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

Windows 11 has changed significantly since its original release. Microsoft keeps adding new features and improvements through monthly updates and annual feature releases, so the Windows 11 experience today differs significantly from the version that launched in 2021. Windows 11 version 26H2 is the current feature release, bringing improvements to the taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, Windows Search, system recovery, accessibility, and other parts of the operating system. Microsoft has also added more AI-powered features for compatible Copilot+ PCs.

Not every feature is available on every computer. Some require a specific Windows version, while others depend on hardware such as a Copilot+ PC with NPU. In this guide, we’ll cover the major new features and improvements in Windows 11, including interface changes, File Explorer, Search, AI features, security, recovery, performance, accessibility, and other notable changes.

1. Updated Start Menu and Taskbar

The Start menu and taskbar are two of Windows 11’s most visible parts, and both have received several improvements since the operating system was first released.

More Taskbar Position Options

Windows 11 now gives you more control over where the taskbar appears. You can place it at the bottom, top, left, or right side of the screen.

To change the position, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar position.

A smaller taskbar option is also available. It reduces the taskbar and its icons, which can help on laptops or smaller displays with limited screen space. The smaller taskbar setting is currently supported when the taskbar is positioned at the top or bottom.

More Control Over the Start Menu

The Start menu also provides more control over its layout. You can choose between different Start menu sizes and independently control sections such as Pinned, Recent, and All.

Windows 11 also lets you hide your name and profile picture from the Start menu if you prefer a simpler appearance. The section previously called Recommended is now labeled Recent in the Start menu and its settings. These options are available under Settings > Personalization > Start.

These changes make the Start menu less restrictive than the version that shipped with Windows 11.

2. Improved File Explorer

File Explorer has received steady improvements, making it easier to work with files, folders, tabs, previews, and cloud content.

Better File Previews

Recent updates have changed how File Explorer handles files downloaded from the web.

For HTML files, the Preview pane can display a Preview anyway option before opening the content. Supported non-HTML files, including PDFs, can be previewed automatically.

File Explorer Home can also remember whether sections were expanded or collapsed, making it easier to return to the layout you were using previously.

File Explorer Tabs

Windows 11 supports tabs in File Explorer, allowing you to keep several folders inside one window rather than opening a separate window for every location.

You can also use the middle mouse button to open supported folders in a new tab. This is particularly useful when moving between several folders or comparing files in different locations.

Faster Archive Handling

File Explorer has also received performance improvements when extracting large numbers of files from archives such as 7z and RAR files. This can make extracting large collections of files less time-consuming.

Easier File Information

File sizes shown in the Details view now use appropriate units, such as KB, MB, and GB, instead of displaying everything in KB. File Explorer Home has also received performance and usability improvements, including better thumbnail display and touch scrolling for recommended files.

AI Actions for Files

On supported PCs and with supported files, File Explorer can provide AI-powered actions.

For example, supported image files can offer actions such as:

• Remove background
• Blur background
• Erase objects

Some supported documents can also provide summarization options.

These features have additional requirements and are not available on every Windows 11 PC.

3. Smarter Windows Search

Windows Search is more useful for finding apps, settings, and files without needing to remember the exact name.

Better Search Results

Recent improvements make Search easier to scan by showing more clearly where a result comes from, such as an app, setting, file, web result, or Microsoft Store suggestion.

Windows 11 can also automatically index frequently used folders, making files stored in those locations easier to find in later searches. You can control this behavior from the Search settings.

Control Web and Store Suggestions

Windows 11 also provides more control over online suggestions.

If you mainly use Windows Search to find local files, apps and settings, you can adjust the Search settings to control web and Microsoft Store suggestions.

Semantic Search on Copilot+ PCs

On supported Copilot+ PCs, Windows Search can go beyond exact keywords by using semantic indexing. Instead of relying solely on the exact words in a filename or document, it can look for content that matches the meaning of your search.

For example, you may remember saving pictures from a particular trip without remembering the folder or filenames. A more descriptive search can help locate related content.

Microsoft says these improvements are available across supported Snapdragon, AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs.

4. More AI Features on Compatible Windows 11 PCs

AI is now one of the biggest areas of development in Windows 11. However, not every Windows 11 PC has the same AI features. Many advanced experiences require a Copilot+ PC with a compatible NPU.

Click to Do

Click to Do can identify text and images on your screen and suggest actions you can take.

Depending on the content, you can summarize or rewrite selected text or perform supported image-editing actions.

Click to Do processes the screen locally on supported devices and requires a compatible Copilot+ PC or eligible Cloud PC with a 40 TOPS NPU, along with other hardware requirements.

Recall

Recall is designed to help you find things you previously viewed on your PC. It uses snapshots of activity that you can search using natural-language descriptions.

For example, you could search for something you remember seeing earlier without remembering which application or website contained it.

Recall is an opt-in feature. Snapshots are stored and analyzed locally on the PC, and users can control whether to save them. It requires a compatible Copilot+ PC and additional hardware requirements.

