The latest optional update for Windows 11 is available now. It does not have any major changes, but concentrates more on some minor improvements that fix little niggles.

For example, the File Explorer tool has several tweaks including no longer only showing file sizes in the Details view using KB, instead showing MB or GB where that's more appropriate. Other changes include the file thumbnails being crisper and a new option to middle-click on a three-button mouse to open a folder in a new tab. (Source: bleepingcomputer.com)

Search & Voice Upgrades

Meanwhile Windows Search has had some changes behind the scenes which means it should do a better job identifying when a user wants to change settings, or when their search term is incomplete or has a typo.

The Voice Access feature, which lets users issue commands through a microphone will now include options to filter out background noise or speech by other people, both of which should improve accuracy.

Subtle Notification Tweaks

Some changes are quite subtle and could even seem counterintuitive. For example, the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen currently uses a red notification "badge" to highlight applications which have a notification or alert.

That will now change to an "accent" color, based on the background image by default, but customizable. This will likely mean the notifications are less visible. The logic is that while they may be useful, having them in red is distracting and too visually dominant given the notifications are rarely, if ever, for something that the user needs to immediately attend to. (Source: microsoft.com)

The Windows Hello tool which allows fingerprint login will now work with plug-in fingerprint readers rather than solely supporting readers built into the computer.

Finally, the indicator showing progress during a Windows Update should be more reliable.

The changes come in KB5101684, which is an optional "preview cumulative update". Rather than having security fixes, this includes changes which will eventually be rolled out to all users through a major annual or semi-annual update to the entire system.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you prefer having red notification badges on your taskbar, or do you find them distracting? Have you ever used the Voice Access feature to control your PC? Which of these minor tweaks do you think will be the most useful for your daily tasks?