Windows 11 New features and improvements: Everything you need to know

Microsoft first released Windows 11 as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, with a modern design, stronger security, AI-powered tools, and productivity improvements. Since then, several feature updates (22H2, 23H2, 24H2 and 25H2) have added even more capabilities. Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or already on Windows 11 and wondering what’s actually new, this article explores the most important Windows 11 features and the biggest changes in each major update.

Key Windows 11 features at a glance

Here are some of the most notable changes you’ll notice when you start using Windows 11:

• Redesigned Start menu and taskbar centered by default, with a cleaner look.
• New Snap layouts and Snap groups to organize windows and multitask faster.
• Widgets panel for weather, news, calendar, traffic, and more.
• Modern Settings app and updated system UI with rounded corners and new animations.
• AI features like Windows Copilot, AI in Paint, Photos, Clipchamp, and more.
• Improved Microsoft Store with more app types and popular desktop apps.
• Modern File Explorer with a simplified toolbar, tabs, and cloud integrations.
• Integrated Microsoft Teams (Chat) for quick calls and messages.
• Phone Link for seamless Android/iPhone integration, calls, messages, and notifications.
• Live Captions for system-wide real-time captions across all apps and audio.
• Dynamic Refresh Rate and energy efficiency improvements to extend battery life.
• Focus Sessions and Do Not Disturb with Pomodoro timers and automatic scheduling.
• Voice Access for complete hands-free PC control using voice commands.
• Windows Studio Effects with background blur, eye contact, and voice focus for video calls.
• Voice typing with auto-punctuation for quick dictation across all apps.
• Multiple desktops and improved window management for better organization.
• Gaming improvements such as Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and Xbox app integration.
• Stronger security with TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, passkeys, and hardware-based isolation.

Let’s look at these in more detail.

Redesigned Start menu and taskbar

One of the first things you’ll notice in Windows 11 is the new Start menu and centred taskbar.

Clean, centred layout

• The Start button and app icons are centred on the taskbar by default for a more modern look.
• The old Live Tiles are gone and replaced with simple pinned app icons and a Recommended section that shows recent files and apps.
• You can still move the Start menu back to the left if you prefer:
  1. Right–click the taskbar, then open Taskbar settings.
  2. Scroll to Taskbar behaviours.
  3. Change Taskbar alignment to Left.

Updated system tray and notifications
The notification and quick settings areas have also changed:

• Notifications & calendar now appear when you click on the clock and date.
• Quick Settings (Wi‑Fi, volume, brightness, Bluetooth, and more) appear when you click the network/volume/battery area on the taskbar.

Windows 11 also updates the general look and feel:

• Rounded corners on windows and menus.
• Subtle animations and transparency effects.
• Updated Segoe UI Variable font that scales better across different display sizes.

These changes make Windows 11 feel more consistent and less cluttered than Windows 10.

“Beyond the visual changes, Windows 11 also enhances productivity with smarter window management.”

Snap layouts and Snap groups for better multitasking

Windows 11 builds on the old snapping feature from Windows 10 with more powerful tools:

Snap layouts
Snap layouts help you quickly arrange multiple windows on your desktop.

• Hover your mouse over the Maximize button on any window, or press Win + Z.
• You’ll see predefined layouts (two-column, three-column, grid, etc.).
• Choose a position for the current app, then fill the remaining slots with other apps.

This makes it much easier to:

• Work with a browser, document and chat window side by side.
• Watch a video while writing notes or checking email.

Snap groups
When you create a Snap layout, Windows 11 remembers the group of apps you arranged.

• Hover over the app icons on the taskbar and you’ll see Snap groups.
• Click the group to restore all the windows in that layout at once.

Snap layouts and Snap groups are on by default and are especially useful on large monitors and multi‑monitor setups.

Widgets in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a Widgets panel that provides at‑a‑glance information:

• Click the Widgets icon on the taskbar (a square divided into two) or press Win + W.
• You’ll see cards for weather, calendar, traffic, sports scores, stock prices, to‑do list and Microsoft news.

You can:

• Customize which widgets appear.
• Resize and rearrange widgets to match your preferences.

Widgets are similar to the “News and Interests” feature in Windows 10, but integrated into a dedicated panel that slides in from the left.

A more powerful Settings app and modern UI

The Settings app in Windows 11 has been completely redesigned for better usability:

• When you open Settings, you land on the System page by default.
• A persistent left sidebar lets you move quickly between categories like System, Bluetooth & devices, Network & internet, Personalization, Apps, Accounts and more.
• A breadcrumb bar at the top shows your current location, so you can easily go back.
• A built‑in search bar is always visible, making it easier to find specific settings.

The classic Control Panel still exists for some advanced options, but more and more items have moved to the new Settings interface over time.

