Major Windows 11 Update Promises Revamped Start Menu and Significant Enhancements Over 25H2
Microsoft is on the cusp of rolling out a substantial update for Windows 11, poised to bring a thoughtfully redesigned Start menu, refined taskbar functionalities, an invigorated File Explorer, and a suite of features engineered to streamline daily digital life. Having navigated the rigorous testing phases within the Release Preview channel of the Windows Insider program, this update is now a mere step away from its public debut. Barring unforeseen complications, users can anticipate its arrival as early as next month.
A Smarter, More Personalized Start Menu Awaits
The centerpiece of this overhaul is the new Start menu, which Microsoft proudly describes as "built for quick and fluid access to your apps." Gone are the days of a less intuitive layout; now, your application list takes center stage, augmented by a novel categorization mode. This intelligent grouping, akin to the app screens on iOS devices, classifies applications by their type, offering a much more organized and easily navigable experience. Flexibility is key here: users can opt for this modern categorized view or revert to the familiar alphabetical listing. Furthermore, the often-cluttered "Recommended" section can be toggled off, and the capacity for pinned applications has been expanded, allowing for a truly personalized Start experience. For those who prefer an unadorned approach, it's even possible to strip the menu down to just the application list, eliminating all other sections.
Adjacent to the Start menu, a revamped Phone Link module makes its debut, offering immediate access to your connected smartphone. Imagine quickly browsing recent photos, checking messages, or responding to SMS directly from the Start menu itself. This integration represents a significant leap forward from previous iterations, fostering a more seamless connection between your devices.
Taskbar and File Explorer Get a Notable Polish
The taskbar receives a visually appealing update with a new, larger battery icon. This icon now features colorful indicators: green signifies charging, while a yellow hue alerts you to a charge level below 20%. For those who appreciate granular detail, the option to display the exact battery percentage alongside the icon in the system tray has been reinstated. A touch of nostalgia returns with the introduction of smooth animations; hovering over a running application now gracefully reveals its thumbnail with a pleasant pop-in effect, a feature many fondly remember from Windows 7 and 10.
Within the File Explorer, a new "Recommended files" section emerges, offering more than just a simple list of recently accessed documents. It intelligently surfaces activity within shared files, providing a more dynamic and collaborative overview. Hovering over a file now presents quick actions like "Open file location" or the opportunity to engage Copilot for insights into the document's content.
Voice Control Takes a Leap Forward with Intelligent Dictation
The Voice Access feature is significantly enhanced with Fluid Dictation. This intelligent dictation system boasts real-time grammar and punctuation correction, along with the automatic elimination of filler words, creating cleaner and more professional text output. Crucially, all processing occurs locally on your device, leveraging on-device speech models for unparalleled speed and robust privacy protection. The update also introduces the ability to set delays before executing voice commands and expands language support to include Japanese.
Copilot and Click to Do: Seamless Integration for Enhanced Productivity
Microsoft continues its aggressive push into AI integration with enhanced Copilot capabilities in Windows 11. The new Click to Do feature allows users to effortlessly select text or other screen elements and, with a simple Win + Click, instantly access a range of contextual actions. These actions can include translation, unit conversion, data insertion into Excel, or sharing options. Click to Do supports both freeform and rectangular selections, intelligently recognizing tables and offering to export them directly to Excel. For the newer Copilot+ PCs, a two-finger tap gesture enables Click to Do, proving particularly intuitive on touch-enabled devices. The updated Copilot pane also offers quick text translation and context-aware suggestions, acting as an ever-present digital assistant.
Other Notable Enhancements and Under-the-Hood Improvements
Beyond these headline features, Windows 11 is set to receive a host of less conspicuous yet valuable refinements. The "Email & accounts" section in Settings has been renamed to "Your accounts" for greater clarity. A dedicated "Microsoft 365 Copilot" page has been added to the "Get started" section. Users will also appreciate the newfound ability to set custom usernames for their user folders during the Windows setup process. Performance sees a boost with improved PC unlock speeds after sleep. Numerous bug fixes have been implemented across File Explorer, voice control, updates, and graphical rendering. The new battery icons are now also visible on the lock screen, providing at-a-glance battery status. This comprehensive update is slated for release for both Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 in the coming weeks.
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