Top 10 new Windows 11 features and changes unveiled via the Insider Program in June 2025 — and where to find them

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In June 2025, as part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft unveiled at least ten pre-release versions (divided into three Beta, three Dev, and two Canary builds). These releases came packed with numerous new features and changes that were anticipated to be progressively introduced to users over the course of the year.

In the Beta Channel, we’ve seen:

  • 26120.4230
  • 26120.4250
  • 26120.4441
  • 26120.4452

In the Dev Channel:

  • 26200.5622
  • 26200.5641
  • 26200.5651
  • 26200.5661

And in the Canary Channel:

  • 27871
  • 27881

In this latest update, the tech titan rolled out numerous enhancements to their AI functionalities. For instance, the AI assistant in the Settings application now handles queries more efficiently. Moreover, Windows Recall is now capable of exporting and resetting your data. Additionally, new AI actions have been incorporated into Click to Do.

The developers are creating a new feature for the Notification Center that will display the time in seconds, much like how it’s shown on Windows 10.

Furthermore, the business is experimenting with a revised Start menu layout that combines the list of installed applications with the pinned section, the updated Windows Share functionality introduces an image compression setting, and the Windows Backup tool now includes a feature to transfer files, apps, and settings from your old to your new device.

In this guide, I’ll outline the most interesting features and changes that Microsoft has officially been working on during the month of June for Windows 11.

Top 10 features and changes available through the Windows 11 Insider Program

These constructions encompass various smaller enhancements and alterations as well, however, I’ve primarily highlighted the ones that caught my attention the most.

1. Settings app with AI agent

Despite the announcement of the AI agent within the Settings app by the company in May, it’s been updated recently to enhance its precision in delivering the appropriate response.

In Windows 11, the AI tool within the Settings application operates directly from the search bar. You can explain issues or desired settings using everyday language, and this intelligent system will comprehend your meaning, even offering to automate the related task for you.

If you find that your cursor is too tiny, we can guide you on how to let our AI adjust the cursor size for you.

Moreover, you’ll notice that the search box has been moved from its location on the left sidebar to a more prominent position at the top center of the application.

On my various devices, I’ve noticed that, even though the AI assistant is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, the centralized search box layout remains consistent on all of them.

Since build version 26200.5651, I have incorporated the updates to my AI agent and introduced a freshly aligned search box into my system.

2. Windows Recall export, reset, and homepage

In June 2025, the Windows Recall experience received a number of interesting changes.

As a devoted user on Windows 11, I’ve recently discovered some exciting updates in the “Recall” application. Specifically, builds 26200.5661 and 26120.4452 have introduced a refreshed version of this app featuring a revamped homepage and a sleek new navigation panel on the left side.

Besides the present date and search bar, the homepage organizes your recent activities and frequently used content for quick access. Additionally, the settings menu can now be found within the navigation panel.

Furthermore, starting from versions 26200.5651 and 26120.4441, the company has incorporated a feature that allows users to share Recall snapshots with external applications and websites.

For European users, upon opening the Recall app for the first time, you’ll receive a special code to export your data from the newly introduced “Advanced Settings” section, which can be found within the “Recall & Snapshots” page.

To utilize this feature, you’ll find two choices available on the settings page. These are “Export Previous Screenshots” and “Export Screenshots Starting Now”.

1st Option: You can choose to export data from the past week, the previous month, or all of your saved snapshots.

2nd Option: Alternatively, it will continue to save and export snapshots starting from when you activate it.

As per the company’s explanation, the particular feature securely transfers the snapshots in an encoded format. To access this data from different applications or websites, you need to input the export key for decryption.

Keep in mind that the export code is displayed just a single time, with Microsoft not keeping a record of it. Therefore, if you need a fresh code, the solution would be to reset the specific feature.

Lastly, I’m thrilled about a new functionality Microsoft has incorporated – the one-click reset for the Windows Snip & Sketch tool. You can find this option under the freshly added “‘Advanced settings’” section, accessible from the “Snip & Sketch” page itself.

Clicking the “Reset Recall” button will erase all the Windows Recall data and configurations, effectively disabling the feature altogether.

3. Clock in Notification Center

After builds 26200.5661 and 26120.4452, Microsoft introduced a new feature in testing: the display of a complete clock (including seconds) within the Notification Center.

If you’re on the most recent version of the operating system in the Developer or Beta phase, you can display the current time by enabling the option called “‘Display Time in the Notification Center’” from the ‘Date and Time’ settings menu.

4. Click to Do new actions

In previous builds, Microsoft has also been focusing on the Click to Do feature for Copilot+ PCs.

On version 26200.5651, the company introduced an additional feature in the actions called “‘Request Help from Microsoft 365 Copilot’“, which allows users to forward selected text or images to the Microsoft 365 Copilot application.