Agent in Settings

Windows 11 also includes an Agent in Settings feature on compatible Copilot+ PCs. It helps users find and change supported Windows settings using natural-language requests.

Instead of manually searching through several Settings categories, you can describe the problem or change you want to make and let the feature guide you toward the appropriate setting or supported action.

AI Actions in File Explorer

AI capabilities have also been integrated into File Explorer. Depending on the file and available services, users can perform actions such as removing an image background, blurring a background, erasing objects, or summarizing supported documents.

These features should not be treated as standard Windows features because availability depends on hardware, software and other requirements.

Quick Insight: AI features are an addition to Windows 11, not a replacement for traditional tools. You can continue using Search, File Explorer, Paint, Settings and other Windows applications normally on a PC without a Copilot+ NPU.

5. Better Recovery and Repair Options

Microsoft has continued improving Windows recovery tools so users have more options when something goes wrong.

Point-in-Time Restore

Point-in-time restore is designed to restore a Windows PC to a recent working point. Unlike traditional System Restore, it can restore apps, settings, and personal files to the selected point in time.

This can be useful when a PC worked correctly and then developed a problem after a system change.

You can access it through: Settings > System > Recovery > Point-in-time restore

If Windows cannot start normally, you can also access it through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Quick Machine Recovery

Quick Machine Recovery is designed for situations where Windows cannot boot normally because of a critical problem.

Instead of requiring an administrator or user to manually diagnose every affected device, Windows can connect to Microsoft’s recovery service and look for an appropriate remediation for known boot failures.

This is particularly useful for organizations managing many Windows devices, but the underlying recovery technology is part of the newer Windows recovery experience.

Better Recovery Connectivity

Windows recovery has also been improved so that supported WinRE scenarios can reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles already saved in Windows. This can help the recovery environment connect to the internet without requiring Wi-Fi credentials to be entered again.

Quick Insight: If Windows becomes unstable, don’t immediately choose Reset this PC. Check the available recovery options first because newer recovery tools may allow you to restore the system without starting over.

6. Stronger Security and Protection

Security is one area where Windows 11 differs significantly from older Windows versions. The operating system is designed around newer hardware security capabilities and protections that work during startup and normal system use.

Secure Boot and Trusted Boot

Secure Boot helps prevent untrusted software from loading during the early stages of startup. Trusted Boot continues checking important Windows startup components after the firmware stage.

Together, these technologies help protect the boot process from malware that tries to load before Windows security software becomes active.

Windows 11 also relies more heavily on hardware-based security features on supported PCs, which is one reason its hardware requirements are stricter than Windows 10.

Administrator Protection

Windows 11 also includes Administrator Protection, designed to reduce the time a user operates with elevated administrator privileges.

Instead of keeping an administrator token available continuously, the feature uses just-in-time elevation when an action requires administrative access. Windows Hello can authorize the elevation, and the elevated token is discarded after the task is complete.

Administrator protection is available on supported Windows 11 editions, although its availability and configuration can depend on the device and management policies.

Secure Boot Certificate Updates

Microsoft is also transitioning Windows devices to newer Secure Boot certificates as older certificates approach expiration.

For most users, the certificate updates are delivered through Windows Update rather than requiring manual changes. Devices that need firmware support may require an appropriate manufacturer update.

Passkey and Windows Hello Improvements

Windows 11 continues to improve its authentication experience, including updates to Windows Hello and passkey sign-in. These changes make it easier to choose between supported authentication methods and provide clearer security prompts.

Quick Insight: Many Windows 11 security improvements operate in the background. You may never notice them during normal use, but they are an important reason Windows 11 has different hardware and security requirements than Windows 10.

7. Performance, Power, and Windows Update Improvements

Not every Windows 11 improvement is a major visual feature. Microsoft also continues to make changes that affect system maintenance, battery usage, and everyday performance.

Better Energy Saver Controls

Windows 11’s Energy Saver feature can reduce power consumption by limiting certain background activity and adjusting system behavior when power conservation is important.

On managed PCs, administrators can also control Energy Saver settings through policies and Microsoft Intune. This is particularly useful for organizations managing large numbers of laptops.

Fewer Update Interruptions

Windows Update has received changes designed to make update installation and restart behavior less disruptive. Supported updates can also coordinate with participating applications so their updates work more smoothly with Windows Update.

Better System Responsiveness

Windows 11 continues to receive smaller performance improvements across areas such as File Explorer, Task Manager, virtual desktops, display settings, and system components.

These changes don’t mean every Windows 11 PC will suddenly become faster. Hardware, drivers, storage, memory, background apps, and workload still have a much bigger impact on overall performance.

Quick Insight: Most Windows performance improvements are about making everyday tasks more consistent rather than dramatically increasing CPU or GPU performance.

8. Accessibility Improvements

Windows 11 continues to improve accessibility features for users who need larger interface elements, voice control, captions, screen reading, or other assistance.

Magnifier Improvements

The Magnifier experience has received interface and usability improvements that make it easier to access commonly used controls while enlarging content on the screen.

