Windows 11’s latest update for July has arrived, bringing with it a host of new features and essential fixes aimed at enhancing user experience. This cumulative update, part of the 24H2 version, is particularly noteworthy for gamers, as it addresses several issues that have been a source of frustration.
Among the key fixes, gamers will appreciate the resolution of a bug that caused the mouse cursor to misbehave when Alt-Tabbing away from a game, especially if the game’s resolution differed from that of the desktop. Additionally, the update resolves issues where Alt-Tabbing from full-screen games led to app freezes and instances of display resets that resulted in temporary black screens during gameplay.
1. Honey, I shrunk the taskbar icons
One of the more subtle yet impactful changes is the automatic resizing of taskbar icons. As users open more applications, the icons will shrink to accommodate the increased number, allowing for a more organized workspace without overflowing into a separate panel. For those who prefer the original icon size, Microsoft has included an option to disable this feature, catering to diverse user preferences.
2. Accessibility goodies
The update also enhances accessibility features, notably introducing the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary. This addition, reminiscent of functionalities found in Nuance’s Dragon speech recognition software, is a welcome improvement. Furthermore, a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool, known as the ‘screen curtain,’ blackens the display while reading content aloud, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential in public settings. Users will need to use headphones to take full advantage of this feature.
3. Begone, Edge
For users in Europe, the update brings a significant change regarding default browsers. Windows 11 will now link the chosen default browser to all file types opened in a web browser, reducing the instances of Microsoft Edge launching unexpectedly for obscure file formats. While this adjustment is currently limited to European users due to regulatory reasons, it reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance user control over their browsing experience.
4. PC-to-PC migration
Another exciting addition is the forthcoming PC-to-PC migration feature within the Windows Backup app. This functionality aims to simplify the transition from an old PC to a new one by transferring files and installations seamlessly over a shared network. Although this feature is still in its early stages and not yet fully operational, its introduction signals Microsoft’s commitment to making the upgrade process smoother, especially for less tech-savvy users. Anticipation builds as users look forward to its full rollout, expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.
