Windows 11 Levels Up with New Features for Copilot+ PCs and Beyond

Microsoft is dropping a major update for Windows 11, packed with features that supercharge productivity, creativity, and accessibility. Whether you’re rocking a Copilot+ PC with its AI muscle or a standard Windows 11 rig, there’s something here to make your workflow smoother and your experience slicker. From a revamped Start menu to AI-powered tools that feel like they’re reading your mind, let’s dive into what’s new, splitting the goodies between Copilot+ PCs and all Windows 11 machines.

Features Exclusive to Copilot+ PCs

Recall: Your PC’s Photographic Memory

Ever lost a file or browser tab in the chaos of a busy workday? Recall is here to save the day. This Copilot+ exclusive uses AI to let you search and reopen apps, websites, or documents you’ve touched before. It’s like having a personal assistant who remembers every digital move you’ve made. Perfect for power users juggling multiple projects, Recall makes digging up that one elusive file a breeze.

AI-Powered Windows Search

Searching on Copilot+ PCs just got a serious upgrade. With AI at the helm, Windows Search now handles natural language like a pro, pulling up images, texts, or files with pinpoint accuracy. Want “that beach photo from last year” or “the report I wrote last month”? Just ask, and the AI sifts through your data like magic. It’s fast, intuitive, and a game-changer for anyone with a packed hard drive.

Click to Do: Instant Actions, Zero Hassle

Click to Do is the kind of feature that makes you wonder how you lived without it. Right-click on text or images, and boom—AI-powered options like editing, summarizing, or sharing pop up. Need a quick translation of a paragraph or a polished version of your notes? Done. Exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, this tool streamlines tasks for creators and professionals who need to move fast.

Copilot Vision Visual Search

Copilot Vision is like giving your PC a pair of smart eyes. This feature analyzes images on your screen, identifying objects, text, or even entire scenes. Snap a screenshot, and Copilot Vision can extract text or tell you about that gadget in the photo. It’s a productivity booster for tasks that involve visuals, and it’s only available on Copilot+ PCs, where AI hardware shines.

AI Agent in Settings

Tired of hunting through the Settings app? Copilot+ PCs now have an AI agent that lets you tweak your system with plain English. Say “make my screen brighter” or “set up a second monitor,” and the AI handles it. Microsoft notes that AI suggestions might occasionally miss the mark, but this feature still makes configuring your PC feel effortless, especially for those who shy away from techy menus.

Features for All Windows 11 PCs

Redesigned Start Menu

The Start menu is finally getting the glow-up it deserves. Microsoft’s ditched the clunky design for a larger, scrollable layout that blends pinned apps and the “All apps” list seamlessly. You can now kill the Recommended section—goodbye, random file suggestions—and customize pinned apps to your heart’s content. Choose between list or category views for apps, and enjoy a menu that feels tailored to you. It’s a win for everyone, from Windows 10 holdouts to Windows 11 veterans.

Text Formatting in Notepad

Notepad, the unsung hero of quick notes, is stepping into the modern era with text formatting. Bold, italic, underline—you name it, Notepad’s got it. This update keeps the app’s lightweight vibe while making it more versatile for jotting down ideas or drafting simple docs. It’s a small but mighty change that every Windows 11 user can enjoy.

AI Writing Functions in Notepad

Notepad’s not just about formatting anymore—it’s got AI smarts, too. Highlight some text, and you can rewrite it, summarize it, or shift its tone to sound more professional or casual. Writing a quick email or refining a note? These AI tools make it a snap. This feature turns Notepad into a surprisingly powerful ally for all Windows 11 users.

AI Editing Features in Paint, Photos, and Snipping Tool

Microsoft’s core apps are getting an AI-powered makeover. Paint now lets you generate or tweak images, like zapping backgrounds or adding new elements. Photos offers smart edits, from auto-cropping to color boosts. Snipping Tool steps up with text extraction and AI-suggested annotations. These upgrades make creative work a breeze and are ready for every Windows 11 PC, no fancy hardware required.

AI Actions in File Explorer

File Explorer is getting smarter with AI actions that simplify file management. Right-click a document, and you can summarize it, extract text, or preview content without opening an app. It’s a time-saver for anyone who lives in File Explorer, and it’s rolling out to all Windows 11 users, making your file interactions smoother than ever.

Rich Image Descriptions for Narrator

Accessibility is getting a boost with Narrator’s new rich image descriptions. Powered by AI, this feature describes images in detail—think objects, layouts, and context—for visually impaired users. It’s a thoughtful addition that makes Windows 11 more inclusive, available to everyone running the OS.

Phone Link Integration in Start Menu

Phone Link is now baked into the Start menu, letting you call, text, or check phone photos right from your PC. It’s a seamless way to stay connected without grabbing your phone, and it’s available to all Windows 11 users. Perfect for those moments when you’re deep in a workflow and don’t want to break focus.

Wrapping It Up

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update is a love letter to both cutting-edge tech and everyday usability. Copilot+ PC owners get exclusive treats like Recall, Copilot Vision, and an AI Settings agent, tapping into next-level AI hardware. Meanwhile, every Windows 11 user scores a sharper Start menu, AI-powered apps, and accessibility upgrades. This update makes Windows 11 feel fresher and more capable, no matter your setup. Keep an eye out for the rollout, as these features are set to hit your PC soon—time to get excited!