Microsoft is gearing up for a significant update to Windows 11 24H2 this December, coinciding with the last Patch Tuesday of the year. This update promises not only essential security enhancements but also a host of new features designed to improve user experience.
Simplified System Tray
The system tray is set to receive a streamlined makeover. Users will have the option to condense the date and time display, allowing for a more compact view. By selecting the “Show abbreviated time and date” option in the Settings, individuals can minimize the space taken up by this feature. Notably, omitting the seconds from the clock will further enhance this efficiency.
Additionally, the notification bell icon can be permanently hidden through the settings. Since notifications can still be accessed by clicking on the Date and time section, this adjustment caters to those who prefer a cleaner layout. Users can manage the visibility of the notification icon by adjusting the “Show notification bell icon” option within the Notification settings.
Jump Lists
The upcoming update will also refine the functionality of jump lists, which appear when users right-click on pinned Taskbar icons. A notable enhancement allows users to launch items within the jump list with administrative rights by simply pressing Shift + Enter while clicking on the desired item. This feature will extend to the Start menu, where supported system apps will also display jump lists. For instance, right-clicking the Snipping Tool icon will reveal additional options for screenshots and timers.
Dynamic Lighting Settings Page
For those with RGB-supported devices, the Dynamic Lighting feature will offer a centralized settings page, eliminating the need for separate applications for each device. If no compatible devices are connected, the page will display a banner indicating this absence. Previously accessible options will be greyed out when unsupported devices are detected, ensuring a clearer user interface. Users will also gain the ability to set new directional patterns for Wave and Gradient effects, with Wave supporting outward, forward, backward, and inward directions, while Gradient will only allow the Forward option.
Task Manager Enhancements
The Task Manager will see improvements in the Performance section, where disk labels will now display detailed information about the type of storage, including whether it’s an SSD or HDD, along with its bus type (NVMe or SATA). This feature, first spotted in an Insider build back in September, is now ready for rollout with the upcoming update.
Additional enhancements include support for dark mode and text scaling in the Disconnect and Logoff dialog boxes. Users can also look forward to minor tweaks, such as new touchscreen edge gestures and shortcut hints in Narrator. As always, this update will address various existing issues, making December an exciting month for Windows 11 users.
