Microsoft has introduced a noteworthy enhancement to the post-installation setup of Windows 11, streamlining the user experience with the addition of a new page dedicated to third-party applications. This feature, known as Assisted Setup, emerges immediately after the out-of-box experience (OOBE), providing users with the option to effortlessly install popular applications such as TikTok, WhatsApp, and Spotify.
Seamless Integration of Popular Apps
Gradually rolling out through the experimental channel with build 26340.9354, released on September 8, this innovative setup process allows users to install sought-after applications right after their initial system boot. The selection includes well-known names like TikTok, Netflix, Spotify, WhatsApp, Duolingo, and LinkedIn, enabling automatic downloads and installations in the background, all without requiring user intervention.
It is important to note that, unlike OneDrive and Phone Link—which come pre-installed—these third-party applications will only be downloaded if users explicitly consent to them. For those who prefer to bypass this step, an option is available to skip directly to the desktop.
While some may perceive this addition as another instance of Microsoft pushing unnecessary software onto users, it presents a potential advantage for those less familiar with technology. By facilitating the installation of trusted applications, Microsoft aims to shield users from compromised installers and deceptive websites that often masquerade as legitimate software, thereby mitigating the risk of malware infections.
For instance, during the surge of remote work prompted by the Covid pandemic, many users fell victim to malicious attempts to lure them into downloading harmful chat applications, including Microsoft Teams. By allowing Windows 11 to handle the installation of these widely-used apps, Microsoft seeks to enhance user safety while simultaneously improving the overall experience.
Enhanced Taskbar Functionality
In addition to app installations, the new setup process introduces a feature that allows users to pin popular websites directly to the Windows 11 taskbar. These recommendations appear to be tailored based on the user’s geographical location. For example, users in the UK may find suggestions for the BBC, Amazon UK, eBay UK, The Daily Mail, and Wikipedia.
However, this enhancement also contributes to an increasingly lengthy series of pages that users must navigate during the installation of Windows, which could prove to be a source of frustration for more experienced users. In related news, Windows 11 26H2 has also been officially released, marking another step in the evolution of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
