Windows 11 Gets AI-Powered Boost: Start Menu Revamp, Settings Agent, and More
Microsoft is rolling out a series of updates to **Windows 11**, focusing on enhanced user experience through AI-powered features and customization. The updates aim to make the operating system more intuitive and efficient, particularly for users of the new **Copilot+ PCs**.
Start Menu Revamp: More Customization
One of the key updates is a revamped **Start Menu**. Microsoft is introducing enhanced customization options and improved organization for apps. The new "All Apps" category view automatically sorts apps based on usage frequency, ensuring quick access to frequently used programs. Moreover, a new panel for **Phone Link** provides easy access to calls, messages, and device information for connected Android or iOS devices.
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AI-Powered Settings Agent: A Helping Hand
Addressing user frustration with finding and changing settings, Microsoft is introducing an **AI agent** to simplify the process. Users can now describe the change they want, such as "how to control my PC by voice," and the AI agent will guide them through the necessary steps or even execute the changes with user permission. This feature is initially available to Windows Insiders on **Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs**, with support for AMD and Intel devices following soon.
Click to Do and Enhanced Windows Search
**Click to Do**, a feature that allows users to perform quick actions on selected text or images, is receiving enhancements with the power of Copilot. Users can now ask Copilot to generate content in Word, convert text to a table in Excel, launch a Reading Coach, schedule a meeting, or start a chat in Microsoft Teams. These features are rolling out to Windows Insiders this month.
Additionally, **Windows Search** is being enhanced to allow users to find specific settings, locate and install apps from the Microsoft Store, and find specific photos in their library. This improved search functionality is also coming to Windows Insiders later this month.
New AI Skills for Photos, Paint, and Snipping Tool
The **Photos app** is gaining a relight feature that allows users to add dynamic lighting controls to pictures. The **Paint program** is getting a sticker generator that creates custom digital stickers from text prompts, and an object select tool for targeted edits. The **Snipping Tool** will automatically detect the area to capture in a screenshot and includes a text extractor to copy text from images and a color picker to capture colors from the screen.
Updates for All Windows 11 Users
Beyond Copilot+ PCs, several updates are coming to all **Windows 11** users. **File Explorer** is adding AI actions, allowing users to right-click a file and perform specific actions based on the file type. **Notepad** is being enhanced with AI capabilities, including text generation, summarization, and light formatting.
The **Copilot Windows app** is also being tweaked. **Copilot Vision** will soon be directly accessible from the app, allowing users to request information on any browser screen or app window. These updates will be available to Windows Insiders over the coming month.
Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11, integrating AI to create a more personalized and efficient computing experience. The focus on user feedback and continuous improvement suggests a commitment to making Windows a more seamless and powerful operating system. What do you think of these new AI-powered features? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
