Microsoft has announced the “next wave of Windows experiences” for Windows 11, which includes a refreshed Start menu, an AI assistant, and various new AI-powered features. The updated Start menu, previously seen in recent Insider builds, is set to arrive on Windows 11 in the coming months.
The redesigned Start menu in Windows 11 is now wider and taller, featuring a single-page layout with scrollable apps, categorized app sections, no recommendations, and integration with the Phone Link flyout. Microsoft plans to release it to Windows Insiders in the coming months.
Additionally, Windows 11 is introducing a built-in AI agent that operates within the Settings app. This assistant can interpret user queries—like noting that the mouse pointer is too small—and, with user consent, take appropriate action, such as adjusting settings with a single click.
Microsoft states that the Windows AI agent uses on-device AI to handle user queries and perform tasks locally. It will first launch for Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, such as the new compact Surface devices, and later expand to AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs.
New AI Features Coming to Windows 11
Windows 11 is also set to receive a range of new AI features. The AI-powered “Click to Do” tool is expanding with more “actions” accessible via the “Ask Copilot” button. Users will be able to interact with text or images, draft documents in Microsoft Word, use a Reading Coach to read text aloud, and schedule meetings.
You’ll also be able to “send the details of a table on screen directly to Microsoft Excel,” streamlining workflow and saving time. Notably, File Explorer is gaining AI capabilities, allowing users to right-click files to summarize content or edit images instantly. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing AI-powered search in Windows 11, with improved, descriptive search features coming to the Microsoft Store and Photos app.
The Photos app in Windows 11 is getting a new Relight feature, allowing users to add up to three adjustable light sources to enhance images. Meanwhile, the Paint app is being upgraded with a content-aware selection tool for AI-assisted erasing, moving, and filling, along with the ability to generate digital stickers from text prompts.
The Snipping Tool is gaining a “Perfect Screenshot” feature that automatically crops the main content on the screen. Notepad is also getting smarter, with tools to generate, organize, and format content, including text generation from prompts and summarizing complex information.
Lastly, Copilot Vision is set to become widely available, enabling users to share a browser or app window with Copilot for real-time collaboration. All these AI-powered features will initially roll out to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs running Windows Insider builds.