8 new features arriving with the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11

By August 12, 2025, it’s anticipated that Microsoft will begin releasing the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11. This update brings several novel features, aesthetic alterations, as well as enhanced security measures and refinements.

This month’s update brings a minimum of eight enhancements for version 24H2. These include the ability to fully restore Windows using Recall, more AI functions for Click to Do, an overhauled Search settings interface, and a fresh gamepad keyboard layout with PIN sign-in compatibility.

Additionally, within this update, Microsoft is providing the Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) function, marking the beginning of the rollout for the AI-powered assistant in the Settings application.

Windows 11 new features arriving in August 2025

Prior to delving into the latest updates, it’s important to note that these new features and design modifications are typically introduced progressively. This means that some users might not have access to them right away.

As an analyst, I’d like to highlight that not all enhancements can be implemented with any hardware; some necessitate specific types. Additionally, certain advancements might only be accessible within particular market regions.

1. Windows Recall export and reset

In the August 2025 Security Update, Microsoft will introduce two new capabilities for Windows Recall. These include the option to save your data externally and a function to fully restore Windows Recall to its default settings.

Data export

As a tech enthusiast within the European Economic Area (EEA), here’s an exciting piece of news for you: With this latest update, you’ll now have the ability to effortlessly transfer your data to collaborate with numerous third-party applications and online platforms, giving you greater control over your digital footprint.

When you initially configure Windows Recall, you’ll be given an encryption key (export code) to decode and save your snapshot backups.

To ensure that your Recall export code is secure, please make sure to select the “I have safely stored my Recall export code” option and then click on the “Confirm” button as Microsoft does not keep a record of this data.

To obtain a new export code, you might need to restart or reset the feature, which will erase your Recall data and custom configurations.

To export your data, navigate to the following steps: Open the Settings menu, then Privacy & Security, followed by Recall & Snapshots, and finally Advanced settings.

To proceed, find and click on the “Export snapshots” option, then hit the “Export” button. After that, choose the desired timeframe for the exported data (ranging from the last 7 days to 30 days or all available data). Lastly, click the “Next” button.

This feature exports your snapshots, as well as their information.

Select the location to save snapshots and click the “Export” button again.

On the settings page, you can also set up Windows Recall to continue automatically exporting your data by switching on the toggle labeled “‘Continue Exporting Snapshots’“.

Once the data has been exported, it stays encrypted. You’ll require the export key for decryption only then, enabling third-party applications and websites to read the encrypted information.

Reset feature

In addition, Microsoft is adding a new option to reset the Windows Recall feature completely.

To stop utilizing the feature, simply navigate to: Settings > Privacy & Safety > Recall & Snapshots > Advanced settings.

To clear your snapshots, settings, and disable the Windows Recall feature, please follow these steps: Click the “Reset Recall” button first, then click the “Reset” button once more on the page.

2. Click to Do new AI actions

With a click on “Do”, this update introduces multiple new AI capabilities for tasks like text reading, content creation, and Team utilization.

For reading, the company is adding “Practice in Reading Coach” and “Read with Immersive Reader.”

The “Practice Reading Coach” function gives feedback as you read texts out loud, whereas the “Immersive Reader” feature presents a simplified layout for concentrated reading of desired content.

These new features require you to install the Reading Coach app from the Microsoft Store.

After installing the app, when you take a screenshot using Click to Do, you can choose a section and then right-click on it to bring up the available options.

Once you’ve applied this update, you might observe a new option called “‘Draft with Copilot in Word’” appearing when you highlight certain text.

To make use of this AI function, you must possess a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. Once subscribed, you will be able to generate a rough draft for content using your selected text as a reference.

By the end of August 2025, users of Microsoft Teams will have access to two additional features within the app. These new functionalities are “Sending a message using Teams” and “Scheduling a meeting using Teams.

3. Settings with new AI agent

In the August 2025 Security Update, you’ll notice an enhancement to the Settings app with the introduction of a sophisticated AI assistant, designed to improve your search experience within the app.

