Windows Update Introduces Improved Taskbar, Media Player & Notepad

Windows 11 has received several new enhancements via the latest Windows update. The new release introduces improved taskbar functionality, revised Notepad UI and a more user-friendly Media app. Microsoft says that these additions have been introduced to improve the overall user experience and continue to help users get more out of the operating system.

Taskbar Enhancements
Windows 11 now allows users to share windows or mute/unmute their mic directly from the taskbar. This is only applicable to users with access to Microsoft Teams. When on a call, an active mic icon will appear on the right side of the taskbar. This allows you to toggle the audio on/off without having to access the Teams window itself.

If you would like to share a specific window when on a call, simply hover the cursor over the app icon on your Taskbar to launch the share control option. Click share this window, and said content will automatically be presented to your audience. This way, you only share what you want, instead of allowing everyone to see everything you have open.

Media Player App
Microsoft has updated the Windows 11 Media Player app to make it easier to use for both music and videos. The music library allows you to quickly rifle through a playlist and find what you’re looking for. It also lets you create and manage playlists better. The app will automatically fetch content from your music and videos folders and have them presented to you in an easy to view list. But you can still ask it to look for content in a specific location.

The Media Player app replaces the Groove Music app and will automatically migrate your library and playlists stored on the latter. There also optimized accessibility and improved keyboard shortcuts available with the new app.

Notepad
The new app includes a slightly cleaner design with support for dark mode. Menus have also been simplified to make it easier to find what you want. There also multi-level undo, colorful emojis, text wrap and a better find-and-replace option.

Clock on a Second Screen
If your PC or laptop is connected to multiple screens or an external monitor, Windows 11 will show the clock on taskbars that appear on said monitors. This will help users keep track of the time easily without having to constantly glance at the bottom right-hand corner of their main screen.