Windows 11 has its first major update since launching

[MikePeller]

Windows 11 has its first major update since launching. Version KB5010414 delivers improvements to the taskbar, two redesigned stock apps and a public preview of native Android app support. The update began rolling out on 15 February, but it'll take some time to arrive on all eligible devices.

Microsoft first revealed the news in a January blog post, before confirming the update's release three weeks later. Adding simpler window sharing, mute/unmute for calls and weather integration won't solve all the taskbar’s problems, but they should prove useful for many people. Elsewhere, both the Notepad and Media Player apps have a new, simple aesthetic that's more in keeping with Windows 11’s Fluent design language.

But native Android app support is the big new feature. It was announced alongside Windows 11 back in June, but early builds have been exclusive to the Windows Insider Program so far. That has now changed, with a preview of the feature rolling out to everyone. It’s still not the final version, but gives you a good idea what to expect.

Downloaded Android apps are fully compatible with Windows 11, although you’re limited to the Amazon Appstore for now. However, Microsoft has indicated it intends to add the Epic Games Store at some point in the future. A workaround also allows you to access the Google Play Store instead, but there’s little chance this will be officially supported anytime soon.