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Now that 2025 is coming to a close, let’s take a look at all the ways Windows 11 has improved this year. Most of these changes came through regular monthly updates.
This update brought several new features, like the ability to use multiple camera streams, smaller icons on the Taskbar, a faster system recovery process, support for multiple clocks, protection for administrators, an improved full-screen experience for Xbox games, and a battery percentage display. It also refined existing features, giving users options like turning off the Drag Tray, a redesigned Start menu, and a more consistent dark mode in File Explorer.
I’ve been exploring Windows 11’s 2025 updates, and I want to share what I think are the best new features and improvements. I’ll walk you through what really stands out to me.
Windows 11 features recap for 2025
Microsoft releases new features and updates in stages, so even though improvements were mentioned earlier this year, not everyone may have them yet.
The following list is presented in no particular order and reflects only my personal perspective.
1. Consistent dark mode in File Explorer
In 2025, Microsoft improved the dark mode feature in File Explorer, addressing a long-standing user request.
For a long time, dark mode hasn’t worked seamlessly across the entire operating system, particularly in File Explorer. However, recent updates have improved things by extending dark mode to more areas, like the windows that appear when you copy, move, delete files, or encounter errors.
We’ve also updated things like progress bars, charts, and messages. However, these improvements haven’t yet been applied to the ‘Folder Options’ settings or some older parts of the system.
Although the recent updates were generally liked by users, the initial rollout had a problem. Some people experienced a bright white flash when opening files in dark mode after installing the December 2025 update. Microsoft has now resolved this issue with the release of the December 2025 Security Update.
2. Redesigned Start menu
Microsoft has updated the Start menu with a new layout that blends your pinned apps, recommended files, and full app list into one easy-to-scroll view.
The frame is bigger now, and some people thought it was too large. However, it now automatically changes size to fit your screen.
The new design lets you arrange up to eight pins in a single row. You can also use a new switch in the top-right corner to show or hide the sidebar when your phone or tablet is connected.
The “Recommended” section now displays up to six app and file suggestions. You can completely turn it off in the Start settings by disabling all “Recommended” options.
The ‘All’ section automatically organizes your apps into categories now, though you still have the option to view them as a simple grid or the original list format.
As a longtime Windows fan, I noticed the Start menu got a bit of a makeover recently. With that change, Microsoft also tweaked the Start menu settings page. They took away the “Layout” option, and moved everything else around to make it a little easier to navigate, I think!
3. Redesigned Widgets board
Windows 11’s Widgets board has been updated with a fresh look and a new settings page. Now, you can adjust Widget settings directly within the board itself, instead of needing a separate menu.
All previous settings remain available, and you can choose which board opens by default.
The layout now includes a navigation pane that makes switching between boards easier.
When you click the weather icon on the Taskbar, it currently opens the main dashboard instead of the specific weather board you were last viewing.
The Discover section has a new look and feel, now powered by Copilot, and matches the design of Copilot’s own Discover page.
4. Customizable Lock Screen widgets
I predict customizable Lock Screen widgets will be a key feature in 2025. Currently, Windows 11 lets you use widgets on the Lock Screen, but doesn’t offer any options to change or personalize them.
The new “Widgets” section in “Personalization” allows you to customize your display by adding, removing, and configuring widgets.
If you’re not sure what to add to your lock screen, the system can automatically recommend widgets for any empty spaces. Just use the “Suggest widgets for your lock screen” feature.
5. Granular hardware indicator placement
You still can’t move the Windows Taskbar itself, but Windows 11 does let you change where certain icons appear on the screen. You can now position indicators for things like brightness, volume, and airplane mode at the bottom center, top left, or top center of your display.
You can find this setting at the bottom of the Notifications page, within the System section of the Settings app.
6. Introducing Virtual Workspaces
Virtual Workspaces isn’t a feature itself, but a new settings page—found in the ‘Advanced’ section—that brings all your virtualization controls together in one place. This replaces the older, separate Windows Features window.
From this page, you can enable or disable:
- Containers
- Guarded Host
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Windows Sandbox
- Hyper-V GUI Management Tools
- Hyper-V Module for Windows PowerShell
- Hyper-V Hypervisor
- Hyper-V Services
7. Taskbar with smaller icons and new share tool
Windows 11 now lets you use smaller icons on the Taskbar, though you still can’t change its height.
We want to maximize the number of app buttons visible on the Taskbar, even when it’s full, so you won’t have to click the overflow menu to find what you need.
The “Taskbar” settings page lets you choose “Always,” “Never,” or “When taskbar is full.”
Microsoft has introduced a quicker way to share files. Now, when you right-click an app icon that you’ve recently used – like Notepad – you can select the “Share” option to open Windows Share and easily send the file to other apps.
8. Drag Tray optional disable option
Microsoft added an option to disable “Drag Tray” from the “Nearby Sharing” settings page.
The Drag Tray is a pop-up that shows up when you drag a file to the very top of your screen. It lets you easily drop the file into an open app, or select “More” to use Windows’ sharing options.
As an analyst, I’ve noticed this feature, while helpful for some, wasn’t universally loved, and a frequent complaint was the inability to turn it off. This minor update, giving users that control, should be a welcome improvement for anyone who prefers a more streamlined experience.
9. Notification Center new clock with seconds
Microsoft has added a larger clock, including seconds, to the Notification Center, so you can easily check the time at a glance.
You can also display multiple clocks in this area.
You can find the main setting to display the time in the Notification Center under the “Date & time” settings. If you want to manage additional clocks, look for the “Show time and date in the System tray” option.
