From AI to UI: 10 Windows 11 Enhancements You Can’t Miss in 2025
We’re now well into the second half of 2025, and it’s a good time to take a closer look at what Microsoft has rolled out for Windows 11 over the past six months. With Microsoft delivering updates on a near-monthly basis, keeping up with all the new features can be challenging.
If you’re still using Windows 10 , these recent changes might just convince you that it’s time to make the switch. Keep in mind that some of these features may still be rolling out gradually to users.
🔘 1. Smaller Taskbar Buttons – A Long-Awaited Return
One of the most requested features from Windows 10 users is finally here: small taskbar buttons . While the classic compact design was missing in earlier versions of Windows 11, Microsoft has now given users three flexible options:
- Leave icons at their default size
- Shrink icons only when the taskbar is full
- Always display small icons
You can enable this setting by going to:
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Show smaller taskbar buttons
While it’s a welcome change, the taskbar height remains unchanged — unlike in Windows 10, where shrinking icons also reduced the overall taskbar size. Still, this update brings back some much-needed customization.
⚙️ 2. Enhanced Settings App – Easier for Everyone
Microsoft has continued improving the Settings app , especially for users who are less tech-savvy. The About section now includes easy-to-read “spec cards” that clearly show your system specs like CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage.
Additionally, a new FAQ panel helps explain how each component affects performance and how to check if your system is up to date. While advanced users may not find it necessary, it’s a helpful addition for newcomers.
You can find these improvements under:
Settings > System > About
The Settings app has also absorbed more functions previously found in the Control Panel, such as mouse cursor customization and disabling mouse acceleration.
🎮 3. Gamepad Keyboard – Typing Made Easier from the Couch
Gamers who use a controller while sitting on the couch will love this improvement: the new gamepad keyboard interface . It allows for smoother typing without needing a physical keyboard, thanks to intuitive controls.
What makes it stand out is how it utilizes nearly every button on your controller — including triggers, bumpers, and sticks — to navigate and input text efficiently. It’s one of the most thoughtful upgrades for casual living-room gaming.
🖼️ 4. Cleaner Desktop Icons for Packaged Apps
For those who keep apps on their desktop, Microsoft has addressed a long-standing annoyance: the colored icon backgrounds for packaged apps like Microsoft Store apps. These awkward backdrops have finally been removed, giving desktops a cleaner and more consistent look.
🤫 5. Less Intrusive Notifications
Microsoft has made efforts to reduce unnecessary interruptions — especially in File Explorer . Users can now disable OneDrive backup prompts that used to appear in the address bar when opening folders like Documents or Downloads.
📱 6. Phone Link Integration in the Start Menu
Microsoft continues expanding the usefulness of Phone Link , adding a dedicated panel to the Start menu . This feature displays real-time phone notifications, favorite contacts, status indicators, and files directly from your Android device.
To toggle it on or off:
Settings > Personalization > Start menu
This is especially handy for users who want quick access to their mobile activity without constantly switching devices.
📁 7. File Explorer Gets Much-Needed Tweaks
Microsoft has fixed several bugs and introduced small but meaningful enhancements to File Explorer :
- Tabs are now remembered and restored after reboot
- Right-click a folder in the navigation pane to create a new folder directly from the context menu
Some expected features, like opening links in existing windows, are still missing — but the improvements so far are definitely appreciated.
🔍 8. AI-Powered Search and Settings
Available first on Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon or the latest AMD/Intel chips, Windows Search now uses AI to understand natural language queries. Whether you’re looking for a file or trying to tweak a system setting, you can simply describe what you need — and Windows finds it for you.
🧠 9. Copilot Vision and Enhanced Voice Commands
The Copilot app received a major upgrade with the introduction of Copilot Vision , which lets you share your current screen with the AI assistant to get insights, explanations, or answers to questions about what’s displayed.
To use it:
- Open the Copilot app
- Click the glasses icon in the composer
- Select the app window you want analyzed
Also new: the “Press to Talk” feature (hold Win + C), and customizable actions for the Copilot key or shortcut.
Unlike the updated search, Copilot Vision works across all supported Windows 11 devices , not just Copilot+ PCs.
📸 10. Camera Enhancements for Better Accessibility and Flexibility
Windows 11 now supports multiple apps accessing the camera simultaneously — a big win for accessibility. For example, people with hearing impairments can now run both a video call and a sign language interpreter at the same time.
In addition, Microsoft introduced a basic camera mode useful for troubleshooting issues, ensuring that apps like Teams or Zoom no longer crash or show black screens when another app tries to access the camera.
