Microsoft's Windows operating system continues to evolve with several significant changes aimed at improving user experience and system management. From fixing long-standing issues to streamlining system settings and introducing more efficient ways to manage applications, these updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining its flagship operating system.
Task Manager CPU Utilization Fix Finally Arrives
After years of user complaints, Microsoft has finally addressed a significant issue with the Windows Task Manager's CPU utilization display. The problem, which dates back to at least 2020, involved Task Manager calculating CPU usage based on the processor's base clock rather than its effective or real clock. This resulted in inaccurate readings, particularly problematic for power users, gamers, and those who overclock their systems.
The fix, which was initially announced in a Windows 11 Insider Preview Build in February, has now made its way to the Release Preview channel. Microsoft states they are changing the way Task Manager calculates CPU utilization to align with industry standards and third-party tools. Testing with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D showed that the previous Task Manager would report 100% CPU utilization during benchmarks, while more accurate third-party tools like HWInfo showed different results due to the CPU operating above its base clock of 4.7 GHz.
For users concerned about the change, Microsoft has thoughtfully included an option to revert to the previous calculation method by ticking 'CPU Utility' in the Details section of Task Manager.
Windows Task Manager CPU Calculation
- Old method: Based on CPU base clock
- New method: Aligns with industry standards and third-party tools
- Option to revert: Available by ticking 'CPU Utility' in Task Manager Details section
Control Panel Features Continue Migration to Settings App
Microsoft's long-term plan to phase out the Control Panel continues as more features make their way to the Settings app. The latest migration involves mouse properties options, which have now been fully transitioned to the Settings window. This move, confirmed by Microsoft in August 2024, represents another step in the company's effort to consolidate system configuration into a single, modern interface.
The change was discovered by the user PhantomOfEarth, who regularly identifies hidden features in beta versions of Windows. While some users may lament the gradual disappearance of the familiar Control Panel, others welcome the consistency of having all system settings in one location.
Package Managers Revolutionize Windows Software Management
Package managers like Winget and Chocolatey are transforming how Windows users install, update, and remove software. These tools offer significant advantages over the traditional manual process of downloading and running individual installers.
With package managers, users can install applications using simple command-line instructions. For example, typing choco install vlc.install in Command Prompt or PowerShell automatically installs the VLC Media Player without requiring manual downloads or clicking through installation wizards.
The benefits extend beyond simple installations. Package managers enable batch installation of multiple applications with a single command, making new PC setup significantly faster. They also facilitate batch updates of all installed software, clean uninstallation without leftover files, and help users avoid unwanted bundled programs or bloatware.
Security is another major advantage, as package managers pull software from verified sources and conduct thorough testing before installation. This reduces the risk of downloading malware or incorrect applications from potentially malicious websites.
Storage efficiency improves as well, since package managers intelligently handle dependencies, ensuring shared libraries are installed only once rather than duplicated across multiple applications.
For Windows 11 users looking to streamline their software management process, package managers offer a more efficient, secure, and storage-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Whether setting up a new system or maintaining an existing one, these tools provide a level of convenience that makes traditional software installation seem unnecessarily cumbersome by comparison.