Narrator and Voice Features

Windows 11 continues to improve Narrator, Voice Access, and related accessibility features. These tools allow users to navigate Windows with spoken commands, have text read aloud, or interact with the system without relying entirely on a mouse and keyboard.

Live Captions

Live Captions can turn supported audio into on-screen text. Compatible Copilot+ PCs also receive additional translation capabilities for supported languages.

Easier Window Management

Windows 11 also includes accessibility settings that can make application windows easier to use, including options to open apps maximized.

These features can help not only people with permanent accessibility needs but also those who struggle to read small text, listen to audio, or control the mouse.

Quick Insight: Windows 11 includes accessibility features, so you don’t necessarily need third-party software for common needs like magnification, captions, voice control, or screen reading.

9. Gaming Improvements

Windows 11 includes several technologies designed for modern PC gaming, although the actual benefit depends heavily on the game and hardware.

DirectStorage

DirectStorage allows compatible games to take advantage of fast NVMe SSD storage to transfer game assets more efficiently. It is designed to reduce the work traditionally handled by the CPU during asset loading.

However, DirectStorage does not automatically make every game load faster. The game itself must support the technology, and the benefit depends on the SSD, CPU, GPU, and overall system configuration.

Auto HDR

Auto HDR can add HDR improvements to supported games that were originally designed for standard dynamic range. When used with a compatible HDR display, it can improve the appearance of highlights, shadows, and colors without requiring the game to have native HDR support.

You can manage the feature from: Settings > System > Display > HDR

Better Support for Modern Gaming Hardware

Windows 11 is designed around newer graphics drivers, CPUs, SSDs, and gaming technologies. It also includes features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and optimizations for supported windowed games that can improve responsiveness and reduce latency in compatible systems.

Xbox and Game Bar Integration

The Xbox app and Xbox Game Bar remain integrated into the Windows gaming experience. Game Bar provides quick access to features such as performance information, screen recording, audio controls, and communication tools while playing a game.

Quick Insight: Windows 11 doesn’t guarantee higher FPS in every game. Gaming performance still depends mainly on your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, drivers, game settings, and the game itself. The main advantage is better support for newer gaming technologies and hardware.

10. Windows 11 26H2: Other Notable Improvements

The 2026 Update also includes several smaller improvements that are easy to overlook.

• Windows Share: Windows Share can provide access to relevant applications directly from the share window in supported work or school account scenarios.
• Android and Windows Integration: Microsoft continues to improve cross-device experiences between Android phones and Windows PCs. The goal is to make it easier to continue tasks and move information between devices.
• Shared Audio: Lets compatible Bluetooth audio technology share audio across multiple devices at the same time. The feature requires supported hardware and audio technology.
• Multi-App Camera: Lets multiple apps access the camera at the same time. This can be useful when more than one application needs camera access.
• Basic Camera: Windows 11 also includes a simplified Basic Camera mode designed to improve compatibility and provide a more straightforward camera experience.
• Widgets: Microsoft has updated Widgets to create a more focused experience, including improved notification controls and fewer interruptions.
• Networking: Windows 11 26H2 also includes reliability improvements designed to provide more consistent access to shared network resources and services.

11. Which Windows 11 Features Require a Copilot+ PC?

One of the most important things to understand about modern Windows 11 is that Windows 11 and Copilot+ PC features are not the same thing. You do not need a Copilot+ PC to use Windows 11.

However, some advanced AI features require compatible hardware with an NPU.

Examples include:

• Click to Do – lets you take actions on text and images displayed on your screen.
• Recall – lets you search locally stored snapshots of your activity using natural-language descriptions.
• Improved Windows Search – lets you search locally stored snapshots of your activity using natural-language descriptions.
• Agent in Settings – helps find and change supported Windows settings using natural-language requests.
• Cocreator in Paint – uses AI to help create artwork based on your drawing and instructions.
• Windows Studio Effects – provides supported camera and audio effects using compatible hardware.
• Auto Super Resolution – uses AI to improve supported gaming experiences.
• Live Captions translation – provides additional translation capabilities on compatible Copilot+ PCs.

A Copilot+ PC requires an NPU capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). However, having a Copilot+ PC does not automatically mean every feature will be available. Availability can depend on the Windows version, processor, language, region, Microsoft account, and gradual feature rollout.

The important point is that standard Windows 11 features such as the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, security tools, recovery options and many accessibility features do not require a Copilot+ PC.

Quick Insight: If you’re buying a new PC mainly for Windows 11 features, check the requirements for the specific feature you want instead of assuming every Windows 11 PC supports it.

12. Windows 11 26H2 Support Lifecycle

Windows 11 26H2 also starts a new support lifecycle.

Microsoft says supported:

• Home and Pro editions: 24 months of support
• Enterprise and Education editions: 36 months of support

Installing 26H2 therefore resets the feature-version support clock for supported editions.

For eligible 24H2 and 25H2 systems, Microsoft delivers 26H2 through an enablement package because the releases share the same servicing foundation.

This is why upgrading to 26H2 can be much quicker than a traditional Windows feature upgrade.

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