What’s next for Windows 11? — Microsoft readies big feature updates for next month and beyond

Microsoft is getting ready to release a major update for Windows 11 users, likely available starting from September. Thanks to the Windows Insider Program and the latest preview build of Windows 11, we have a clearer picture of what new features will be introduced over the next few weeks, so let’s explore!

The upcoming update for Windows 11 is anticipated to encompass various enhancements across its entire system, such as advanced Copilot+ functionalities, including Recall and Click To Do, along with standard features including the Taskbar, Search functionality, and the Lockscreen.

Initially, let’s focus on the functionalities accessible to all Windows 11 users, which are not related to Copilot+. In the upcoming feature update, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Search to present photos more effectively when you search for them. Now, these images will be displayed in a user-friendly grid view.

The search will now inform users if the indexing of files is ongoing, letting them know that the results might not be completely precise during this period, providing a heads-up about potential inaccuracies.

Microsoft has announced that it will soon allow users worldwide to customize their lock screen widgets on Windows 11. This feature was initially launched in the European Economic Area several months ago and is now becoming available globally. With this update, all Windows 11 users can pick and choose which widgets they want to display on their lock screens, even third-party ones.

In the upcoming update for this feature, you’ll find an improved version of the Windows Hello authentication system. With biometric authentication on Windows 11, you’ll now encounter a sleeker and more intuitive interface compared to its previous version.

This upcoming update will bring numerous enhancements to user experience as well. Many settings and permission dialogues have undergone a modern refresh, allowing users once more to view the time with seconds in the Taskbar calendar flyout, and the Task Manager has been revamped to use standard metrics for displaying CPU workload uniformly across all pages.

For Copilot+ PC users, there are several updates on the horizon. A refreshed landing page within the application will showcase some of your most recent screenshots and workflows that it predicts you might want to revisit. The timeline interface has been shifted to a standalone page now.

Here’s a possible paraphrasing:

Click To Do will receive some improvements, including a new guide that helps you learn to use it even if you are a novice. Additionally, the File Explorer is being upgraded with an AI-driven Actions feature. This ties in seamlessly with Click To Do, enabling you to initiate an AI action instantly from the context menu within the File Explorer by simply right-clicking on an image or document.

If your computer is an Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ model, this update will activate the AI feature within the Settings app. This same feature was initially introduced on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices several weeks back. Now, it’s accessible for all Copilot+ PC users!

We’ve outlined key points, but there’s lots more to discover in our upcoming update! Look forward to numerous bug fixes and overall enhancements for better user experience. Keep an eye on our Windows Blog for detailed insights into what we plan to roll out in the near future.

Additionally, there are more exciting updates coming for Windows 11 users in 2025. Microsoft is currently developing several significant features, which they plan to release later this year, possibly in October or November. Among these updates is a revamped Start menu that offers increased customization options, allowing you to display more pinned apps and eliminate the Recommended section within the Start menu.

As a devoted user, I’m excited about the upcoming enhancements! A more comprehensive system-wide dark mode is on the horizon, extending its compatibility to various aspects of File Explorer, including legacy file copy and deletion popups. Furthermore, there are whispers of an AI companion feature potentially joining the Taskbar, though it remains uncertain if this will materialize before the year’s end.

The business is gearing up for the forthcoming major update to Windows 11, called Windows 11 Version 25H2. At present, it’s been disclosed that Version 25H2 will utilize the same platform and servicing stack as Version 24H2, which implies there might not be unique features for Version 25H2. However, I speculate that the company could plan to unveil new features concurrently with this update.

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2025-08-20 12:40