Windows 11: A Complete Look at New Features, Updates & Why You Should Upgrade

Photo Credits: BleepingComputer

Curious about the latest features in Windows 11? Wondering if upgrading is worth it? In this article, we’ll explore the standout features and new updates that make Windows 11 a game-changer. From streamlined multitasking and productivity tools to cutting-edge creative and security enhancements, Windows 11 is designed to elevate your experience and simplify your digital life.

Find What You Need, Faster

One of the first things you’ll notice in Windows 11 is the redesigned Start Menu. It’s now centered on the taskbar, with a clean and modern look that’s all about simplicity. It really feels like a fresh start! The new layout includes a customizable section for your favorite apps, making it easier to access the tools you use most frequently. No more digging through endless lists – your essentials are right there.

Windows 11 also brings smart recommendations to the Start Menu and File Explorer. These handy suggestions help you quickly find the files you need based on your recent activity. It’s like having a little helper that anticipates what you’re looking for. Plus, you can mark favorite files for easy access and take advantage of File Explorer tabs—an exclusive feature in Windows 11—to keep things organized.¹ Finally, tabs in File Explorer! It's about time.

Work Smarter with Time-Saving Tools

Windows 11 is packed with features to boost productivity and streamline multitasking. Let's dive into some of the highlights:

Snap Assist: Make the most of your screen space by snapping your open windows into perfectly aligned grids.² In Windows 11, Snap remembers your layout, so you can seamlessly stay in your flow. It's truly a game changer for those of us who juggle multiple windows constantly!
Personalized desktops: Create spaces for work, gaming, or personal tasks with unique wallpapers and configurations. It's a fantastic way to stay focused and organized.
Snipping Tool: Easily capture and edit screenshots with Snipping Tool. In Windows 11, Snipping Tool can detect text in screenshots, letting you copy or redact text effortlessly.³ You can also use it to screen record a specific moment or motion. This is a huge improvement – it saves so much time!
Microsoft Phone Link for iPhone® devices: Unite your iPhone® device and PC with Microsoft Phone Link. Seamlessly make and take calls, reply to texts, and manage notifications directly from your PC without needing to take your iPhone out of your pocket. This integration streamlines your workflow by cutting out the back and forth between devices.⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ It’s simple, but it makes a world of difference.

Unleash Your Artistic Freedom

Discover a range of tools that make it easier than ever to get creative:

Generative erase: Zap away unwanted parts of your images, waving goodbye to photo bombers and cluttered backgrounds with this seamless tool.
Image Creator: Use words to create wonders, smashing through creative blocks by generating images based on text prompts in various styles like Watercolor, Claymation, and Steampunk.⁸ ⁹ Now that’s impressive!
Layer Support: Independently edit layers without impacting others and enjoy more composition control.

With these innovative tools, Windows 11 empowers you to bring your artistic visions to life like never before.

Keeping Your Data Safe

Windows 11 takes security to the next level with these powerful new features:

Passkey integration: Say goodbye to traditional passwords. Passkeys are the next generation of secure sign-ins. Using Windows Hello¹³ or your mobile device, you can log in to apps seamlessly with just a username and passkey. Plus, passkeys are easily managed in Windows Settings and work across many of the major browsers.¹⁰ A more secure future – finally!
Wake on approach: In Windows 11, your device wakes up automatically when you approach it and locks when you walk away, ensuring convenience and security.¹¹ It's an incredibly convenient and secure feature.
Smart App Control: This feature allows only trusted apps to be installed on your Windows 11 device, giving you peace of mind when you download new programs.¹² It offers a much needed layer of protection.

Recent Updates - Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel)

Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 with regular updates for Insiders. Here's a summary of the latest changes in Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel):

New profanity filter setting for voice typing: You can now control whether voice typing filters out profanity, a frequently requested update. Finally, a bit of freedom of expression!
Click to Do (Preview): Now you can configure the Surface Pen button to trigger Click to Do; the feature allows actions for text or images on the screen.
Improved Windows Search: More refined search experience, especially with OneDrive cloud files, for those who use work or school accounts.
Accessibility Improvements: Accessibility flyout grouped by vision, hearing, motor, and mobility for easier navigation.
Bug Fixes: A range of fixes addressing issues with apps, login (Windows Hello), input, settings, Quick Assist, USB devices and more.

Unfortunately, some Windows 10 users are experiencing a frustrating issue after installing the April update – jump lists in the Start Menu are broken. This means the right-click menu for app tiles no longer shows links to recent files. It's a key workflow shortcut for many, and a fix is urgently needed.

A temporary workaround involves reverting the update, however this isn't ideal for security reasons. Microsoft is hopefully aware of the issue and working on a resolution soon, as the clock is ticking on Windows 10 support.

Recall (Preview) - Never Forget Again

Forgetting where you saw something on your PC? The Recall feature (preview) uses AI capabilities to save snapshots of your activity and allow you to search by describing the content, for a quicker way to rediscover items. It’s available in early 2025, with a later release for the European Economic Area.

Upgrade to Windows 11 Today

Windows 11 is more than just an operating system—it’s a faster, smarter, and more secure way to work and play. With its redesigned interface, productivity-boosting tools, and advanced security features, there’s no better time to make the switch from Windows 10. Upgrade now and experience the difference.

¹ File Explorer tabs are a Windows 11 exclusive feature.

² Snap Assist feature reference

³ Snipping Tool feature reference

⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ Phone Link feature references.

⁸ ⁹ Image creator feature references

¹⁰ Passkey integration reference.

¹¹ Wake on approach reference.

¹² Smart App Control reference.

¹³ Windows Hello reference.