In Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft focused on Start and the Taskbar, but the desktop and lock screen received a few minor tweaks as well.
Many of them are imperceptible to the naked eye. Even though the desktop context menu in Windows 11 gained a new appearance, you saw a different version of the Recycle Bin when right-clicking it: it was the version from Windows 10 but with rounded corners. Both menus have been re-styled in Windows 11 version 22H2 to match (and both, of course, use the new Windows 11 styling, which has been slightly updated for 22H2).
Tip: Holding down SHIFT while you right-click can still bring up the classic, Windows 10-style context menus on the desktop, Recycle Bin, and elsewhere.
With Windows 11, you’ll see a new volume overlay when you modify your computer’s system volume by pressing a physical key or button. A vertical piece used to appear in the upper-left corner of your desktop as an overlay. At the bottom center of the desktop, it now displays as a landscape element.
In a more significant move, Microsoft has transferred the amazing Windows Spotlight interface, which until now delivered high-quality Bing photos on the lock screen, to the desktop for users’ convenience. Personalization may be found under Settings (WINKEY + I). (Alternatively, you can right-click the desktop and select Personalize from the context menu that appears.) Then, choose Background. Select “Windows highlight” from the dropdown menu under “Personalize your background.”
You’ll see a new “Learn about this picture” icon appear in the lower right corner of your desktop when you change your desktop backdrop.
You can’t get rid of this icon. Regardless of where you choose to put it, you’ll be able to access a menu of options when you right-click on it, including options like “Open,” “Switch to the next image” (“I like this image”), and “Not a fan of this image” (“Not a fan of this image”).
While we’re discussing the lock screen, the media controls overlay has been changed to match the look and feel of Windows 11. However, the media controls overlay on the Quick Settings page was modified in 21H2 and is no longer visible.
When you select the Accessibility quick setting in Quick Settings, you’ll see a flyout similar to this one on the lock screen, which has been changed to match.