“Beyond the visual changes, Windows 11 also introduces powerful AI capabilities that transform how you work with your PC.”

Windows Copilot: built‑in AI assistant

One of the biggest new capabilities in Windows 11 is Windows Copilot, a built‑in AI assistant that started rolling out with Windows 11 version 23H2 and continues to evolve.

What Copilot can do
Copilot appears as a sidebar on your desktop and can help you:

• Answer questions and explain things (similar to Bing Chat).
• Summarise text, emails or web pages you copy into it.
• Draft emails, documents or social posts from simple prompts.
• Adjust some system settings (like turning on dark mode or taking screenshots) using natural language.

You can open Copilot from the taskbar icon or using the designated keyboard shortcut (on supported builds).

While early versions felt more like a web interface inside Windows, ongoing updates are making Copilot better integrated with the OS and Microsoft apps, turning it into one of the most important productivity features in Windows 11.

AI upgrades in built‑in apps: Paint, Photos, Clipchamp and more

Alongside Copilot, Microsoft has been infusing AI features into the built‑in Windows 11 apps, especially starting around the 23H2 timeframe and later updates.

Some of the most useful examples:

Paint with background removal and layers

• Paint now supports background removal, letting you quickly isolate a subject in an image.
• New features like layers and enhanced editing tools make it more capable for quick graphic tasks.

Photos with AI editing
The Photos app includes:

• Auto enhance and improved image adjustments.
• AI‑powered background blur and other editing effects, depending on your build.

Clipchamp for video editing
Windows 11 now ships with Clipchamp, a more modern video editor that:

• Offers simple drag‑and‑drop editing.
• Includes templates, filters, text and basic effects.
• Provides an easier way to create short videos for social media, tutorials or personal projects compared to the old Movie Maker era.

These AI‑enhanced apps turn Windows 11 into a much better environment for quick content creation without needing heavy third‑party tools.

Modern File Explorer and cloud integration

Windows 11’s File Explorer has evolved across multiple updates, bringing a more modern design and better cloud integration.

Key improvements include:

• Simplified toolbar at the top instead of the old ribbon with multiple tabs.
• New context menus with common actions (copy, paste, rename, share, delete) at the top and advanced options under Show more options.
• A modern Home page showing Quick Access, Favorites and Recent items.
• Better integration with OneDrive and other cloud storage, including sync status and quota information.
• The ability to quickly access Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) file systems.
• Tabs in File Explorer (added in later updates) so you can work with multiple folders in one window.

There’s also a Details pane (Alt + Shift + P) that can show file information, activity, sharing status and related files, making File Explorer more helpful for collaboration and cloud workflows.

Phone Link: seamless mobile integration

Windows 11 includes Phone Link, a built-in app that connects your Android or iPhone to your PC for a more integrated experience.

What Phone Link can do:

• Make and receive calls directly from your PC
• Send and receive text messages without picking up your phone
• View notifications from your phone on your desktop
• Access photos from your phone’s camera roll instantly
• Run Android apps on your PC (on supported Samsung and other devices)
• Cross-device copy and paste for seamless workflow

To set up Phone Link:

1. Open the Phone Link app from the Start menu
2. Follow the setup wizard to connect your phone
3. Install the companion app on your mobile device

Phone Link is especially useful when you’re working at your desk and want to stay connected without constantly checking your phone. It works best with Android devices, though iPhone support is more limited (calls and messages only).

Multiple desktops and improved window management

Windows 11 makes it easier to separate your work and personal life using virtual desktops.

• Click the Task view / Desktops icon on the taskbar (two overlapping squares) or press Win + Tab.
• Create multiple desktops for work, personal use, gaming, school and more.
• Each desktop can have its own wallpaper and app arrangement.

To create a new desktop quickly:

• Click New desktop in Task view, or
• Press Win + Ctrl + D.

To customize a desktop background:

• Right‑click the desktop thumbnail in Task view and choose Choose background.

On multi‑monitor setups, Windows 11 does a better job of remembering window positions and restoring them when you reconnect monitors.

Live Captions for better accessibility

Windows 11 includes Live Captions, a system-wide feature that provides real-time captions for any audio playing on your PC.

Key features:

• Works across all apps and browsers – videos, meetings, podcasts, games
• Supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and more
• Captions appear in a customizable floating window you can move anywhere
• No internet connection required for supported languages

To enable Live Captions:

1. Press Win + Ctrl + L (or go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions)
2. Toggle on Live captions
3. Customize caption appearance, position, and language

Live Captions is one of the most useful accessibility features in Windows 11, but it’s also helpful in noisy environments, when you can’t use sound, or when learning a new language. The feature uses on-device AI for privacy and works even offline.

