Microsoft has released its first big update for Windows 11, and it includes a lot of new additions.

A public preview of Android apps is available across the operating system in the US, along with the redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps.

The operating system’s first major update also includes a number of improvements regarding the taskbar.

The public preview of Android apps via Windows 11 allows users to install apps from the Amazon Appstore.

Although the Amazon store has a limited number of Android applications compared to the broader Google Play Store. But there are solutions to unofficially run the Google Play Store on the operating system.

The biggest changes in the update are related to the taskbar. The time and date are available across multiple screens in Windows 11, something that was missing at launch.

The weather widget is also returning to the taskbar in this update. The new mute and unmute feature is available in the taskbar for Microsoft Teams calls.

You can also quickly view the sharing of a specific application or window from the taskbar directly to a Microsoft Teams call.

Windows 11 update is available via Windows Update

Microsoft has also redesigned the operating system’s media player and notepad apps. Notepad now includes a multi-step undo feature, an improved search interface, and dark mode support.

The new media player app is designed to replace Groove Music and Windows Media Player and includes support for both audio and video and a design that better matches the operating system’s user interface improvements.

And Microsoft moved to the annual feature update mode for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 recently. But this first big update to Windows 11 won’t be the only one this year. Instead, the company frequently adds new features to the operating system.

“You see over time that we release new features in the operating system to users more frequently in addition to our annual update,” says Panos Panay, President of Windows and Hardware.

“We take advantage of our diverse suite of update mechanisms, including service updates and the Microsoft Store,” he added. Our goal is to deliver continuous innovation, providing you with the best experiences throughout the year.

The software giant plans to test new experimental Windows 11 features with users throughout 2022. Secret features such as wallpaper stickers and tablet mode updates are currently being tested.