Microsoft has launched a significant update for Windows 11, bringing a redesigned Start Menu, advanced Copilot+ features, and a variety of AI-driven enhancements focused on increasing productivity and accessibility. Initially, these updates will be accessible to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the recently unveiled Surface devices, before being extended to other hardware.
Highlights
A Redesigned and Improved Start Menu
One of the most noticeable changes is the revamped Start Menu in Windows 11, which now offers a full-screen All Apps view organised into categories for better navigation. It also incorporates a long-awaited Phone Link companion panel, allowing real-time access to recent messages, calls, battery status, and contacts from paired Android or iOS devices.
AI Agent Integrated into Settings
An innovative AI agent integrated into the Windows Settings app aims to simplify troubleshooting processes. Users can articulate issues, such as a small mouse pointer, in natural language, and this AI agent will direct them to the relevant settings. With user consent, adjustments can even be made automatically. Microsoft has added a note stating that “recommendations are AI-generated and may not always be accurate,” advising caution when utilising this tool for critical settings.
Enhancements to the ‘Click to Do’ Functionality
The Click to Do feature, empowered by on-device neural processing units (NPUs), is earning new functionalities. Users can now:
- Request Copilot to analyse text or visuals on the screen
- Create draft content in Microsoft Word
- Convert on-screen data into an Excel table
- Schedule Teams meetings or send messages
- Initiate Reading Coach or Immersive Reader
These improvements aim to simplify repetitive tasks through contextual understanding.
Copilot Vision and Press to Talk Innovations
Copilot Vision, which allows for analysis of on-screen content, is now being made available beyond Insiders. Users will also have the ability to engage with Copilot through Press to Talk by holding down the designated key on their keyboard while issuing commands verbally.
AI Integration in Core Apps: Photos, Paint, and Snipping Tool
Photos
A new Relight feature enables users to incorporate up to three adjustable light sources into an image. Focus points and intensity can be adjusted manually or via presets. This feature will initially be exclusive to Snapdragon-powered PCs.
Paint
The application adds a content-aware selection tool, generative fill, and a sticker generator for creating digital stickers from text prompts.
Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool now includes Perfect Screenshot, which automatically crops around essential visual elements. Additionally, it introduces a text extractor that allows users to copy text from images and a colour picker tool.
AI Features in Notepad and File Explorer
Microsoft’s streamlined text editor, Notepad, is receiving a contemporary upgrade. The new AI writing function can generate and summarise content, including basic formatting capabilities such as bold and italic, which has sparked mixed reactions among long-time users.
Meanwhile, File Explorer will support AI capabilities including:
- Summarising documents
- Editing images
- Generating previews or text-based insights from files
Updates to Microsoft Store and Accessibility Features
The Microsoft Store will include a new personalised recommendations section, while Copilot will offer contextual assistance as users navigate. Apps optimised for Copilot+ PCs will visibly feature a badge indicating their enhanced performance capabilities.
In terms of accessibility, an upgraded Narrator tool will provide detailed image descriptions for visually impaired users. This functionality is currently available for Snapdragon users in the Insider programme and will soon be rolled out to other Copilot+ devices.
Rollout Timeline and Device Compatibility
Many AI-enhanced features will initially launch on Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs, with devices powered by AMD and Intel expected to follow shortly. Some features are already accessible to Windows Insiders, while a broader public rollout will take place in the forthcoming months. Not every feature will be widely available; certain functionalities will remain exclusive to Copilot+ hardware.
