Microsoft is rolling out a series of new artificial intelligence (AI) features for Windows 11, with some functionalities accessible to all users and others exclusive to Copilot Plus PCs. These updates, designed to enhance user interaction and productivity, are expected to be fully deployed over the next month, with some already available through preview updates and the Microsoft Store.
A significant new feature for all Windows 11 users is the full release of Copilot Vision within the Copilot app. This AI tool allows users to ask questions verbally about on-screen content across multiple open applications and webpages. It can also provide guidance on completing specific tasks, such as “how to improve the lighting on a photo.” A more limited version of Copilot Vision was previously tested by Microsoft last year.
For users with Snapdragon-powered Copilot Plus PCs, an advanced AI-powered “agent” is being integrated into the Settings app. This agent enables natural language searches for specific settings, such as “I want to enable quiet hours” or “connect Bluetooth device.” If the AI can perform the requested action, it will offer to complete it directly for the user.
The “Click to Do” preview feature on Copilot Plus PCs is also receiving substantial enhancements. This tool, activated by holding the Windows key and left-clicking on content, facilitates quick actions like summarizing highlighted text. New actions being introduced include practicing reading fluency and pronunciation with a Reading Coach tool, drafting Microsoft Word documents using Copilot, and scheduling Teams meetings.
Exclusive to Copilot Plus PCs are several other AI-driven creative and utility tools. Paint will gain an AI-powered sticker generator and an object select tool, allowing users to isolate and edit specific image parts. The Photos app on Snapdragon-equipped Copilot Plus PCs will feature a new AI lighting option, while the Snipping Tool will include a “perfect screenshot” tool that uses AI to “precisely capture content on your screen.”
Beyond AI, Microsoft is also implementing non-AI features across all Windows 11 PCs. These include a practical color picker within the Snipping Tool and a new mechanism designed to automatically resolve issues causing unexpected system restarts.
The rollout of these features will occur “over the next month,” with some already accessible via Windows’ non-security preview update and as downloadable updates from the Microsoft Store.
