Microsoft has begun rolling out a major update for Windows 11, introducing several enhancements and new features. This update, available starting today, includes improvements to Windows 11’s Copilot, adding more interactive PC control options. It also brings the Generative Erase function to the Photos app, Voice Shortcuts for improved accessibility, updated Snap layouts, modifications to the Widgets feature, and more.
Although the update is being released today, not all functionalities will be immediately available. For example, the expanded capabilities of Copilot, set to be introduced in late March, will allow users to instruct the AI chatbot to perform various tasks such as turning on battery saver mode, launching accessibility tools like Narrator or Magnifier, displaying available Wi-Fi networks, checking storage space, and clearing the recycling bin.
The update also incorporates AI-driven enhancements to the native Photos app, introducing a new Generative Erase feature that enables users to easily remove unwanted objects from photos. Additionally, Microsoft’s video editor, Clipchamp, will now feature the ability to eliminate awkward pauses in videos.
Further improvements include updates to the Widgets and Snap layouts in Windows 11. The Widgets, which have been criticized for being cluttered with unwanted news, can now be customized to exclude the “Microsoft Start” feed. Moreover, the Windows Widgets board will support interoperability, allowing for potential content integration from services like Google News, in line with the Digital Markets Act agreements with the European Commission.
The Snap feature, facilitating the resizing of app windows, has been enhanced to remember frequently used apps and suggest layouts automatically. For tablet users with stylus support, the update enables direct writing into text fields across the operating system, including apps like Photos, Paint, WhatsApp, and more.
The built-in casting feature has been improved, suggesting when to use the Cast feature for multitasking and aiding in finding and connecting to nearby displays. For users who share content between Windows and Android devices, the update aims to simplify content sharing with faster Nearby Share transfer speeds and the ability to give your PC a recognizable name.
The Phone Link system in Windows 11 also receives an upgrade, allowing access to recent photos or using your phone as a webcam in video conferencing apps. This feature is being rolled out for Windows Insiders starting today, requiring an Android device running version 9 or higher and a specific version of the Link to Windows app.
Accessibility enhancements in Windows 11 include the introduction of Voice Shortcuts, allowing users to create custom voice commands for task automation. This update also enhances the voice access feature, enabling its use across multiple displays and improving the built-in Narrator with more natural voices.
The rollout of this update commences today, though availability may vary. Users eager for immediate access should opt into receiving the latest updates via Windows Update. These new features will become the default in the March 2024 optional non-security preview release for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2. Microsoft has committed to closely monitoring the rollout and will communicate any issues through the Windows release health dashboard.
In response to the Digital Market Act in the European Union, Microsoft is also making changes that allow users to remove Cortana and choose their search provider for Windows Search, with these features rolling out ahead of the March 6 compliance deadline.
