Windows 11 Gets a Double Dose of Updates: HDR Improvements and New ‘Click to Do’ Features
Microsoft is pushing out a significant wave of updates to Windows 11, bringing improvements to HDR support and introducing new features like 'Click to Do.' These updates aim to improve the user experience and address long-standing issues. Let's dive into what's new.
HDR Enhancements: A Welcome Upgrade
For those who've struggled with HDR support in Windows 11, relief is on the horizon. According to Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft and PC tech, the latest KB5058499 update brings essential updates to HDR support. Users can now disable HDR across Windows while still streaming HDR video, offering more control over Dolby Vision.
This means you can enjoy HDR content from apps like Netflix or websites like YouTube without forcing HDR throughout the entire operating system. To access these updates, ensure you've enabled the "get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" option in Windows Update.
Microsoft is also refining Dolby Vision support, allowing users to toggle it on or off independently. These changes are particularly beneficial for users who disable HDR due to inconsistent support across applications.
While HDR support has improved, Warren notes that there's still room for greater developer and Microsoft collaboration to refine the HDR experience across various apps and games.
KB5058499: More Than Just HDR
The KB5058499 update is packed with forty-eight new features and changes, including the new Windows Share feature and the 'Click to Do' preview. It's an optional, non-security preview update, meaning it won't automatically install unless you have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're they're available" option enabled.
'Click to Do': Enhanced Productivity
'Click to Do' is a major focus of this update. It introduces intelligent text actions powered by the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), streamlining tasks through simple text selection. Key features include:
- Ask Copilot: Highlight text or an image to open Microsoft Copilot with pre-filled content.
- Intelligent Text Actions: On AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, select text and choose to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite in various tones.
- Expanded Availability: 'Click to Do' is now available in the European Economic Area (EEA), supporting Spanish and French.
The update also introduces a new action, "Draft with Copilot in Word," allowing users to draft quickly from selected text. Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription is required.
Additional Features and Fixes
The Beta Channel is receiving Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4161 (KB5058515), further enhancing the user experience with features like lock screen widget customization and multiple dashboards in Widgets.
Other notable features include:
- Cross-device resume for OneDrive files.
- Energy Saver settings manageable via group policies and MDM configurations.
- AI-powered image descriptions in Narrator for enhanced accessibility.
- Improved Windows Search with FAQs and refined cloud photo searches.
Numerous fixes address issues related to BitLocker, boot menu screens, graphics kernel, memory leaks, multimedia, and network connectivity.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Windows 11
These updates represent a significant step forward for Windows 11, addressing key pain points and introducing innovative features that improve productivity and usability. The HDR improvements and the 'Click to Do' functionality are particularly noteworthy. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent HDR support and broadening the accessibility of new features.
What are your thoughts on the latest Windows 11 updates? What features are you most excited about, and what do you hope to see improved in the future? Share your opinions in the comments below!
