Microsoft has started to roll out the new Windows 11 update that brings many new features and upgrades to the PC operating system and its built-in AI assistant Copilot. As part of the update, there will now be more ways in which users can control and interact with their PCs using Copilot, alongside a new Generative Erase option in Photos, Voice Shortcuts for accessibility, changes to the widgets, and much more.
However, not all features will be available right away, Microsoft noted. Copilot’s new capabilities, such as prompting the AI chatbot to enable battery-saver mode or launch the Narrator or Magnifier features, will only roll out by late March.
Copilot Gets More Access Over Windows Computers With Latest Update
This time, the generative AI will be able to show WiFi networks available in the users’ vicinity, storage space on their computer, and even empty the recycle bin for them. All this can be done by simply prompting Copilot.
There are also new AI plugins for Windows 11 apps, like making restaurant reservations through OpenTable, travel reservations through Kayak, and an integration for Shopify. All this lets users use Copilot just like an assistant on their phones. Microsoft’s goal here is to provide a general AI on the PC that can open and manipulate apps on the device.
At the same time, Microsoft has also integrated AI features into existing apps on Windows 11.
Generative Erase for Photos and Ability to Remove Silences from Videos
The Photos app gets a new generative erase feature that lets users remove unwanted objects from an image by simply selecting and deleting them. It is similar to the AI selective photo erasers that can be found on the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series smartphones.
Clipchamp, Microsoft’s built-in video editor, can now remove awkward silences from videos. This feature is available starting today.
Finally, You Can Say Goodbye to the Annoying News Feed on the Start Widget
Microsoft is also improving widgets and built-in snap layouts on Windows 11. For years now, the widgets section has been marred by the company’s feed of junk news from MSN. But starting today, users can disable the Microsoft Start feed.
The company also made the Microsoft Widgets interoperable as part of its compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This means that even Google can now build a plug-in for the widgets board that would show content from Google News.
Suggestions on Snap Feature and Stylus Support For Text Boxes Across Windows 11
The Snap feature that makes it easy to resize app windows on the OS is also getting an update this time. Windows will now remember apps that are frequently snapped by users and automatically suggest their preferred layouts.
Users who own Windows machines with a stylus can write directly into text boxes across the operating system. Windows Ink support now extends to apps like Photos, Paint, WhatsApp, and more.
The built-in screen casting feature that lets users share content with a nearby display has been tweaked. Windows 11 can suggest the Cast feature when multitasking and also help find nearby displays and fix connection issues.
Updates to Nearby Share and Phone Link
Nearby Share, a feature that enables content sharing between Windows and Android devices also got updated. It now has faster transfer speeds when sharing content with people or devices connected to the same network. The PC can also be renamed in Neaby Share so that others can recognize it easily.
The Phone Link system can access recent photos on a connected mobile device and also use it as a webcam for video calls. Smartphones running Android 9 or higher can use the feature on Windows 11.
Create Custom Voice Commands for Performing Tasks
There is a new Voice Shortcuts feature that lets users create custom commands to automate tasks in the voice access tool on Windows 11. This means that users can set up voice commands for specific tasks that when uttered will automatically perform the assigned set of actions.
The built-in Narrator is also getting an upgrade with the addition of natural voices that use on-device text-to-speech once downloaded onto the Windows device.
The latest Windows 11 update starts to roll out today, but it may take time to be available on all devices. To receive software updates as soon as they are launched, enable the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option on the Windows Update page. The system will then notify you whenever a new update is out.