Voice typing with auto‑punctuation

Windows 11 includes a powerful voice typing tool that works across apps:

• Press Win + H to open the voice typing overlay.
• Start speaking, and Windows will convert your speech to text.

Notable features:

• System‑wide – works in browsers, Notepad, Office apps and more.
• Auto punctuation – automatically adds commas, periods and question marks if enabled.

To enable auto‑punctuation:

1. Open voice typing (Win + H).
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Turn on Auto punctuation.

You’ll need an active internet connection for the best accuracy.

For quickly drafting emails, documents or notes, this is one of the most underrated features in Windows 11.

Dynamic Refresh Rate and energy efficiency

Windows 11 includes intelligent power management features that help extend battery life on laptops without sacrificing performance.

Dynamic Refresh Rate works on laptops with adaptive display technology (like NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync)

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR):

On supported displays, Windows 11 can automatically adjust your screen’s refresh rate based on what you’re doing:

• Lower refresh rates (60Hz) when reading documents or browsing to save power
• Higher refresh rates (120Hz or more) when scrolling, gaming, or using a stylus for smooth motion
• Seamless switching that you won’t notice

Energy Recommendations:

The Settings app now includes an Energy Recommendations page (Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations) that suggests:

• Apps consuming excessive background power
• Screen brightness and sleep settings adjustments
• Features you can disable to extend battery life

These improvements make Windows 11 laptops significantly more efficient, especially on devices with modern displays and processors. If you have a high-refresh-rate laptop, DRR can add hours to your battery life.

Focus Sessions and enhanced Do Not Disturb

Windows 11 helps you stay productive with Focus Sessions and an improved Do Not Disturb mode.

Focus Sessions:

Built into the Clock app, Focus Sessions help you work without distractions:

• Set a focus timer (typically 25-minute Pomodoro-style sessions)
• Automatically enables Do Not Disturb during your session
• Tracks your focus time and breaks
• Integrates with Spotify to play focus music (premium account required)
• Connects to Microsoft To Do to link tasks with focus time

Do Not Disturb improvements:

Windows 11’s Do Not Disturb mode is more flexible than Windows 10:

• Automatic scheduling – turn on DND during certain hours
• Priority notifications – allow important alerts even in DND mode
• Quick toggle from the notification center
• Integration with Focus Sessions and calendar events

To access Focus Sessions, open the Clock app from Start and select the Focus tab. For Do Not Disturb settings, go to Settings > System > Notifications > Do not disturb.

These features are especially useful if you work from home or need dedicated time for deep work without constant interruptions.

Voice Access: full voice control for your PC

Windows 11 also includes Voice Access, which lets you control your entire PC with voice commands, not just dictate text.

With Voice Access you can:

• Open and switch between apps using voice
• Click buttons, menus and links by saying their names or numbers
• Scroll, zoom and navigate around the screen hands‑free
• Dictate text into any text field

You can turn on Voice Access from Settings > Accessibility > Speech or by searching for it in the Start menu. This feature is especially helpful for users with mobility impairments or anyone who wants to operate their PC without using a keyboard and mouse.

Voice typing lets you dictate text into any app, while Voice Access allows you to control your entire PC with voice commands.

Windows Studio Effects for better video calls

On supported hardware, Windows 11 includes Windows Studio Effects, a set of AI-powered camera and audio features that improve your appearance and sound during video calls.

Camera effects:

• Background blur – automatically blur your background for privacy
• Eye contact – uses AI to make it appear you’re looking at the camera even when reading your screen
• Automatic framing – keeps you centered in the frame as you move
• Portrait light – adjusts lighting to brighten your face

Audio effects:

• Voice focus – isolates your voice and reduces background noise
• Background noise suppression – filters out keyboard typing, dogs barking, etc.

To access Windows Studio Effects:

• Look for the camera icon in the Quick Settings panel (Win + A)
• Or go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras > select your camera

Hardware requirements:

Windows Studio Effects work best on Copilot+ PCs and devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), though some effects are available on standard webcams with compatible processors.

These features work system-wide across Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and other video calling apps, making them more useful than app-specific filters. They’re especially valuable for remote workers and anyone who spends significant time on video calls.

Gaming features: Auto HDR, DirectStorage and Xbox integration

For gamers, Windows 11 brings a set of features designed to improve visuals and reduce load times.

Auto HDR
If you have an HDR‑ready display, Windows 11 can automatically apply HDR to many DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games that were originally SDR only.

• This widens the colour and brightness range, giving games a more vivid, high‑contrast look.
• Works with a large catalogue of supported titles.

DirectStorage
On supported hardware (NVMe SSD and compatible GPU), DirectStorage allows games to:

• Stream assets directly from storage to the GPU.
• Reduce CPU overhead and potentially shorten loading times.

