7 new features coming with the July 2025 Security Update for Windows 11

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Beginning on July 8, 2025, Microsoft initiates the release of the July 2025 Security Update for Windows 11. This update not only includes the usual repairs and enhancements but also introduces some fresh features and aesthetic modifications.

For this latest minor upgrade, you’ll find at least seven fresh modifications. Among these updates, you can now add tiny icons to your Taskbar, there’s an image compression feature for the Share function, and the Language Settings will now display regional details.

As I observe, it appears that the Copilot+ PCs are being equipped with additional AI capabilities within Click to Do. For those using these systems in Europe, there’s now an effortless way to establish a preferred web browser as default. Additionally, Windows Narrator is receiving a new Screen Curtain feature aimed at improving user privacy.

Ultimately, Microsoft is enhancing the Windows Backup application by introducing a fresh feature that allows you to move your files and settings to a different device. Nonetheless, it should be noted that this functionality will not be completely operational until later in the calendar year.

Windows 11 new features arriving in July 2025

The changes outlined in this guide are designed for Windows 11 version 24H2.

Typically, Microsoft introduces new features and design updates incrementally, which means not all users can access them right away. Furthermore, certain enhancements may necessitate specific hardware configurations, and some options might be restricted to particular geographical regions.

1. Smaller icons in the Taskbar

Following a period of testing, Microsoft is now prepared to roll out an option that allows users to minimize app icons on the Taskbar.

One thing to keep in mind is that while this updated feature adjusts the size of the icons, it doesn’t alter the Taskbar itself. This change might not be well-received by some users since they may prefer the original size of the Taskbar.

You can find the option called “Show smaller taskbar buttons” in the settings, specifically under Personalization > Taskbar, within the Taskbar behaviors section.

You can choose from three options: “Always,” “Never,” or “When taskbar is full.”

2. File compression on Windows Share

Following the installation of the July 2025 update, you’ll discover a fresh file compression tool integrated within the Windows Share user interface as well.

Using the “Windows Share” option in File Explorer allows you to access a new drop-down menu for compressing images prior to sending them, which is a convenient feature.

The menu presents four choices for adjusting the file compression, ranging from none (the “Original”) to three progressive levels: “Low,” “Medium,” and “High.

When choosing a level, you’ll see the updated file size displayed on the content preview. Something I’ve found is that the original image remains unchanged with this feature.

3. Region details in language settings

Even though it’s not a major adjustment, the new operating system will show the region you chose during setup. This way, you can quickly verify that your device is following your regional settings without having to take additional steps.

You can find this information in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.

4. Screen Curtain on Windows Narrator

A fresh addition to Windows Narrator is the Screen Blackout feature, designed to enhance user privacy and concentration. This feature dims the screen as it continues to vocalize content for you.

Essentially, when you’re utilizing Windows Narrator to communicate with your computer, it ensures that the content displayed on your screen remains private and cannot be seen by others.

As a researcher, when I need to activate the Screen Curtain while my Narrator is running, I use the keyboard shortcut of pressing both the Caps Lock and Ctrl keys simultaneously, followed by the ‘C’ key. To deactivate the Screen Curtain, simply repeat the same keyboard combination.

5. PC file transfer on Windows Backup

The Windows Backup application is used for saving your files, system settings, login details, and select applications onto the cloud, primarily into your personal OneDrive storage.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the upcoming July 2025 update for my favorite app! This update comes with an exciting new feature called “Transfer to a New PC.” With this feature, I can seamlessly move my files and settings from my old computer to my brand-new device, all without relying on the cloud. Instead, it uses a local network connection—either Wi-Fi or Ethernet—to make the transition smooth and hassle-free!

As a researcher, I’m currently pondering over this intriguing aspect that Microsoft has unveiled, yet it remains non-functional at present. The question arises: Why release it prematurely when it could still be refined through collaboration with Insiders in testing?

As per the company, when you launch the app on an older computer, you’ll see a screen where you can pick either the backup tool or the transfer option. Should you opt for “‘Transfer to a new PC’“, you’d need to pair the devices by entering your old computer’s name along with a one-time code within the same network, then follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the transfer process.

Microsoft has mentioned plans to extend this feature to the standard user experience (OOBE) as well, enabling users to move their files and settings during the initial setup process.

6. Microsoft 365 actions for Click to Do

For users with a Copilot+ PC, Microsoft is planning an update for Click to Do to introduce a fresh feature called “‘Request Assistance from M365 Copilot’“. This new action enables you to transmit chosen text or images directly to the Microsoft 365 Copilot chatbot.

Of course, this option is targeted at commercial customers with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

7. New settings for default browsers

In line with the July updates, the company is introducing modifications to how European users set their preferred web browsers as defaults.

Now, pressing the “‘Set as Default’” button for a new web browser not only sets it as default for .http, .https, .htm, and .html, but also for .ftp, .read, .mht, .svg, .xhtml, and additional file types when accessed via the “‘Default apps’” settings page.

Furthermore, users can choose to fix the newly opened browser on their Taskbar and Start menu using the same settings as well.

Lastly, you might observe a freshly added “‘Set Preferred PDF App’“, giving you the ability to customize the software handling your computer’s PDF files.

Microsoft is implementing these modifications to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within the European Economic Area (EEA). In my viewpoint, such changes ought to extend beyond regional boundaries, applying to all markets globally.

What feature or change stands out the most to you? Let me know in the comments.

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2025-07-07 12:09