Windows 11 adds AI in Settings, a new Start Menu and AI-powered search in Photos & Search

Microsoft has unveiled a wide-ranging update for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, introducing what it describes as the next wave of Windows experiences. Central to this update is a new AI agent that allows users to adjust system settings or find features using natural language, such as resizing the mouse pointer or changing preferences when permission is granted. Click To Do now supports 'Ask Copilot' to analyze on-screen content, generate Microsoft Word documents, export tables to Microsoft Excel, start Microsoft Teams chats, and access Reading Coach or Immersive Reader within the same workflow. Similarly, File Explorer will also gain AI features to summarize content and edit images.

Following these core changes, a redesigned Start menu will appear this month, featuring reorganized category views and improved app shelving inspired by iOS, as reported about a month ago. The new menu also offers integration with iPhones or Android devices through Phone Link, providing quick access to recent calls, messages, contacts, and battery details.

Additional updates bring AI-powered tools to core apps, including relighting in Microsoft Photos, object selection and sticker creation in Microsoft Paint, and smart framing, text extraction, and color picking in Snipping Tool. Windows Search and Photos gain AI-powered search, while accessibility improves with a Microsoft Narrator that can now describes images. Windows Notepad adds AI writing, summarization, and formatting, and the Microsoft Store introduces personalized recommendations, in-store Copilot support, and badges for Copilot+ exclusives.