As the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) approaches, users can anticipate a series of thoughtful enhancements to the Start menu and Taskbar. While these updates may not drastically alter user interactions, they introduce a range of improvements that enhance functionality and user experience.
What’s new with the Taskbar and Start menu changes for version 24H2
In the Taskbar, Microsoft has streamlined the interface by removing the “Copilot” button from the System Tray. This adjustment eliminates any potential conflicts with the “Show Desktop” button. The previous Copilot integration has been replaced with a new web application that integrates seamlessly through the Microsoft Edge browser, resulting in a fresh Copilot icon appearing alongside other applications.
The Quick Settings flyout has also undergone a transformation. It is now scrollable, allowing users to navigate options effortlessly without the need to alter the layout. Users can simply hover over the interface and scroll through available settings, with additional controls on the right to facilitate navigation between pages.
For those accessing the “Wi-Fi” page, a new “Refresh” button has been introduced, enabling users to manually refresh the list of available networks without waiting for the automatic refresh, which can often be time-consuming.
On the “VPN” page, users will find it easier to toggle connections on and off with a single click, enhancing efficiency, especially for those managing multiple connections. Additionally, users with a Copilot+ PC will gain access to Windows Studio Effects, a suite of features designed to customize video and audio effects during camera use. This includes options like “Background effects,” “Eye Contact,” “Automatic framing,” “Portrait light,” “Creative filters,” and “Voice Focus.” A new Studio Effects icon will also be available in the System Tray for quick access to these features.
Moreover, the “Live Captions” button joins the Quick Settings menu, providing users with enhanced accessibility options. While the design of the System Tray remains unchanged, users with a Copilot+ PC who have enabled the Windows Recall feature will notice a new “Recall” button, which opens a flyout displaying the latest snapshot taken by the feature along with options to open the app or temporarily pause Recall.
Keyboard shortcuts have also seen improvements. Users can now invoke the “Windows key + T” shortcut to focus on the Taskbar and subsequently press the first letter of an app’s name to select it. For example, pressing “Windows key + T” followed by “M” will highlight the Microsoft Edge app. If multiple apps share the same initial letter, users can cycle through them easily.
Another noteworthy addition is the hover card feature for inactive and pinned apps in the Taskbar. By enabling this feature in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, users can automatically open the Jump List menu by hovering over apps, while running apps will display thumbnails as usual.
Turning to the Start menu, the interface remains familiar, but the “Recommended” section now includes app promotions from the Microsoft Store. Users who prefer not to see these promotions can easily disable them via Settings > Personalization > Start by toggling off the “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more” option.
