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In the coming days, Microsoft is expected to launch the 2025 Update for Windows 11 (version 25H2), which marks the fourth feature update for the desktop version of the operating system. However, this release isn't as significant as version 24H2, but it's still important not to skip it. In this guide, I'll walk you through 10 interesting facts about Windows 11 version 25H2 that you need to know before upgrading. Facts you may not know about Windows 11 version 25H2These are some of the facts regarding the new feature update for Windows 11. You may like Windows 11 25H2 update is live — here’s how to skip the wait Top features and changes coming to Windows 11 with the October 2025 update Windows 11 version 25H2 has been released, but when will your PC get it? Windows 11 version 25H2 is now generally available to install 1: Same operating systemsAlthough Microsoft is touting Windows 11 version 25H2 as a new release of the operating system, it shares the same platform as version 24H2, which means that both operating systems are identical under the hood. 2: Same feature setSince the two operating systems are identical, they both share the same set of features and changes, which is one of the reasons the company has been releasing the same improvements for both the Dev and Beta Channels. If you notice, even though the previews for version 25H2 and 24H2 have different build numbers (26220.xxxx and 26100.xxxx), they usually have the same KB number. This is because they are both virtually identical operating systems. It's important to note that the company will continue to roll out the same improvements for both operating systems, at least for the foreseeable future. However, at least initially, the Windows 11 2025 Update is not expected to include any new features or big improvements. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.3: Enablement PackageMicrosoft plans to release version 25H2 as an Enablement Package (eKB), but only for devices already running version 24H2, which means that the installation will be similar to applying a monthly cumulative update, without the need for reinstallation. An Enablement Package is a tiny update that works as a key to enable previously downloaded improvements that are dormant in the current version of the operating system. In addition, this update changes the version number from 24H2 to 25H2. This update won't be forced automatically on your computer. It'll be available (at least initially) as an optional install. In the future, when version 24H2 nears the end of support, the company may roll out the feature update automatically on supported devices. If you want to upgrade early, you can enroll your computer in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, or you can download the ISO file. 4: Full reinstallation upgradeIf you have a computer running Windows 11 version 23H2 or an older release, the upgrade process to version 25H2 will require a complete reinstallation. Actually, if you want to upgrade from version 23H2 and you choose to use the "Windows Update" settings, you'll have to upgrade to version 24H2. After the installation, you'll have the option to download and install version 25H2. 5: Upgrade from Windows 10Similar to upgrading the operating system from version 23H2, if you have a computer running Windows 10, you'll have to upgrade to version 24H2 before the option to install version 25H2 becomes available through the "Windows Update" settings page. 6: Direct upgrade from older versionIf you want to upgrade directly from Windows 11 version 23H2, 22H2, or an older release or from Windows 10, you can use the Installation Assistant tool or the official ISO file of version 25H2. 7: Upgrade tools to version 24H2 Although switching from version 24H2 to 25H2 doesn't require reinstallation, if you use the Installation Assistant tool or the official ISO file, any of these tools will perform a complete reinstallation of the operating system. 8: Reasons to upgrade to version 25H2If you're wondering why to upgrade when both operating systems are identical this time around, then know that the main reason is for support. Although Windows 11 version 24H2 is still a supported version, the end of life for this release is October 13, 2026. When you upgrade to version 25H2, the support will continue through October 2027. Usually, new releases of Windows 11 Home and Pro are supported for 24 months, while organizations can use the same version of the operating system for 36 months. This also means that while it's recommended to upgrade to this new version, you don't have to switch versions immediately. You can always wait a few months, but you should install version 25H2 before version 24H2 retires. 9: Same hardware requirementsWindows 11 version 25H2 doesn't change the hardware requirements. The same TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and supported processors are required. These are the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11: CPU: 1GHz or faster or System on a Chip (SoC) with two cores minimum.RAM: 4GB.Storage: 64GB or larger.Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capable.TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.Display resolution: High definition (720p) display greater than 9-inch diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.This means if your device can already run 24H2, it can run 25H2 without issue. 10: Rollout strategy will be gradualAlthough the Enablement Package is small, Microsoft typically rolls out new feature updates gradually through controlled feature rollouts (CFRs). This means not everyone will see 25H2 immediately through the "Windows Update" settings page, and availability may expand over several weeks. More resourcesExplore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here: Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to knowWindows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Google is coming for Microsoft’s lunch, and Qualcomm might just help them along the way. At this years Qualcomm Summit, Google’s Rick Osterloh confirmed that the company is building a unified Android platform that will run on not only smartphones, but PC form factors too: “We are building together a common technical foundation for our products on PCs and desktop computing systems,” Osterloh said. This isn’t the first time Google has teased that such a project is in the works. In fact, it has mentioned several times now that it has plans to bring Android to PCs in an attempt to seriously compete against Windows and macOS with a real desktop-class operating system. Google is planning to bring the full Android AI stack, along with Android apps and developer community to these new Android PCs. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says the project “delivers on the vision of convergence of mobile and PC,” which is something Microsoft attempted to do with Windows a decade ago with Windows 10, Continuum, and eventually Windows Core OS. Unfortunately, Microsoft pulled the plug on its converged operating system before it had the chance to take off. Now, it looks like Google wants to bring to life what Microsoft failed to. You may like Google’s Chromebook ads target millions still on Windows 10 Qualcomm promises major PC gaming improvements on the way Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: The fastest Windows laptop chip we’ve seen? MacBook sales soared as Microsoft retired Windows 10 Windows 10X is the closest thing we've ever gotten to a modern and lightweight version of Windows. (Image credit: Windows Central)Both Apple and Google have slowly been converging their mobile platforms with the PC form factor. iPadOS is Apple’s attempt at scaling up iOS to become more desktop-like, and now Google is doing the same with Android. With the foundations it has already laid with Chrome OS, the relationships it has built with PC makers, and the thousands of Android apps that are already available, Google is in a pretty good spot to make a good go at this. Of course, Chrome OS never really took off in the way Google was hoping it would, and so there’s no guarantee Android-powered PCs will be any different. With that said, this news should still be ringing all kinds of alarm bells for Microsoft. Both Google and Apple are coming for the PC market with more lean and modern operating systems, something Microsoft doesn’t currently have. Windows 11 is not a modern platform by any stretch of the imagination. It’s built on decades of legacy code, and designed to maintain backwards compatibility with software from the 90s. This has its benefits, but it also comes with major drawbacks such as bloatedness, slower performance, less efficiency, and higher risk of potential security or stability issues. It also means Windows today can’t run on form factors outside of the PC space. That has severely limited Windows’ growth potential over the last handful of years, to the point where Windows as a whole has slowly been losing market share for years. Where Google and Apple are thriving in bringing their operating systems to new and interesting form factors, Microsoft is stuck with PCs, because it has given up on trying to bring Windows to anything else. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Microsoft wanted to transform its mobile platform into a PC replacement years ago. But it failed. Up until now, that’s been okay. Google and Apple haven’t really been interested in coming after the PC market, but the tide is changing, and these companies are now interested in taking a bigger bite out of Microsoft’s pie. Apple Silicon really turned the Mac platform around, and iPadOS is in a better place than ever to replace the laptop for most people. But it’s Google that Microsoft should be really worried about. Unlike Apple, Google already works with PC makers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, and likely has a good working relationship with them. If Google comes along and offers something better than Windows, with a large app catalog, leaner OS core and faster performance, why wouldn’t there be interest from OEM makers? For most people who just use Windows for Office, web browsing, Teams/Slack, and media consumption, an Android PC will fit the bill. If Android PCs do take off, I think Microsoft is going to have a hard time fighting to keep its userbase. Through years of enshittification, Microsoft has lost any goodwill it had with its users on Windows, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a large chunk of the Windows userbase is already open to jumping ship should something better come along. Ultimately, if Google really is bringing Android to PCs next year, Microsoft will need to take action. It’s going to need to start innovating in the OS space again, building good features that people want, and modernizing the platform so it can better compete head-to-head with these more modern rivals. But will Microsoft want to do that, or is it happy to conceded the market to Android? That remains to be seen. Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Microsoft has announced a new update coming soon to the Photos app on Windows 11 that introduces AI-powered categories into the app. The update is now in testing with Windows Insiders, and is expected to begin rolling out generally in the coming weeks. The new update adds different folders into the app and will use AI to categorize photos into the folders based on visual content. Categories include receipts, identity cards, notes, and screenshots, which will be automatically grouped together using AI. "Auto-Categorization automatically detects and organizes your photo collection into meaningful categories like screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes using AI. It’s designed to save time, reduce clutter, and make your photo library easier to navigate." The AI processing is all handled on-device too, meaning this new feature will require a Copilot+ PC with an NPU of at least 40 TOPS worth of power. You may like Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 OneDrive is getting a dedicated Windows 11 app Microsoft updates Copilot app with cleaner UI, better integration See what’s next for AI in Windows 11 before anyone else The new categories feature in Photos (Image credit: Microsoft)You can check out the full outline of AI-powered categorization features coming to Photos below. Smart sorting into categories: Photos are automatically grouped into predefined folders based on visual content, such as handwritten notes, printed documents, or receipts.Language-agnostic recognition: The AI model can identify document types regardless of the language in the image. For example, a Hungarian passport will still be categorized as “Passport,” even if the text isn’t in English.Explore your organized photo library with Auto-Categorization in Photos.Use the Left Nav or Search bar to find categorized images instantly.Change categories manually or provide feedback to improve accuracy.AI-categories in Photos is one of several new AI-powered features that have been added to the app on Windows 11 over the last year. Since the launch of Copilot+ PCs, the photos app has been upgraded into a capable photo editing tool, which AI-powered spot removal and background removal tools, and more. The new AI-powered categories feature is available in preview with version version 2025.11090.25001.0 or above, and can be installed via the Microsoft Store if you're in the Windows Insider Program. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

A number of new flags have been discovered in Microsoft Edge that suggest that Microsoft is working on allowing Windows 11’s taskbar search to open in your default browser and search engine, instead of defaulting to Edge and Bing. This is behavior that has been available in the European Economic Area (EEA) for quite some time, and now it might be coming to everyone, reports Windows Latest. First spotted by @Leopeva64 on X, in the latest build of Edge Canary there’s now a number of flags that are designed to configure how Windows behaves when it comes to handing off a taskbar search query to the browser. In non-EEA markets, Windows is set to open Edge and use Bing whenever you type an internet search query into the search box, regardless of what browser you have set as default. Here are the new flags that were spotted in Edge Canary: You may like Microsoft pushes Edge over Chrome in new Bing ad Windows 11’s search box is getting an upgrade — and no, it’s not just another Bing ad How to set the default web browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10 Hands-on with Windows 11's new Copilot-powered