Windows 11 is Getting a Major AI-Powered Revamp This Month
Microsoft is taking Windows 11 to the next level with a redesigned Start menu and a slew of AI-powered features, arriving first for Copilot Plus PC users. This update aims to streamline user experience, enhance accessibility, and introduce intelligent automation throughout the OS.
A Roomier Start Menu with More Functionality
Windows 11's Start menu is getting a facelift, offering a more spacious and scrollable view of all installed applications. The key improvements include:
Category-Based Organization – Apps will be grouped under relevant sections for easier navigation.
Optimized for Large Displays – The Start menu will better utilize screen space for users with ultrawide monitors or high-resolution displays.
Phone Companion Panel – Users can quickly access their contacts, messages, calls, and battery level from their synced iPhone or Android device, making cross-device functionality more seamless.
AI Integration Throughout Windows 11
Microsoft is embedding AI-powered features into several core applications and system functions, with the goal of making computing more intuitive, efficient, and accessible.
AI in Windows Settings
A new on-device AI assistant will allow users to:
Adjust settings with simple text queries (e.g., “Make my cursor bigger”).
Get real-time troubleshooting assistance, eliminating the need for manual navigation through menus.
Receive AI-generated recommendations, though they come with a cautionary note indicating they may not always be accurate.
File Explorer: Smarter Actions & AI Tools
File Explorer is evolving with context-aware AI actions:
Click to Do Shortcuts – Right-clicking a file will trigger AI-powered suggestions, such as image edits or generating text summaries without opening the file.
Intelligent Previews – Users can expect smarter thumbnails and AI-assisted metadata to enhance file management.
Revamped Image Editing & Visual Features
Microsoft is upgrading multiple built-in apps with advanced AI-driven editing capabilities:
Photos App – “Relight” Feature – Users can place up to three adjustable light sources in an image to simulate different lighting conditions.
Paint Gets a Creative Boost – Includes a new content-aware selection tool, generative fill, and the ability to create stickers from a text prompt.
Snipping Tool Enhancements – New Perfect Screenshot tool automatically crops images to highlight the most relevant subject, along with an eyedropper tool for sampling colors.
Windows Search & Accessibility Enhancements
Windows 11 is also improving its search capabilities and accessibility features:
Copilot Vision – AI-powered visual search allows users to retrieve information faster and more accurately.
Rich Image Descriptions for Narrator – Enhanced functionality for users who rely on screen readers, improving the interpretation of images across the OS.
AI Writing Tools in Notepad – New smart suggestions and text enhancements make Notepad a more powerful writing tool.
Rollout & Availability
The updates will initially be available to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon X Copilot Plus PCs, including the latest Surface devices. Users with Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs can expect a broader rollout shortly after.
With AI woven deeper into Windows 11’s core experience, Microsoft is betting big on automation and accessibility. Will these changes transform Windows for the better, or will they be another case of AI hype? Either way, the expanded Start menu will likely be a welcome upgrade for all.