- Microsoft is changing the way that Windows 11 updates are delivered
- The likes of .NET, driver or firmware updates will be bundled together with the monthly update
- This change is now in testing, alongside a lot of work to make Windows 11’s default apps better
Windows 11 is getting some more very useful changes, including an improved process for updates and a raft of tweaks for the default apps in the OS.
Microsoft has just released a new preview in the Experimental channel (build 26300.8687) which packs the changes for Windows Update (which were announced as incoming a while back in April).
Microsoft tells us: “We are rolling out a new unified update experience to reduce the number of reboots you see per month. We are starting by coordinating driver, .NET, and firmware updates to align with the monthly quality update, reducing the update experience to a single monthly restart.”
Elsewhere, Thurrott.com points out that Microsoft has a whole lot of work underway for the various core Windows 11 apps, and that the company is now documenting these changes under separate release notes for apps in its Learn portal.
Calculator is getting tweaked so it has readable text when using high contrast themes and more accurate square-root results (with rare errors fixed).
Windows 11’s Camera app now supports more video resolution options, and a full range of zoom levels (plus the zoom slider now works with more cameras, including the latest models). Microsoft has also ensured that the front-facing cameras on more devices are supported.
The Clock has the ability to run more countdowns (up to three simultaneously) and a new 15-minute snooze on alarms, among a whole load of minor changes.
Microsoft Paint now offers functionality to adjust how transparent the eraser is, and the AI image panel has been tidied up with a cleaner layout. The toolbar…
