As we step into the new year, December 2024 marked a notable milestone for Windows 11 and 10 users with the rollout of the Patch Tuesday update. This period, usually accompanied by optional updates, saw Microsoft pause the latter due to the holiday season, leaving engineers on break for Christmas and New Year.
Optional updates are key for introducing new features to the operating system, and it looks like the January 2025 optional patch will bring significant enhancements compared to the last two updates. For users on Windows 11 24H2, February 2025 promises to be even more thrilling, automatically activating advantageous features such as File Explorer enhancements.
Let’s explore the exciting new developments slated for the Windows 11 January and February 2025 updates, drawing insights from the beta channel release notes. Notably, some of these improvements will also be accessible to users on Windows 11 23H2, as Microsoft aims to backport features for broader user accessibility.
Magnifier App Upgrades
The Magnifier app will receive some valuable improvements that users have been anticipating.
One oft-requested enhancement is the introduction of a button that allows users to reset the zoom level to its default state with a single click. Additionally, a new feature will enable users to return to their last preferred zoom settings, enhancing the overall functionality of the app.
Remember, you can also utilize the shortcut Ctrl-Alt-Minus to adjust the zoom level effortlessly!
File Explorer Enhancements
In terms of usability, File Explorer is set to undergo several quality-of-life upgrades, focusing on minor yet impactful tweaks.
One significant enhancement is the option to create new folders directly from the File Explorer’s contextual menu—an action that was previously confined to the navigation pane. This means no more navigating through the tedious “Show more options”just to find the “New folder”button!
Moreover, the much-anticipated tab feature is receiving additional refinements. If you wish to maintain your open File Explorer tabs after a reboot, the system will now support this with a toggle in the View settings, allowing you to keep your workflow seamless.
For instance, if you have the “Restore previous folder windows at logon”option checked, closing the PC while your tabs for Documents, Pictures, and Downloads are open means that these will reappear upon next startup. The new smart tab feature is also designed to conserve system resources by opening folders in a new tab rather than spawning new app windows, ensuring better performance.
File Sharing and Miscellaneous Fixes for Windows 11 24H2
Upcoming improvements in file sharing will also streamline the user experience. Previously, sharing a file involved invoking the context menu, causing a mini window to open where users could select their desired application—but soon, a simplified sub-context menu will eliminate this step for select apps like Outlook or WhatsApp, allowing for easier sharing.
Furthermore, there are changes regarding non-administrative permissions; users without admin rights will soon regain the ability to modify the PC’s time zones, an issue that had emerged in Windows 11 24H2 leaving many unable to make adjustments.
Interestingly, while admins expressed frustration over this limitation on platforms like Reddit, the classic Control Panel still facilitated changes for users, demonstrating a workaround.
All these enhancements will be available as an optional update in January and enforced as a mandatory update in February 2025.
Additional Insights
1. What are the key new features in the January 2025 update for Windows 11?
The January 2025 update is expected to introduce several new features, including significant improvements to the File Explorer context menu, a new zoom reset button in the Magnifier app, and various quality of life enhancements aimed at user experience.
2. Are all updates mandatory for Windows 11 users?
Not all updates are mandatory. The January 2025 update will be optional, but the enhancements included will become mandatory with the February 2025 update. Users are encouraged to install available updates for optimal system performance.
3. Will these updates also be available for Windows 11 23H2 users?
Yes, Microsoft plans to backport several of these improvements to Windows 11 23H2, ensuring that users on this version also benefit from the latest features and fixes introduced in the upcoming updates.