Taskbar search box msExplicitLaunchNonBingDSEmsExplicitLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDBmsExplicitLaunchNonEdgeDBmsWSBLaunchNonBingDSEmsWSBLaunchNonBingDSEAndNonEdgeDBmsWSBLaunchNonEdgeDBIt's likely that "WSB" stands for "Windows Search Box" and "DSE" means Default Search Engine. If these new flags are anything to go by, it looks like Microsoft will give users the choice to switch which browser and search engine is used in the hand-off from the taskbar search box. If you have Firefox set as your default browser, and use Yahoo as your default search engine, Windows will respect that choice and open Firefox with your search query already inserted into Yahoo. Of course, as these flags are currently only available in Edge Canary, they may never ship and could just be an experiment. Still, it’s interesting to see Microsoft toying with options that would make using Windows 11 less user hostile for people who don’t want to use Microsoft’s defaults. I suspect there are millions of Windows 11 users in the world that don’t want to use Edge or Bing, and so don’t use Windows 11’s search pane as a result. Having this important system UI finally respect your default browser and search engine choice is a big first step towards finally respecting the users choices. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.What are your thoughts on Microsoft possibly respecting your default browser choice and search engine outside of the EEA? Let us know in the comments. Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

In a new internal memo, Windows and Surface boss Pavan Davuluri has announced that Microsoft is bringing the teams that make the core of Windows back into the Windows organization. For those unaware, the Windows organization has essentially been split in two since 2018. Teams that work on the core of Windows were moved under Azure, and the rest of the Windows team (those that focused on top level features and user experiences) remained under the Windows org. That is finally changing, with Davuluri saying that the Windows client and server teams are now going to operate under the same roof once again. "This change unifies Windows engineering work under a single organization ... Moving the teams working on Windows client and server together into one organization brings focus to delivering against our priorities." You may like Podcast: Is Windows about to get interesting again? Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 Nadella says Microsoft must evolve beyond Gates’ software factory Microsoft to address negative feedback about Windows 11 update naming scheme The move comes as Microsoft promises the future of Windows to be one that is agentic, prioritizing voice input in addition to mouse and keyboard usage, and becoming an AI-powered OS that can conduct tasks and actions on your behalf. Davuluri even says that the restructure will help the company “deliver our vision of Windows as an Agentic OS” While much of the Windows engineering teams will now be back under the Windows org, there will still be a handful of low-level teams that remain under the Azure organization instead. "Likewise, we will continue to have dependencies from the core kernel and virtualization and Linux teams, now part of Azure Core, to provide the foundational support for client scenarios, silicon enablement, and WSL." With Davuluri now in control of the bulk of Windows engineering and development, it sounds like the company is slowly moving towards something brand new when it comes to Windows. In the age of AI, and the potential that an agentic operating system brings, it seems Davuluri is eager to capitalize and move to position Windows as the platform for future AI experiences. via The Verge Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Microsoft has announced the general availability of Windows 11 version 25H2 after months of testing. The next version of Windows 11 has been ready and waiting in the wings for a handful of weeks, and now the company is giving it a formal go-ahead for launch. As of today, Windows 11 version 25H2 is now rolling out, which means it will soon show up as an update available for you to download and install via Windows Update. Version 25H2 is a minor update, delivered as an enablement package and sits on top of version 24H2, meaning the download and install process should be very quick. If you don't want to wait, our latest guide shows how you can force Windows 11 version 25H2 to update right now. You may like Windows 11 version 25H2: Everything you need to know Windows 11 version 25H2 has been released, but when will your PC get it? Windows 11 version 25H2 ISOs are now available Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 25H2 will have no new features That also means version 25H2 doesn't include any notable new changes or enhancements over version 24H2, because both releases are based on the same platform release and thus share the same security updates, bug fixes, and features. The only thing version 25H2 does that version 24H2 doesn't is reset the support lifecycle clock. That means users who upgrade to version 25H2 as soon as possible will be supported for the longest: 24 months for Home and Pro and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11. Version 24H2 is already over a year into its lifecycle, to compare. You'll want to make sure this toggle is checked to get the update through Windows Update. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)To get the update as soon as possible, make sure you have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle selected in Windows Update, as that will prioritize your PC during the rollout. As usual, Microsoft is rolling out the update in waves, so it might not appear right away. If you'd like to download the enablement package update files to upgrade from version 24H2 to version 25H2 quickly, you can download the file corresponding to your architecture below. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Enablement package for x64 (Intel/AMD)Enablement package for Arm64 (Snapdragon)Alternatively, you can download the official ISO media for Windows 11 version 25H2, which is available in 38 languages in either x64 or Arm64 flavors. Or you can use Microsoft's official Windows Media Creation Tool that will streamline the process and make creating a USB installation key easy. While version 25H2 doesn't include any new features on its own, Microsoft is working on a number of new Windows 11 features that are expected to debut in the coming weeks. Things like a brand new Start menu, improvements to dark mode, updates to Phone Link, and more are all in the works. Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Microsoft has finally announced the general availability of Windows 11 version 25H2, and that means the finalized ISO media is now available to download directly from Microsoft's servers. Version 25H2 has been in testing with Windows Insiders over the summer, and now the RTM build is ready to download. RTM, for those who may not know, is an old school Windows term that stands for Released To Manufacturing, which means it's the build that Microsoft will send to PC makers for pre-loading onto new hardware with version 25H2 preinstalled. Microsoft no longer uses the phrase RTM publicly, but it still exists. Windows 11 build 26200.6584 is the golden number that Microsoft has released as the base build for version 25H2. You may like Windows 11 version 25H2 ISOs are now available Windows 11 25H2 update is live — here’s how to skip the wait Windows 11 version 25H2 has been released, but when will your PC get it? Windows 11’s next big update is here early — here’s how to get it The ISOs are available in 38 languages, and include Home, Pro, and Education editions. Each ISO varies slightly in size, but are an average of around 7GB for x64, and a few hundred megabytes smaller for Arm64. Download Windows 11 version 25H2 for x64 and Arm64Windows 11 version 25H2 RTM Build 26200.6584 is hosted directly on Microsoft's servers and are the official ISO media for this release. Select your language below and the ISO will begin to download. The ISOs are available in both x64 (for Intel/AMD PCs) and Arm64 (for Snapdragon PCs,) so be sure to select the right architecture and language. If you'd rather isntall Windows 11 version 25H2 as an enablement package upgrade on top of version 24H2, you can download those relevant files here. Swipe to scroll horizontallyLanguage x64 Arm64 English US Download en-US (7.2GB) Download en-US (6.8GB) English UK Download en-GB (7.2GB) Download en-GB (6.8GB) Arabic Download ar-SA (6.9GB) Download ar-SA (6.7GB) Bulgarian Download bg-BG (7.1GB) Download bg-BG (6.7GB) Czech Download cs-CZ (7.1GB) Download cs-CZ (6.7GB) Danish Download da-DK (7.1GB) Download da-DK (6.7GB) German Download de-DE (7.2GB) Download de-DE (6.8GB) Greek Download el-GR (7.1GB) Download el-GR (6.8GB) Spanish Download es-ES (7.2GB) Download es-ES (6.9GB) Spanish-Mexico Download es-MX (6.9GB) Download es-MX (6.7GB) Estonian Download et-EE (7GB) Download et-EE (6.6GB) Finnish Download fi-FI (7.1GB) Download fi-FI (6.8GB) French Download fr-FR (7.2GB) Download fr-FR (6.9GB) French-Canada Download fr-CA (6.9GB) Download fr-CA (6.7GB) Hebrew Download he-IL (6.9GB) Download he-IL (6.7GB) Croatian Download hr-HR (7GB) Download hr-HR (6.6GB) Hungarian Download hu-HU (7.1GB) Download hu-HU (6.8GB) Italian Download it-IT (7.1GB) Download it-IT (6.8GB) Japanese Download ja-JP (7.1GB) Download ja-JP (6.8GB) Korean Download ko-KR (6.9GB) Download ko-KR (6.7GB) Lithuanian Download lt-LT (7GB) Download lt-LT (6.6GB) Latvian Download lv-LV (7GB) Download lv-LV (6.6GB) Norwegian-Bokmal Download nb-NO (7.1GB) Download nb-NO (6.7GB) Dutch-Netherlands Download nl-NL (7.1GB) Download nl-NL (6.8GB) Polish Download pl-PL (7.1GB) Download pl-PL (6.8GB) Portuguese-Brazil Download pt-BR (6.9GB) Download pt-BR (6.7GB) Portuguese-Portugal Download pt-PT (7.1GB) Download pt-PT (6.8GB) Romanian Download ro-RO (7GB) Download ro-RO (6.6GB) Russian Download ru-RU (6.9GB) Download ru-RU (6.8GB) Slovak Download sk-SK (7GB) Download sk-SK (6.6GB) Slovenian Download sl-SI (7GB) Download sl-SL (6.6GB) Serbian-Latin Download sr-latin-RS (6.9GB) Download sr-latin-RS (6.6GB) Swedish Download sv-SE (7.1GB) Download sv-SE (6.7GB) Thai Download th-TH (6.9GB) Download th-TH (6.7GB) Turkish Download tr-TR (6.9GB) Download tr-TR (6.7GB) Ukranian Download uk-UA (6.9GB) Download uk-UA (6.7GB) Chinese-Simplified Download zh-CN (7.2GB) Download zh-ZN (7.1GB) Chinese-Traditional Download zh-TW (7.2GB) Download zh-TW (7GB) Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 has no new features over version 24H2. Both share the same servicing and pipeline channels, and so features that are build for 25H2 will also end up on 24H2, and vice versa. That also means there should be no app or driver compatibility, device performance, or platform stability discrepancies between the two releases. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You should still upgrade to version 25H2 however, as it resets Microsoft's support lifecycle clock and will receive security updates and bug fixes for longer than version 24H2. Version 25H2 will have 24 months of support from its general availability date, whereas Windows 11 version 24H2 is already a year into its lifecycle. Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

Windows 11's Widgets Board, launched in 2022, faces scrutiny as only 50 widgets clutter the space while a cumbersome news feed dominates. With Microsoft testing an AI-curated experience, users may be left questioning the board's true purpose. And now Windows 11 users have another reason to be jealous of those on macOS. Apple just announced a new sports widget that extends the iOS and iPadOS experience to the desktop. While the new sports widget on macOS is nice, it's not what taunts me and other Windows 11 users. Microsoft has actually had a sports widget available for quite some time on Windows 11. What's frustrating is that Apple has made an effort to promote widgets on macOS, which is a stark contrast to what Microsoft has done over the years and of late. You may like Asking our readers: What's so bad about Windows 11? Is 'Brilliant' Windows 12 the upgrade we've all been waiting for? Microsoft’s Surface Pro ad blunder is going viral Microsoft recaps new features shipped on Windows 11 in 2025 Microsoft first launched the widgets board on Windows 11 in 2022. Shockingly, it took until the end of 2023 for the tech giant to start testing the option to disable the news feed within the widgets board. Microsoft is testing an AI curated news feed within the Widgets Board that pushes widgets to a separate tab. (Image credit: Windows Central)The widgets board doesn't feel like a dedicated section for useful tools. It feels like a billboard for MSN. For over a year it wasn't even possible to use widgets without seeing a news feed. The most meaningful update to Widgets Board this year is the addition of an AI curated news feed that replaces the MSN feed — because that's what a Widgets Board needs, AI and more news. That update actually requires an extra click to even get to widgets. The tabbed layout is still in testing, so Microsoft has a chance to shift back to presenting widgets first when you open the widgets panel. If the layout that's in testing ships to everyone, Microsoft should just rename the Widgets Board to "News Board." What kind of Widgets Board opens to everything except widgets by default? Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.A new app gap There are only 50 widgets available for Windows 11. (Image credit: Future)Long-time readers are familiar with the app gap that plagued Windows Phone for years. A similar issue affected Windows 11, though the Microsoft Store is great in 2025 — with one glaring exception. The widgets section of the Microsoft Store looks like a shopping mall that's about to close down. There are 50 widgets in the Microsoft Store. That's it. Many of those widgets are for niche use cases or variations of already existing widgets. Even the widgets from well-recognized companies are poor. The Spotify widget just presents trending playlists. It doesn't even let you control the Spotify app on your PC. There are some nice widgets available, including a handy package tracker. But overall, the selection is an embarrassment. HowToiSolve has a list of the 21 best widgets for macOS. A similar roundup for Windows 11 would include over 40% of all widgets available. Considering there are several clock and calendar apps among the 50 widgets available, I doubt you could find 21 widgets worth trying at all.