Following the installation of this update, the system will incorporate a fresh AI model designed to work harmoniously with the search functionality within the Settings application. This enables users to discover settings and troubleshoot configuration problems using conversational, everyday language.

Furthermore, the AI agent will also be able to apply settings on your behalf with your permission.

If you find that your cursor is too tiny when using it, the intelligent feature will suggest adjusting the pointer size for you. You can make this change by clicking the “Adjust” button instead.

In most cases, you’ll also find an “undo” option to revert the changes.

Even if the agent can’t address every question you have, it will still bring up appropriate settings that correspond with your query as part of the ongoing experience.

The AI assistant is planned to work on personal computers that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors initially, but compatibility with Intel and AMD systems will be added later on.

If your computer isn’t a Copilot Plus model, you’ll only see the updated search box layout located in the center-top portion of the application.

4. Quick Machine Recovery new feature

With this update, Microsoft introduces a novel aspect called Rapid System Restart (RSR), designed to minimize periods of inactivity due to startup issues by expediting the recovery process.

In simple terms, the recovery tool is activated automatically for Windows 11 Home users. However, if you’re using Windows 11 Pro, you’ll need to set it up yourself.

As a tech enthusiast, when my computer encounters issues with its operating system, I automatically reach out to the network for help. It sends crucial diagnostic data to Microsoft’s servers, where it is analyzed and matched with a suitable solution for the specific problem at hand. Eventually, my device receives a customized fix, ensuring smooth operation once more.

Microsoft is developing the Quick Machine Recovery functionality as part of their Windows security and robustness campaign, aimed at shielding businesses from events similar to the CrowdStrike incident in 2024, where a faulty software update led to global outages.

On a computer running Windows 11 Pro, navigate to “Settings“, then “System“, followed by “Recovery“. Next, select “Quick Machine Recovery” and enable the associated toggle switch labeled “Quick machine recovery“.

You can adjust the default settings as well by flipping the “Continue Searching if No Solution is Found” switch, allowing you to customize the way your computer searches for solutions.

After applying a fresh update, you can verify that your system has been patched by checking the update history under Settings > Windows Update.

5. Snap Layouts inline descriptions

In the latest update, we’re adding clear explanations directly within the Snap Layouts flyouts that appear when you click the maximize button and along the top of the screen. This is designed to make it easier for users to comprehend how to utilize this feature effectively.

For instance, when you click on the maximize button and expand the menu, you’ll encounter a message that says “‘Select the location for this window’“, accompanied by a shortcut to launch the interface.

Instead, when you move an application to the top of the screen, the interface will prompt you with the message “‘Move a window here to organize it on your screen’“, accompanied by a shortcut key to instantly open the interface.

6. Settings app with new Search page

Despite not seeing major advancements in search functionality, Microsoft aims to streamline the experience by merging the “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” pages into a single page called simply “‘Search’“.

The settings remain the same in this update, but the page now matches the Windows 11-style design.

7. Gamepad touch keyboard layout with PIN sign-in support

In their latest update, Windows 11 has rolled out a gamer-oriented touch keyboard layout, and moving forward, they’re extending this layout to the keyboard when using PIN sign-ins as well.

Now, you can input your account PIN faster with the help of a game controller, making the process more efficient.

8. Black Screen of Death new error page

Ultimately, Microsoft is transitioning away from the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), replacing it with a streamlined, minimalist design featuring a dark backdrop. This updated screen will display essential information like the stop error code, the process for creating the dump, and additional relevant details.

This new page doesn’t include a QR code or frown face kaomoji.

In other words, this error might come to be referred as the “Black Screen of Death.” Yet, if your computer is part of the preview program, the screen will instead be green.

Beyond the fresh visual enhancements and additions, this combined update also incorporates numerous fixes and minor adjustments pertaining to File Explorer, desktop, ReFS, graphics, and various additional aspects.

The update will be downloaded and installed automatically, but if you want to check for the most recent version prematurely, navigate to “Settings > Windows Update“. To receive updates promptly once they are available, don’t forget to enable the toggle switch in the settings.

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2025-08-01 14:11