New Windows 11 Features You Wish Were There at Launch

The past couple of weeks have brought good news for Windows 11 users as Microsoft continues to iterate on its operating system. However, as new features are being rolled out, questions arise regarding why these functionalities were not part of Windows 11 from the very beginning. Let's dive into three specific features recently introduced by Microsoft that many feel were long overdue.

1. Mouse Scroll Controls​

For a long time, the behavior of the mouse scroll wheel in Windows was a matter of personal preference. While scrolling up would typically move content upward, some users preferred the action to be reversed. Surprisingly, this simple functionality wasn't available through a toggle in the Windows 11 settings. Instead, users had to make a Registry tweak—a process that, while not overly complicated, was not user-friendly for everyone. The Registry key, whimsically named "FlipFlopWheel," implied that Microsoft already had the capability coded in but simply chose to delay its availability through conventional settings. Now, after a long wait, Microsoft has finally added a straightforward toggle to change the mouse scroll direction in the settings menu. This kind of feature seems trivial, yet it represents fruits of long-term user feedback and enhances overall usability.

2. Power Plan Management​

Managing power plans effectively is vital for laptop users. These plans dictate how devices utilize their hardware, allowing users to choose between high-performance modes or energy-saving options. An essential feature for laptops is the ability to set different configurations for when the device is plugged in versus on battery. However, Windows 11 users faced a cumbersome hurdle: you couldn't set both power plans simultaneously without physically plugging and unplugging the device. Microsoft has addressed this issue with the latest update, finally allowing adjustments to both power plans without the need for constant hardware manipulation. Users can now toggle between plugged-in and battery settings seamlessly. This fix may seem simple, yet it significantly improves the user experience for laptop owners who often switch between power sources.

3. Android File Access in Windows 11​

Mobile device integration with desktop environments is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Many users have turned to applications like Microsoft’s Phone Link (formerly Your Phone) to access their Android devices from their PCs. With the upcoming changes, accessing Android’s file system from Windows 11 will get a substantial upgrade. Users will soon find it far easier to grab files from their phones directly via the File Explorer, allowing for a level of direct interaction that many had hoped for at Windows 11’s launch. This feature not only streamlines the file transfer process but also serves as a competitive edge for Windows 11 as its user base makes the transition from Windows 10. The seamless integration of Android into the Windows experience can also bolster overall satisfaction among users who rely on both platforms.

Conclusion​

In reflecting on these new additions, it is commendable that Microsoft has finally implemented these features, but it raises the question of why this functionality was not available from the outset. Windows 11 is approaching its third anniversary, and as the operating system strives to gain favor over its predecessor, timely and effective updates will be increasingly critical. The newly introduced mouse scroll controls, improved power plan management, and enhanced Android file access demonstrate that Microsoft is listening to user needs and working towards creating a smoother experience for Windows 11 users. With Windows 10 nearing the end of support, making Windows 11 as inviting and user-friendly as possible has never been more essential. Our hope is that these updates signal a commitment to addressing core user experience issues and encourage Microsoft to introduce even more sought-after features in the future. Source: XDA