Xbox app and Game Pass
The Xbox app is built into Windows 11 and lets you:

• Browse and install PC games, including titles in PC Game Pass.
• Stream games from the cloud via Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) in supported regions.

Windows 11 also includes underlying networking optimizations like Wi‑Fi Dual Station support (on compatible hardware) to help reduce latency.

Together, these make Windows 11 a strong platform for PC gaming, especially on modern hardware.

Stronger system security in Windows 11

Windows 11 raises the security baseline compared to Windows 10 by requiring more modern hardware and enabling more protections out of the box.

TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and hardware isolation
To be officially supported, Windows 11 requires:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) for secure key storage.
• Secure Boot to help block low‑level malware.
• Modern CPUs with hardware features that support virtualization‑based security (VBS).

This allows Windows 11 to:

• Store encryption keys and credentials in protected, hardware‑isolated areas.
• Provide stronger defences against firmware attacks and credential theft.

Passwordless sign‑in and passkeys
Windows 11 also pushes towards a passwordless future with:

• Windows Hello (facial recognition, fingerprint or PIN linked to your device).
• Support for passkeys – cryptographic keys you can use to sign into websites and apps without traditional passwords.

You can create and manage passkeys that are saved on your Windows 11 device, giving you more security and less password hassle.

Smarter phishing protection
With newer builds, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen can warn you if:

• You try to type or paste your work/school password into known unsafe sites or apps.

This helps prevent common phishing attacks and accidental credential leaks.

Sharing, connectivity and everyday improvements

A number of smaller but very useful improvements add up to a better daily experience in Windows 11.

Improved sharing and Nearby sharing
The Share window has been redesigned to:

• Show a cleaner list of apps and contacts.
• Integrate Outlook for quickly emailing files.
• Make Nearby sharing (via Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth) more prominent and faster.

You can share files directly from File Explorer or supported apps, and send them quickly to nearby Windows 11 PCs.

Better Wi‑Fi and latency features
On supported hardware, Windows 11 can use advanced technologies like Wi‑Fi Dual Station (introduced through cooperation with Qualcomm) to:

• Use multiple Wi‑Fi bands at once.
• Help reduce latency, especially for online gaming and real‑time communication.

Why upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense

Windows 11 is a mature, actively developed platform. The most important reasons to use it instead of staying on Windows 10 are:

• Modern interface that’s cleaner and more consistent.
• Powerful multitasking with Snap layouts, Snap groups and multiple desktops.
• Built‑in AI with Windows Copilot and smart features across Paint, Photos, Clipchamp, and more.
• Better gaming support with Auto HDR, DirectStorage and Xbox integration.
• Stronger security by design, with TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and hardware‑based isolation.

If your PC meets the system requirements, Windows 11 gives you a more future‑proof, secure and productive experience while still feeling familiar to longtime Windows users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most important new features in Windows 11 in 2026?
A: The most important Windows 11 features in 2026 include the redesigned Start menu and centred taskbar, Snap layouts and Snap groups for better multitasking, the Widgets board, a modern Settings app, Windows Copilot AI, AI upgrades in apps like Paint, Photos and Clipchamp, File Explorer with tabs and cloud integration, gaming improvements such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage, and stronger security with TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and passkeys.

Q: Is Windows 11 really better than Windows 10 for everyday use?
A: Yes. Windows 11 offers a cleaner interface, more powerful multitasking with Snap layouts and multiple desktops, integrated AI features like Windows Copilot, better gaming support with Auto HDR and DirectStorage, and a higher default security baseline thanks to TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. If your PC meets the requirements, Windows 11 generally feels more modern and responsive than Windows 10 while staying familiar.

Q: What is Windows Copilot and how is it used in Windows 11?
A: Windows Copilot is a built‑in AI assistant introduced with Windows 11 23H2. It appears as a sidebar on your desktop and can answer questions, summarise text, draft emails or documents, and change some system settings using natural language. You can open Copilot from its taskbar icon or a keyboard shortcut (on supported builds), making it one of the most important productivity features in Windows 11.

Q: What are the key gaming features in Windows 11?
A: Windows 11 includes several gaming improvements: Auto HDR for richer visuals in supported games, DirectStorage support to reduce loading times on NVMe SSDs and compatible GPUs, and the built‑in Xbox app with PC Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming (in supported regions). Combined with networking optimisations, these features make Windows 11 a strong platform for modern PC gaming.

Q: What security improvements does Windows 11 offer compared to Windows 10?
A: Windows 11 raises the security baseline by requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on supported devices and using virtualization‑based security to protect sensitive data. It also supports passwordless sign‑in with Windows Hello and passkeys, and uses Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to warn you if you enter work or school passwords into unsafe sites or apps, helping protect against phishing and credential theft.