Microsoft Surface Duo Android 11 Update Finally Arrives With New Features, Bug Fixes

Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Anu Joy

Microsoft had announced the Surface Duo in 2019 and launched it in 2020. The Surface Duo came preloaded with Android 10 on board. It was supposed to get the Android 11 update in 2021, but it didn’t happen, unfortunately. Now, in a recent development, Microsoft has released the Android 11 update for the Surface Duo. According to GSMArena, the company has released the Android 11 update for the unlocked Surface Duo units in North America and Europe. Let us check out what features the new software update brings in for the Surface Duo 2.

Microsoft Surface Duo Receives Android 11 Update

According to Microsoft’s website, the Android 11 update for the Surface Duo arrives with firmware version 2021.1027.156. The new software update brings in all the Android 11 features and January 2022 security patch. The Android 11 software version optimizes Quick Settings and also brings in an updated app drawer and folder design. The software update also enhances the dual-screen experience for viewing and editing photos in OneDrive app. Here’s the changelog of the Android 11 update for the Surface Duo.

Microsoft Surface Duo Android 11 Update Changelog

• Upgrades the Android operating system to Android 11. For more information about Android 11.
• Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—January 2022.
• Enabled launching of OneNote when clicking the top button on Surface Slim Pen 2. It requires Surface Slim Pen 2 to be paired with Surface Duo.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose preference for answering phone calls when folded.
• Enabled in Surface Duo features, in Settings, to choose specific apps to automatically span across both screens when you open them.
• Optimized Quick Settings and notification width for portrait and landscape orientations.
• Adjust media volume directly from Quick Settings in any device mode.
• Use thumb mode in Microsoft SwiftKey now with all device modes and application states.
• Updated app drawer and folder design with improved drag-and-drop support.
• Refreshed Microsoft feed design with updated cards and new Microsoft Start widgets for News and Weather.
• Photos by OneDrive: New dual-screen enhanced experience for viewing and editing photos in the OneDrive app.
• Xbox Game Pass: Discovery and play games from the cloud with an on-screen controller. Some devices, accessories, and software sold separately. Additional fees and/or subscriptions required for some apps and features.

The Android 11 update is rolling out for unlocked Surface Duo units in North America and Europe. For the locked or unlocked AT&T Surface Duos, Microsoft is testing the Android 11 release, and it is pending final validation according to Microsoft’s page about the update.