The update, which is available for free to existing Windows 11 users, was released to more than 190 countries on Tuesday. Several new features sharpen Microsoft’s vision for the future of hybrid work.
Banai, who said Windows 11 is the most used version of Windows in its history, detailed how the latest update aims to make working remotely on a PC easier and more secure. For example, a new tool called Smart App Control uses artificial intelligence to block malicious or untrusted apps from running on devices. Microsoft describes Windows 11 as the most secure version of the operating system to date.
Other changes include improvements to Snap’s layout software, which helps users improve their view when they need to keep multiple apps or documents in front of them at once. It offers focus sessions and do not disturb to reduce distraction from the task at hand. Starting a new Focus session activates the Do Not Disturb feature, which silences all notifications and disables taskbar badges.
The Start menu is also getting a few updates, including a faster and more accurate search function and new ways to customize the menu. Tabs are now also available in File Explorer, which Panay says is the most requested by Windows users
Meanwhile, a new tool called Windows Studio Effects helps enhance video and audio calls with artificial intelligence that filters background noise like lawn mowers and crying babies and removes background objects. This subtly highlights the speaker’s eyes so that they look directly into the camera during video calls.
Microsoft is also rolling out some previously announced accessibility features, including system-wide Live Captions, which automatically creates captions from any type of audio content in Windows 11, and an update to Natural Voice for Narrator, which reflects larger natural language patterns and helps when Reading documents or browsing the Internet.
