versions like Windows Server. One of the notable functionalities of ReFS is block cloning, which significantly accelerates file copying operations.
Originally launched by Microsoft in 2012, ReFS is tailored for server applications and large file storage, offering robust resistance to failures and data corruption. Its built-in integrity checking and automatic backup mechanisms ensure that when corruption occurs, only the affected data is isolated, preserving the integrity of the remaining information.
Within Windows 11, ReFS is presented in the Dev Drive format, targeting developers and professionals. Microsoft claims that this new file system can enhance performance during file transfers, with the potential to copy a 1 GB file up to 94% faster than traditional NTFS. This improvement is particularly beneficial when managing extensive data sets.
It is important to note, however, that ReFS is not intended for operating system installations. Its primary function lies in optimizing file management and boosting performance for storage operations. Furthermore, ReFS can automatically manage various storage tiers, balancing performance and capacity, which is especially advantageous for users employing both SSDs and HDDs.
While the benefits of ReFS are clear, its practicality for everyday home users may be limited, particularly for those without multi-disk arrays or the need to handle substantial data volumes typical of server environments.
