Microsoft is releasing its first large replace to Windows 11 immediately, and it contains a number of new additions. A public preview of Android apps on Windows 11 will likely be accessible immediately within the US, alongside redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps. The first large Windows 11 replace can even embrace a bunch of enhancements to the taskbar.

The public preview of Android apps on Windows 11 will permit customers to put in apps from Amazon’s Appstore. That’s a restricted variety of Android apps in comparison with the broader Google Play retailer, however there are workarounds to get Google Play Store operating on Windows 11 unofficially.

Image: Microsoft

The largest adjustments on this Windows 11 replace are associated to the taskbar. The time and date will lastly be accessible on a number of displays in Windows 11, one thing that was lacking at launch. The climate widget additionally returns to the taskbar on this replace, and a brand new mute / unmute characteristic within the taskbar will likely be accessible for Microsoft Teams calls. You’ll additionally have the ability to shortly display share a selected app or window from the taskbar immediately right into a Microsoft Teams name.

Microsoft has additionally redesigned the Media Player and Notepad apps for Windows 11. Notepad now contains multi-step undo, an improved search interface, and darkish mode help. The new Media Player app is designed to switch Groove Music and Windows Media Player and contains help for each audio and video and a design that higher matches Windows 11’s UI enhancements.

Image: Microsoft

While Microsoft moved to an annual characteristic replace cadence for each Windows 10 and Windows 11 not too long ago, this primary large Windows 11 replace received’t be the one one this 12 months. Instead, Microsoft will add new options to Windows 11 extra continuously.

“Over time, you’ll see us release new features into Windows 11 for end users more frequently in addition to our annual update,” says Windows and units chief Panos Panay. “We will leverage the variety of update mechanisms we have in place, including servicing and Microsoft Store updates. Our goal is to deliver continuous innovation, providing you with the best experiences year-round.”

Microsoft is planning to check new experimental Windows 11 options with customers all through 2022, with secret options like wallpaper stickers and pill mode updates already in testing.