Windows 11 Gets AI Overhaul with Revamped Start Menu and Copilot+ Tools

Windows 11 introduces a refreshed Start Menu that offers a full-screen "All Apps" layout. Categories improve app discovery, while the new Phone Link companion panel displays live data from paired Android or iOS devices—such as messages, calls, battery percentage, and contacts.

AI Troubleshooting Agent in Settings

A new AI-based assistant inside the Settings app enables users to describe technical issues in natural language. For example, you can say “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the AI will navigate to the correct configuration. With consent, it can automatically adjust settings. However, Microsoft advises caution, noting that “recommendations are AI-generated and may be incorrect.”

Click to Do Expands with On-Screen AI Commands

The Click to Do feature, designed to leverage Neural Processing Units (NPUs), is receiving substantial upgrades. It now allows users to:

• Request Copilot to analyze text or visuals on screen

• Generate content in Word

• Convert data into Excel tables

• Schedule meetings or message through Teams

• Open Reading Coach or Immersive Reader

These contextual features aim to accelerate common workflows through AI automation.

Copilot Vision and Voice Activation Emerge

The Copilot Vision feature, which interprets on-screen content to assist with tasks, is rolling out beyond the Insider preview. A new Press to Talk capability lets users simply hold the Copilot key and speak commands directly—enabling hands-free interaction with Windows.

Core Apps Get Smarter with AI Enhancements

Photos App

The Photos app gains a Relight tool that introduces up to three customizable light sources within an image. Users can fine-tune intensity and focus manually or use preset filters. Initially, this is exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.

Paint

Paint now supports:

• Content-aware selection

• Generative fill

• Text-prompt-based sticker generator

These tools bring creativity-enhancing capabilities directly into the app.

Snipping Tool

The upgraded Snipping Tool introduces:

• Perfect Screenshot, which automatically crops key visual content

• Text extractor for copying text from images

• A color picker tool for enhanced editing

AI Comes to Notepad and File Explorer

Notepad

The lightweight Notepad app now includes:

• An AI Write feature for generating and summarising content

• Basic formatting tools like bold and italic
  These updates are a notable change for the app known for its simplicity.

File Explorer

File Explorer now supports AI-powered actions, including:

• Document summarisation

• Image editing

• Preview and insight generation

Microsoft Store and Accessibility Get Smarter

The Microsoft Store introduces personalised app recommendations, while Copilot integration will offer context-aware tips during browsing. Apps optimized for Copilot+ devices will feature a dedicated performance badge.

For accessibility, a revamped Narrator tool now provides detailed image descriptions to assist users with visual impairments. This feature is initially rolling out to Snapdragon-based Insider PCs, with wider availability coming soon.

Availability and Rollout

These new AI-driven tools will first appear on Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs, such as Microsoft’s latest Surface devices. AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs will follow in the coming months. Select features are already live for Windows Insiders, but not all enhancements will be available on every device—some are exclusive to Copilot+ hardware.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update marks a significant leap forward in integrating AI into the core user experience. From the redesigned Start Menu and AI-powered Settings assistant to enhanced features in core apps like Photos, Paint, Notepad, and Snipping Tool, the OS is evolving to become more intuitive, responsive, and efficient.

The expansion of Copilot+ capabilities—including Click to Do, Copilot Vision, and Press to Talk—reflects Microsoft’s focus on leveraging on-device intelligence to simplify daily tasks. While many features are currently exclusive to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs, broader rollout across AMD and Intel devices is expected soon, promising a smarter Windows for all users.