Windows 11 includes a search feature that should be enough for most users, but it often struggles with speed, particularly in non-indexed locations or when handling a large number of files. The search home also feels cluttered with advertisements and lacks polish, which is surprising given it comes from the world's largest software company. If you want something faster, lighter, or more customizable, several third-party tools can deliver a significantly better search experience. Popular options include Command Palette from PowerToys, Fluent Search, Everything, Listary, Flow Launcher, and RayCast. In this guide, I'll highlight six tools you can use to replace the Search functionality on Windows 11. You may like Google has a new official app for Windows 11, emulates Apple's Spotlight Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 PowerToys now spots and helps fix hotkey conflicts on Windows 11 Windows 11’s best File Explorer alternative just got smarter with real‑time feedback Disclaimer Although these apps work as advertised, they are third-party tools. Use them at your own risk. Windows Search alternatives for Windows 11These are six tools you can use to replace or improve the default Windows Search experience. 1. Command Palette (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)The Command Palette is a feature from PowerToys by Microsoft, designed for power users to quickly launch apps, commands, and tools from a single interface. This feature is often compared to the macOS Spotlight search, which many argue is very similar. It is also intended to be the successor to the popular PowerToys Run utility. This feature allows you to launch apps with just a few keystrokes. It provides near-instant results, which can be much faster than using the standard Windows Search or File Explorer. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.One important aspect of Command Palette is its extensibility. Although it comes with a comprehensive list of built-in extensions, you can install additional ones directly from within the palette to add more functionality. Beyond launching apps, you can use this tool to run various system commands, which can save you from having to open Command Prompt or PowerShell for simple tasks. The Command Palette is primarily an app and settings launcher, but through an extension, it also offers search functionality to find virtually anything on your computer. The only caveat is that the search functionality requires an extra step, as you must confirm the type of search you're performing when initiating a search. Install Command Palette You can download and install Command Palette with PowerToys using one of the following methods: WinGet: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run: winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToysDownload: Visit the official PowerToys page and download the appropriate installer for your system.Get started with Command Palette Once PowerToys is installed on your computer, you can launch Command Palette from the Start menu like a regular application, or you can also use the "Windows key + Alt + Space" keyboard shortcut. While in the interface, you can type your query in the search box, and as you start typing, the results will appear instantly. However, if you're searching for a file or folder, you'll have to double-click or press "Enter" while highlighting the "Search for" item. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)The action will take you to another page to view the results for files and folders. If you want to run a command directly from within the Command Palette interface, use the > (greater than symbol) and then type the command. For example, > ping bing.com or > Shell:startup. If you want to switch between open windows, you can search and use the "Switch between open windows" feature from the "Window Walker" extension or type < (less than symbol) (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)If you type a simple calculation (such as 2+2), Command Palette will show the answer as part of the result. However, don't try "10% of 20," because it won't work. It's also possible to open web pages, search the internet, and you can add bookmarks for files, locations, and URLs. Simply type "Add bookmark," select the result, and complete the name and path. You can even assign aliases and keyboard shortcuts for each bookmark. You can also customize various aspects of the Command Palette from the settings page, which you can access by clicking the "Settings" button in the bottom left corner while in the launcher. On the "General" page, you can change the activation shortcut and customize the behaviors of results. For example, you can show app details, use backspace for back action, single-click activation, and more. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Also, from the "Extensions" page, you can enable and disable built-in as well as other extensions you may have added to the tool. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)If you want to install extensions from within the Command Palette bar, search for "Install Command Palette extensions," select the top result, search for the extension, select it, and click the "Install" button. Similarly, you can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) to search for and install applications. Simply search for "Search WinGet," select the top result, search for the app, select it, and then click the install option. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Bottom line Command Palette's primary focus is a launcher for apps and system settings. It works great for file and folder search, but it requires an additional step to show the file results. This tool is also customizable and extensible through extensions, making it ideal for anyone who has PowerToys already installed or for those who want to replace their search experience with something similar to the Spotlight feature on macOS, without requiring extensive customization. Command Palette is available for free when installing the PowerToys tool on x64 or ARM64 devices. 2. Fluent Search (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Fluent Search is an advanced search tool for Windows 11 that has been designed to be a more efficient and comprehensive alternative to the built-in Windows Search. It can find and launch apps, search for files, browse web content, locate open browser tabs and history, and even search for active windows and in-app content, such as tabs, buttons, and hyperlinks. Fluent Search is super fast and uses a native file indexer to scan your files efficiently, without overloading the processor, and provides quick and accurate results as you type. For users who prefer to use their keyboard, this search tool can significantly improve productivity. For example, if you enable the "Screen Search" feature, similar to Click to Do, it allows you to search for anything on the screen using OCR technology. Additionally, this tool features extension support, which can enhance its functionality. You can easily add more extensions from within the tool's settings. Finally, Fluent Search includes a range of additional features, such as the ability to personalize the interface's look and feel, numerous search and app settings, hotkey support, preview customization, and more. Install Fluent Search You can download and install Fluent Search using one of the following methods: WinGet: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run: winget install --id BlastApps.FluentSearchDownload: Visit the official Fluent Search page and download the appropriate installer for your system.Get started with Fluent Search Upon launching the application for the first time, you may be prompted to download and install the latest update available. After the update, restart the app from the Start menu, and right-click the tool's icon in the System Tray and choose the "Settings" option. Once on the tool's settings page, open Apps > Files > File indexing, and click the "Install service" button for the "Fluent search" option under the File indexer setting to utilize the tool's indexing capability to locate files and folders on your computer. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)It's important to note that Fluent Search can also use the system's indexing database to search for content. If you don't want another indexer running on your computer, select the "Windows Search" option. If you open Apps > Plugins, you can add several extensions, including Number, Currency, and Unit Converter, Color preview, Clipboard, Dictionary, YouTube, DuckDuckGo Preview, and more. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Unlike Command Palette, when typing a search term, you'll get a list with every result, no matter the category. A search query can show results for files, folders, settings, and apps. