Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

This key Windows 11 app is getting an interesting new look

By

Windows 11’s latest preview build introduces a new feature for its voice control application, as well as confirming that a redesigned look for the operating system’s Task Manager is in the works.

Microsoft’s preview builds for Windows 11 usually deliver general improvements and fixes. The most recent 22538 build, however, has brought with it a rather notable change.

The dark mode of Windows 111's redesigned Task Manager app.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As spotted by Windows Central, a redesigned Task Manager app was uncovered in the latest preview build available for Insider members. Its user interface refresh updates the mainstay program with a modern look.

Recommended Videos

The redesign has not been announced by Microsoft yet, which is understandable as the app is not currently in a completely functional state. Still, the new design features a dark mode and Mica blur effects. Furthermore, the tabs situated at the top of the program have been replaced by a sidebar instead. These changes clearly illustrate Microsoft’s intention to make the Task Manager look more like other redesigned aspects of Windows 11.

Microsoft has been applying new looks for certain legacy applications lately. Most recently, a redesigned Notepad was released, introducing changes like rounded corners that mirror the general aesthetic look of Windows 11. In regard to the Task Manager, as The Verge notes, it has remained immune to any noteworthy changes for nearly a decade. The last major modifications were made in Windows 8.

Task Manager has of course been an integral and useful part of Windows as it allows users to monitor general statistics such as the CPU and GPU load for applications. As well as operating as a system monitor, the app offers a straightforward method to close an unresponsive or frozen program.

Windows 11's Touch Keyboard voice access feature.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Elsewhere, preview build 22538 enhances the voice access feature introduced in December. In addition to controlling a Windows 11 system exclusively with one’s voice, users can now use the touch keyboard with voice access capabilities. You’ll be able to spell out words, input numbers, and enter punctuation marks by using the corresponding numbers attached to each input command with just your voice.

Microsoft is also rolling out Speech Packs downloads from the Microsoft Store. This will improve device-based speech recognition by providing “a better performance of transcription.”

Microsoft has certainly been busy since releasing Windows 11 in October 2021. It has largely focused on refining its operating system with its preview program, which allows it to trial changes and new features before it reaches the masses. One major change that recently materialized is certain options from its famed Control Panel being moved to the Settings app.

Moving forward, Microsoft stressed that Windows 11 performance will be an area of focus for the company in 2022. As for Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 (version 22H2), the operating system’s first major update is expected to be ready for release by the summer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Zak Islam
Zak Islam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Zak Islam was a freelance writer at Digital Trends covering the latest news in the technology world, particularly the…
Sorry, Microsoft — I don’t want Copilot+ reading my DMs yet
Microsoft introducing the Recall feature in Windows 11.

Microsoft is kicking off a new era of PCs -- the Copilot+ era. It's a new category of device designed and built around AI, and the key selling point of a Copilot+ PC is the new Recall feature. I'm not quite on board with it yet, however.

Recall is a collection of several small language models that run on your device all the time. These models track everything you do, from messages and emails you send to where you navigate within Windows 11. And, as the name suggests, Copilot can recall this information whenever you need it, using it as bedrock context for how you interact with your PC.

Read more
Microsoft just kicked off a new era of PCs with Copilot+
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces updates to the company's Copilot artificial intelligence (AI) tool.

Microsoft is introducing an entirely new category of PCs, and they're all centered around Copilot+. Amid bold claims of AI PCs from industry leaders like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, Microsoft is kicking off the era of the AI PC with a new set of hardware requirements and software features that allow your PC to go beyond an AI chatbot.

The idea behind Copilot+ isn't to have a few AI features. Instead, the dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on a Copilot+ PC will run several language models in the background of Windows 11 -- all the time. The models will scan you through everything you do on your PC to provide context when you want to prompt Copilot properly. Microsoft calls the feature Recall and says it's like a "sensor for AI."

Read more
4 high-end features Windows laptops still have over MacBooks
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 top down view showing tablet and pen.

Apple's MacBook lineup has exploded over the last several years, with its Silicon chipsets offering class-leading performance and efficiency. The MacBook Pro, in particular, is faster than many Windows laptops, longer-lasting than most, and has an excellent mini-LED display. There are many good reasons to choose a MacBook over a Windows laptop in today's market.

But all isn't lost for the Windows platform. Even aside from the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite laptops that look to be competitive, there are still some more basic features that you can only get on a Windows laptop at the moment. Here are the four that I keep coming back to.
Windows Hello

Read more