Windows 11 now lets the Notification Center pop up on whichever monitor you click the date and time on the taskbar, making it more convenient when using multiple screens.
10. Windows Hello elements redesign
As a researcher, I’ve been tracking the updates to Windows Hello, and it received a visual overhaul in 2025. Microsoft redesigned the sign-in experience for anyone using Windows Hello – whether they prefer facial recognition, a PIN, or fingerprint authentication. The changes are focused on making the sign-in screen more modern and user-friendly.
Now, when you log in, you’ll see a small animation showing the sign-in method’s icon. This helps make the process clearer and easier to follow.
As a researcher on this project, I’ve been working on improving the sign-in experience. We’ve redesigned the dialog box that appears when you need to grant higher permissions or use a passkey. The new design makes it easier to enter and verify your login information.
11. Passkeys with third-party support
Another welcome addition this year is support for third-party passkey providers.
Windows Hello now lets you save and use passkeys from apps like 1Password, making it easier and more secure to sign in.
If you’re already using a supported service, you can find the setting to enable it under “Advanced options” on the Passkeys settings page.
12 Administrator Protection security feature
Administrator Protection is a security feature that helps protect your system. You can turn it on using Group Policy or Intune, making it best suited for users of the ‘Pro’ version of Windows. While it’s possible to enable it on the ‘Home’ version, it requires making changes directly in the Windows Registry.
When enabled, the feature adds an authentication prompt whenever an action requires elevation.
This system uses the Principle of Least Privilege, meaning regular user accounts are the default, even for administrators. Administrative access is only granted temporarily when a user specifically needs it.
When needing higher permissions, the system generates a temporary, unique administrator access key linked to a temporary account. This account automatically disappears once the task is finished.
To turn on this feature, go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options and select the “Admin Approval Mode with Administrator protection” option under the “User Account Control: Configure type of Admin Approval Mode” policy.
13. Quick Machine Recovery for fast system repair
A key new feature launched in 2025 is Quick Machine Recovery, which automatically fixes the operating system if it can’t start up properly.
If the system encounters a problem, it will restart in a special troubleshooting mode and send information about the issue to Microsoft. If a solution exists, the system will automatically download and install it.
If the initial steps don’t fix the problem, the user will see more options to try.
On Windows 11 Home and Pro, Quick Machine Recovery is automatically turned on unless your device is managed by an organization.
You can also manage this feature on the “Quick Machine Recovery” page within the “Recovery” settings. There, you can adjust the “Automatically check for solutions” setting. If a solution isn’t found, the system can automatically restart to keep looking for one through Windows Update.
14. Windows Backup with local file transfer
Windows Backup has been around for a long time, but Microsoft added a useful feature in 2025: the ability to move files directly to a new computer on your home network, without having to save them to the cloud first.
This feature isn’t like Windows Easy Transfer. It doesn’t move your files between computers. Instead, it only works when you first set up a new device, and only if that device hasn’t been previously backed up to the cloud with your Microsoft account.
I recently discovered something neat! If you’re setting up a new Windows 10 or 11 PC and you’re using a regular, local account (not a Microsoft account), Windows actually offers a really convenient option to transfer your files from your old computer. It just pops up and asks if you want to do it – super handy!
To complete the process, launch Windows Backup on the old device and pair it with the new computer.
15. Xbox Full Screen Experience for handheld devices
Another major addition is the Xbox Full Screen Experience for handheld gaming devices.
This setting changes Windows 11 to a gaming interface that’s easy to use with a controller, much like the menu system on an Xbox.
The system replaces your usual desktop with the full-screen Xbox app, making it run more efficiently by turning off Windows Explorer and closing unused programs.
The feature first launched on the ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X, then became available on other handheld devices in 2025. Microsoft intends to expand it to even more types of devices in the future.
If you own a handheld PC, you can enable it from Settings > Gaming > Full Screen Experience.
16. Battery percentage in Taskbar
Microsoft has finally added a feature many users asked for: the ability to see your battery percentage right on the Taskbar.
The operating system has always shown a battery icon, but it couldn’t originally display the battery percentage. Previously, phone and computer makers would offer their own programs to add this feature, but now it’s built-in and you don’t need those extra tools anymore.
This feature isn’t turned on automatically. If you’re using a laptop or tablet, you can find the “Battery percentage” option and turn it on in the “Power & battery” settings.
Microsoft updated the battery icon across all its devices. The new icons now show battery status much more clearly, using different colors like green, yellow, and red to indicate how much power is left.
The battery icon is green when charging or healthy. It turns yellow when the device is running on battery with energy saving turned on. If the icon is red, the battery is low. Finally, the icon will be black or white depending on your preferred light or dark mode setting.
17. Camera with multiple stream support
One often-overlooked new feature is the ability to let multiple apps use the same camera feed at once. While it won’t matter to everyone, this is a great improvement for streamers and anyone who needs to broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously.
As an analyst, I’ve been exploring the latest updates, and I’ve found that the new multi-stream support is now available within the ‘Advanced camera options’ section. This new page is where users can find and manage all the extra camera features.
You can let multiple apps use your camera simultaneously by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Then, select your camera and go into the advanced settings to find the option.
You can also use the “Media type” setting to choose your preferred camera resolution and frame rate. If you’re having trouble, the “Turn on basic camera” option simplifies things by disabling advanced features and letting you use the camera’s core functions.
Just to clarify, I’m focusing on the updates that will benefit everyone, as Microsoft has also introduced new AI-powered features specifically for Copilot+ PCs.
Do you have a favorite Windows 11 feature released in 2025? Let me know in the comments.
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2025-12-13 17:14