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)One interesting aspect is that results can also show previews with a list of different actions (such as open, copy, rename, delete, etc.), similar to the design for results in the Windows Search experience. To run a command, type it in the search box and select the tool, such as Command Prompt or PowerShell, to execute it. Bottom line Fluent Search is an excellent alternative to Windows Search, offering more features than you'll ever need. Although the default settings are optimal for most users, this tool is suited for more tech-savvy users, as it offers numerous advanced features, including the ability to change the content indexer, control tool performance, and OCR technology, among others. Fluent Search is free, but if you appreciate the tool, you can always show your support to the developer. You can also download the installer, but it has a portable version for x64 and ARM64 devices, and you can even download it from the Microsoft Store. 3. Everything (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)The Everything app may not feature a modern interface, but what it lacks in design it makes up for in raw functionality. Developed by Voidtools, Everything is a free search utility that indexes all files and folders on your computer and delivers results almost instantly. It achieves this speed by indexing only file and folder names, which takes just a few minutes to complete. Although the tool includes an option to search inside file contents, enabling this feature slows down performance. By default, results appear in real-time as you type, often within milliseconds, even on systems with massive amounts of data. Everything can also index content from network locations by manually adding mapped network drives through the settings. Despite its powerful indexing, it uses very little memory and storage, keeping your system lean and responsive. You can choose between the installed version and the portable edition, which runs directly from external storage. The portable option makes it especially useful for troubleshooting or quickly searching files on other computers without installation. It’s important to note that Everything is strictly a search tool. Unlike alternatives such as Command Palette or Fluent Search, it does not include extra features like an app launcher, calculator, or website shortcuts. However, you can still locate and open applications by searching for their executable files directly from the interface. Install Everything You can download and install Everything using one of the following methods: WinGet: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run: winget install --id voidtools.EverythingDownload: Visit the official Everything page and download the appropriate installer for your system.Get started with Everything Once you have installed the tool, you can launch it from the Start menu like any other app, and you can use the address bar-like box at the top of the page to perform your searches. The tool also includes different search options, such as match case, whole word, path, and more, from the "Search" menu. Other options include regex expressions and the ability to filter by content. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Additionally, it offers an advanced search function that enables more precise and granular searches. Once the Everything tool is running, it'll minimize and be easily accessible from the System Tray. However, if you want to access it with a keyboard shortcut, you can do this by configuring the "Show window Hotkey" option with the global shortcut that you want to use, available on Everything> Tools > Options > Keyboard. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Bottom line Everything is easy to install, and it doesn't require additional configuration. However, you can customize the tool to suit your preferences. The primary focus is file and folder search, and it does a good job of it. This option is ideal for those who want something simple, where design isn't a concern. Everything is free, and the developer offers an installer and a portable version for x64 devices. 4. Listary (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Listary is a desktop search utility that is known for its deep integration with the operating system, particularly with File Explorer and file dialog boxes. While it functions as a general-purpose launcher, its core strength lies in its file management capabilities. However, this tool isn't open source, and there are no extensions. Perhaps one of the best features of this search tool is its ability to let you start typing to search for files and folders directly within File Explorer and "Open" or "Save" dialog boxes. This eliminates the need to navigate through complex folder structures, which can save a lot of time in the long run. Listary also works as a universal launcher. You can use it to quickly find and open apps, run system commands, and even perform web searches by using a keyword (for example, typing "g" followed by your search query to search Google). Although Listary doesn't include extensions, it's still highly extensible, allowing you to create custom commands and actions. This means you can use it to automate a variety of tasks, from opening a specific application with custom parameters to executing a command-line script. Install Listary You can download and install Listary using one of the following methods: WinGet: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run: winget install --id Bopsoft.ListaryDownload: Visit the official Listary page and download the appropriate installer for your system.Get started with Listary Once you install the tool, you can typically launch it from the Start menu, just like any other app, or by using the default double-tap of the "Ctrl" key. While in the floating search box, you can perform your search by typing the name of a file, folder, or app, and the results will appear instantly. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)You can also click the "Show more file results" button in the top-right corner to access the file manager, which includes additional tools such as filters, recently modified files, and recently used files. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)One feature that sets Listary apart from other Windows Search alternatives is the integration with the operating system. For example, while in File Explorer, you can start typing to invoke the tool to perform a search for anything available on your computer. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)The ability to start typing for search is also available in dialog boxes, on the desktop, and in other apps, such as AutoCAD and Files, among others. If you want to search the web, you can use commands like "G" or "YouTube" followed by a space and followed by the search term. The only caveat is that there are no previews, but clicking on an item in the results will open the link in your default browser. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Although the launcher comes with some built-in commands, such as shutdown, reboot, sleep, and others, it doesn't allow you to run commands as is possible with Command Palette. For example, you can't type the "> ping bing.com" command and expect to run. However, it's possible to create custom commands. To customize the experience, right-click the Listary icon in the System Tray and select "Options." On the "Options" page, you can customize the look and feel. However, this feature is only available in the paid version. You can also control the keyboard shortcuts, including the main hotkey to invoke the tool. In the "Fil Search" settings, you can manage the search filters, index database, and the different properties. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Additionally, you can also control actions, build commands, web search shortcuts, and manage the tool's integration with the operating system. Bottom line Listary is also a complete search alternative to the one available on Windows 11. It's more suited for those who like the idea of a search functionality that also integrates more deeply with the operating system and want more granular features to perform searches. This tool takes the freemium approach, meaning that it has a free and paid version. While the free option includes many of the available features, many others are locked unless you do the one-time payment of $19.95 USD (at the time of this writing). 