Moreover, the firm is experimenting with the functions of “‘Sending a message via Teams’” and “‘Scheduling a meeting on Teams’” to facilitate these actions directly from an email account.

5. New Start menu redesign

In Windows 11 build 26200.5641, Microsoft presented a fresh Start menu layout, combining the “All Apps” list and the “Pinned” area into a single, scrollable user interface.

In the revised layout, you’ll find a more expansive user interface that adjusts according to your screen size. This interface has the capacity to accommodate as many as eight applications in a single row within the “Pinned” area. Additionally, by setting as default, the “Pinned” area will display two rows of apps for easier access.

In the “‘Recommended’” area, you’ll notice that as many as three apps or files are displayed per row, and there may be up to two rows in total.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the new update from Microsoft that empowers users like me to customize our Start menu experience even more. Now, we can opt out of seeing recommended files, newly added apps, frequently used apps, and tips by simply adjusting the “Start” settings page. This personalization feature makes my digital workspace truly mine!

In the “All” section, you’ll find a categorized view displaying all the apps you’ve installed, with similar apps grouped together for easy navigation.

Keep in mind that for the system to organize effectively, it needs to identify and categorize at least three apps of a similar type to form a specific group. If it can’t find enough matching apps, the app will instead be placed within the “ ‘Uncategorized’ or ‘Other’” group.

Due to these modifications, Microsoft will revamp the “Start” page, eliminating the “Layouts” settings and introducing a fresh feature that ensures all pinned apps are consistently visible.

Additionally, Microsoft will introduce a new control in the upper right corner of the Start menu. This control allows users to turn the mobile sidebar on or off.

6. Narrator Screen Curtain

This month, Microsoft unveiled a fresh feature called “Screen Curtain” aimed at boosting user privacy for those who heavily utilize screen reading tools.

Using “Screen Darkening,” the screen will turn dark, hiding all visible content on the monitor, while only the user can access the information using the Windows Narrator tool.

With Windows Narrator activated, you can activate the “Screen Curtain” using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Caps Lock + C“. To deactivate it, simply use the same shortcut again.

7. Windows Backup transfer files to new PC feature

Additionally, within the Beta and Development Channels, Microsoft is experimenting with a novel feature in the “Windows Backup” application to facilitate moving your data and settings onto a fresh system.

To utilize the feature, open the “Windows Backup” application on both your old and new devices. From the old system, pick the “‘Transfer to a new PC’” option. Subsequently, on the new machine, input the name of your old device and follow the on-screen guidelines for completion.

In upcoming releases, you’ll have the option to move your data and customizations to a fresh system using the Out-of-the-Box Setup (OOBS).

It’s no wonder that this particular feature will still be accessible in the older versions of the Windows 10 operating system as Microsoft has announced they will cease support on October 14, 2025.

8. Quick Machine Recovery new settings page

In the realm of Windows 11, Microsoft is constructing a novel recovery tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR). This feature enables the system to identify, analyze, and rectify severe issues, particularly when an update disrupts the system setup and your computer fails to start up.

In simpler terms, this function operates within the Windows Recovery Environment. When an issue is spotted, it performs a scan, fetches, and implements the solution directly from Microsoft’s servers.

From build versions 26200.5620 and 26120.4230 onwards, Microsoft is stepping up their game with this amazing new feature. Now, they’re giving us fans a dedicated section in the Settings app to manage it all! We can even fine-tune how our system scans for fixes. It’s getting better every day!

The newly introduced page can be found under the title “‘Prompt Machine Recovery’“, and it can be accessed via the “Recovery” section within the “Settings” application.

As a network administrator, you have the ability to customize this feature via the Microsoft Intune management tool provided by the company.

9. Windows Share Compression and “Open With” Store suggestions

During the month of June, the development teams introduced two fresh updates as part of the enhanced Windows Sharing experience.

From build 26200.5622 onwards, our team has revamped the context menu for the “Open With” option. Now, it presents suggestions from the Microsoft Store for apps that are ideal for opening the specific file at hand.

You will know the app is a suggestion because it will include a Microsoft Store icon next to it.

On version 27881, the Windows Share function introduces a new feature that allows for compressing image files prior to transmission. This feature provides three levels of compression: low, medium, and high.

10. Gamepad layout in touch keyboard

In June, Microsoft rolled out revisions to the touch keyboard gamepad’s design, enabling users to input their account PIN directly from the Lock Screen.

Starting from versions 26200.5641 and 26120.4250 onwards, it’s possible to log into Windows 11 using an Xbox Controller.

Some of these new features or upgrades might appear across various platforms, based on when you’re reading this post. Currently, the adjustments accessible through the Dev Channel are typically also present in the Canary Channel.

Microsoft is working on bringing more significant improvements to the Canary Channel.

What aspect or update do you find most captivating at this moment? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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2025-06-26 14:10