Microsoft released Windows 11 last year for new PCs, but the new OS is still slowly spreading to existing devices. Anyone who has taken the plunge into Microsoft’s latest version of Windows will be happy to hear a big update is coming down the pike. The taskbar is getting some much-needed improvements, and Android app support is rolling out in earnest. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading, now may be the time.
Windows already has access to a huge amount of software, but that’s all desktop software. Both Chrome OS and macOS have added support for running mobile apps, and now Microsoft is doing the same. The promised Android app support debuted as a beta for Insiders last month, but it will be front and center in the new update as a public preview. So yes, it’s still in beta, but you’ll be able to try it out.
Microsoft does not support the Google Play Store, but it has partnered with Amazon to get its Appstore for Android on Windows. Amazon launched the Appstore way back in 2011, but it never caught on with Android phone users despite numerous promotions and strategies. As a result, it doesn’t have nearly as much content as the Play Store, and much of what there is on offer is intended for Fire tablets. There are workaround to install the Play Store on Windows 11, but Microsoft is not officially supporting this.
The upcoming release will also include the return of Microsoft’s taskbar weather widget. There will also be a new mute and unmute feature, and you’ll have the option to show the clock on secondary monitors. Hallelujah. If you were hoping for the return of drag and drop on the taskbar, don’t get your hopes up. Microsoft is still working on that.
There’s one more notable taskbar improvement, and it’s extremely prescient. According to Microsoft, usage of apps like Teams, Slack, and Zoom is up more than six times during the pandemic, and no surprise with more people than ever working from home. The update next month will add a handy feature to the taskbar that lets you share your screen to select meeting clients. Microsoft calls out Teams in particular, but it should work with other programs pending developer support.
There’s no specific date for the update yet. It will most likely roll out in waves like other Windows updates, but the first step is to upgrade from Windows 10 if you haven’t already.