5. Flow Launcher (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Flow Launcher is a free and open-source app launcher for Windows 11 that aims to provide a better experience compared to the built-in Windows Search functionality. It's designed for users who prefer a keyboard-driven workflow and want a faster and more customizable way to interact with their device. Similar to the other tools, you can launch virtually any app installed on your computer, and you can search for and find files and folders. However, this tool doesn't provide its own indexing mechanism. Instead, it taps into the Windows Search indexer, and it seamlessly integrates with the Everything indexer. You can also perform a wide range of system commands directly from the search bar, such as shutting down, restarting, or locking your computer. Flow Launcher includes several useful built-in plugins right out of the box, including Calculator, Web Searches, Shell Commands, Settings Search, Browser Bookmarks, etc. Additionally, Flow Launcher features its own store, offering a comprehensive list of plugins. Finally, it's super customizable through the settings page. For example, you can change its appearance to match your preferences, manage the built-in and store plugins, and control the different shortcuts to interact with the tool. Install Flow Launcher You can download and install Listary using one of the following methods: WinGet: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run: winget install --id Flow-Launcher.Flow-LauncherDownload: Visit the official Flow Launcher page and download the appropriate installer for your system.Get started with Flow Launcher Once you complete the installation and launch the app from the Start menu or use the default "Alt + Space" keyboard shortcut for the first time, the tool will show you a quick tutorial to help you get started, which is a neat feature since it's the only one that offers this experience. The first thing you'll notice is that Flow Launcher is similar to the Command Palette interface, but with the difference that the search box is smaller and shows the current time. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Below the search box, you'll see a list of shortcuts to use to search for anything more accurately. For example, "doc:" followed by a space and followed by a keyword will show results only for files. The ">" allows you to run a command using Command Prompt, and "s" will help you find system settings. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)The "Kill" command helps you to find and terminate system processes without having to open Task Manager. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)However, you don't have to use shortcuts to start searching. For instance, you can type a search, and Flow Launcher will begin showing results of anything it finds in any category. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)If you want to use Flow Launcher with the Everything indexer, you have to install the Everything tool (see above instructions) and then, on Flow Launcher > Settings > Plugins, make sure that the "Explorer" plugin is installed and enabled, and the tool will be able to use the "Everything" index to provide results. Bottom line Flow Launcher is an alternative to the search experience on Windows 11 for anyone who wants a macOS Spotlight-like interface for searching for files, folders, apps, and system settings, and it's not concerned about the indexing mechanism in use. Additionally, this tool is an excellent option for anyone looking to extend its functionality with plugins. Sure, some of the other tools include some extensions, but the library available for Flow Launcher is extensive. You can find plugins for Files, FileZilla, Docker, Weather, and many more. Flow Launcher is a free and open-source application, and the developer offers both an installer and a portable version. 6. RayCast 6. RayCast (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Raycast is an app launcher and productivity tool for macOS, which has been designed as an alternative to the Spotlight function. However, a version for Windows is also in development. Similar to the utilities mentioned in this guide, this one is also a keyboard-driven tool, enabling you to perform a wide range of tasks without needing a mouse. When using RayCast, you can quickly find and open apps, documents, and other files on your computer. It comes with many built-in functionalities such as a clipboard history, a calculator, a text snippet manager, and window management. Similarly, like Flow Launcher, RayCast offers an extensive library of open-source extensions that enable integration with numerous third-party services, including GitHub, Spotify, and Jira. One feature that sets RayCast apart is its AI capabilities, which include a chat feature and the ability to utilize AI commands for automating tasks using many of the available chatbots, including ChatGPT from OpenAI, Perplexity Sonar, Mistral, Google Gemini, DeepSeek, Grok, Meta Llama, and many more. While Raycast offers a free version with a wide range of features, a paid "Pro" subscription unlocks additional functionality, including cloud sync, unlimited clipboard history, and advanced AI features. Install RayCast RayCast for Windows 11 is currently in beta and is only available for download through an invitation. Once you sign up to join the waitlist, you will eventually receive an email with a link to download and install the tool on your computer. Get started with RayCast Once the RayCast app is installed on your computer, the wizard should appear to help you get started with logging in to your account and recording a keyboard shortcut. The default shortcut is "Alt + Space." Once it's running, you can always launch it with the keyboard shortcut you have recorded or by using the icon in the System Tray. The first thing you'll notice is that the RayCast bar is very similar to the one available in Command Palette and Flow Launcher, with the default drop-down showing different suggestions of commands and tasks you can perform. For example, you can access tools such as Clipboard History, Search Emoji & Symbols, Search Files, Search Snippets, and many more. However, you don't have to use any of the commands to start a search for files, folders, apps, or settings. Simply start typing, and the tool will show you the results organized by category. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)Although the search feature works as advertised, it doesn't locate open browser tabs and history, nor does it search for active windows and in-app content, such as tabs, buttons, and hyperlinks like Flow Launcher. RayCast also comes with many built-in commands, such as shutdown, restart, sleep, empty Recycle Bin, toggle mute, volume up, volume down, and more. Although this tool provides several useful commands, you cannot trigger commands, such as "ping bing.com" or "ipconfig," like you can with the Command Palette. In this case, you would have to launch the command console to perform those tasks. You can also use the built-in calculator to perform various calculations, such as simple math, percentage calculation, currency conversion, checking different time zones (for example, time in Tokyo), and determining the number of days until an event (for example, days until October 31), among others. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)RayCast shines in its AI integration. If you press the "Tab" key, the search box becomes a chatbot command prompt that you can use to ask anything, and then the chatbot will provide a concise answer. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)One thing to point out about this tool is that you can always use the "Ctrl + Shift + M" keyboard shortcut to change the AI model, as you can use models from OpenAI, Google, Perplexity, and others. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)RayCast also features a store where you can download different extensions to enhance the functionality of this launcher further. For example, in the store, you'll find extensions to connect with GitHub Copilot, Kill Process helps you terminate system processes without Task Manager, there's also a color picker and Spotify player, just to name a few. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)If you want to customize the experience, you can access the settings page by right-clicking the RayCast icon from the System Tray and choosing the "Settings" option. In the RayCast settings, you can control your account credentials, window mode, shortcuts, AI preferences, app integration, and many of the launcher's features, such as Calculator, Clipboard History, Emoji & Symbols, System Actions, and more. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)RayCast provides its own indexer to scan your system for files, folders, apps, and settings, which you can control from the "File Search" settings. The page even includes a "Fast File Scanner" feature that aims to speed up the file indexing process. Bottom line RayCast is an excellent alternative to replace the default search experience in the operating system for finding files and folders, as well as launching apps and settings. This utility comes packed with tons of features, and even though they're similar to other launchers, features like Emoji, Clipboard History, Shortcuts, and its AI integration set RayCast apart. The AI integration is currently available to all users as part of the beta development, but it's actually a feature exclusive to paid subscribers. Finally, there are at least three key considerations to take into account with this utility. First, it's currently in beta, and you can only get it by joining the waitlist. Second, RayCast offers a free version, but to access more advanced features and the AI functionality (once the final version becomes available), you will need to purchase the RayCast Pro subscription. Furthermore, there's a "Pro + Advanced AI" subscription that doubles the price of the "Pro" offers, with access to more AI models. Third, although AI can be beneficial in many scenarios, not everyone wants this feature. RayCast is an option for those who prefer not to use the default Windows Search experience, have already adopted AI, and are willing to pay a monthly subscription. Finally, if you already use macOS and also happen to use Windows 11, you should consider this utility as well, since it runs on both operating systems. Which one should you choose?This is answer is up to you since each of these tools has strengths depending on your needs: Everything: For everyday users who want fast, reliable file search with no configuration.Fluent Search: For power users who want indexing control, OCR, or plugin support.Listary: For deep integration in the operating system dialogs and File Explorer.Flow Launcher or Command Palette: For keyboard lovers and customization, plus plugin support.RayCast (Pro): For those who want AI and future-proof features (chat, model switching).What launcher do you prefer? Let me know in the comments. More resourcesExplore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here: Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to knowWindows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Microsoft has announced a major update to the Paint app on Windows 11 that introduces support for project files, a feature just like what Photoshop has where you can save a work-in-progress image as a project for opening and editing at a later point. The new project file feature will save your Paint projects as .paint files, and will let you resume a project with multiple layers and edits, just like in Photoshop. "We’re introducing project files, you can now save your creation as an editable Paint project file and seamlessly pick up where you left off" says Dave Grochocki, Microsoft Principal Group Product Manager. This new feature is one of many in recent months that are designed to pit Paint as a capable and free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Up until Windows 11, it felt like Paint had been left by the wayside, but the app has received numerous updates in the last handful of years that has truly transformed it into something useful. You may like Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 Windows 11's Photos app gains AI-powered categorization feature Windows 11 Notepad now supports on-device AI models for text See what’s next for AI in Windows 11 before anyone else (Image credit: Microsoft)Microsoft is also adding a new opacity slider to Paint, which will let users control the transparency of strokes with pencil and brush tools. This is in addition to features like layers and support for transparency, which are features that have been available for some time now. It's good to see Microsoft continuing to update Paint with new features and experiences. I think for many people who just need to do basic edits to a photo or image, Paint is now good enough to complete those tasks with ease. The new Paint update is now in testing with Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, and is expected to begin rolling out generally in the coming weeks. What are your thoughts on these new Paint features? Do you use Microsoft Paint often on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Microsoft has announced a big update for the Notepad app on Windows 11 that introduces support for generating, rewriting, and summarizing text using on-device AI models instead of the cloud. Up until now, generative AI features in Notepad have required an internet connection and reached out to the cloud to process your query. This has been tied to your Microsoft 365 subscription, and also required being signed into a Microsoft account to actually use. But now, with the ability to generate text using on-device AI models, you are no longer required to be signed in or subscribed to Microsoft 365. In fact, you don't even need to be online, as all the processing is now done locally using the NPU on Copilot+ PCs. That does mean this feature will require a Copilot+ PC to use. You may like Best features Microsoft rolled out in 2025 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 Windows Copilot now lets you create Office docs and sync Gmail Microsoft unveils next-gen agentic AI assistant for Windows 11, powered by "Hey Copilot" Unlock GPT-5 for Free with Microsoft Copilot Starting Today You'll have the option to switch between on-device and cloud-powered AI generation on supported PCs. (Image credit: Microsoft)"Notepad now supports AI features like Summarize, Write, and Rewrite on Copilot+ PCs, with no subscription required" says Microsoft's principal group product manager, Dave Grochocki. "If you have a subscription, you can seamlessly switch between local and cloud models based on your needs. If you’re not signed in or don’t have a subscription, you can use the local model to accomplish your tasks." Notepad has gained several new features and improvements over the last handful of months, including new formatting options that make it more capable than before, spell check, tabs, and other quality of life improvements. It's no longer the basic text editor it once used to be, though it still can be used for basic editing if that's what you prefer. The new Notepad update is now rolling out in preview for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, and is expected to be made generally available to all users in the coming weeks. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Microsoft looks to be launching a new program designed to allow users to sign up to early testing of experimental AI features in Windows 11 Apps. The new "Windows AI Labs" program first started appearing for users in Microsoft Paint, and lets the user sign up to try "experimental AI features." It doesn't look like the program is fully live yet, as attempting to sign-up results in an error. However, we can see that the program is designed to allow Microsoft to gather feedback from users about upcoming AI features that aren't yet shipping to production PCs. The terms and agreements for the program state that it's "designed to provide Microsoft and selected participants with an opportunity to engage in ongoing evaluation of pre-release versions of Microsoft Paint. Your early feedback will help shape these features for the rest of the audience." You may like Microsoft announces new "Copilot Portraits" feature for some reason Microsoft Is Building AI Into the Taskbar—Windows 11 Could Soon Have a Built-In Copilot Button Microsoft unveils next-gen agentic AI assistant for Windows 11, powered by "Hey Copilot" Windows 11's Photos app gains AI-powered categorization feature This interface has started popping up in the Paint app for some. (Image credit: Windows Latest)Microsoft has been testing new AI features in Windows 11 openly with Windows Insiders up until now, so it's interesting to see that the company is considering an additional preview program that's specific to new AI features. The Windows AI Labs program requires the user to sign-up, outside of the usual Insider Program. Access to the Windows AI Labs page has only started appearing for some users, so it's not yet available to everyone. It's also unclear what kind of AI features Microsoft intends to test via the program, or whether or not said features will require a Copilot+ PC to utilize, as some AI capabilities depend on a local NPU. Yesterday, Microsoft announced a big update to Paint that introduced support for project files, similar to Adobe Photoshop that lets you save a work-in-progress file with multiple layers and edits for re-opening in Paint at a later point. The company also announced an update to Notepad that introduced on-device AI generation tools. Windows AI Labs has only appeared in Paint so far, but we wouldn't be surprised if it eventually shows up in other high-level in-box Windows apps like Notepad, given that it's also received a ton of AI features in the last year. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.via Windows Latest Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss the latest with Windows 11: new updates for Paint and Notepad, plus Windows 10 EOL and Consumer Reports asking Microsoft to extend support. Also on the agenda, Intel & NVIDIA are teaming up to create new chips fused with RTX GPUs, and Meta launches it first Ray Ban Display glasses with AI built-in. Should Microsoft do the same? NEW: Have a question you want us to answer on the podcast? Send it to us at [email protected] You may like Windows Central Podcast: Is the Future of Computing Agentic? Podcast: Is Windows about to get interesting again? Forget AR goggles, this Copilot concept wants to live in your ears Windows 12.2 concept: A nostalgic reboot with a modern flair Timestamps02:24: Windows 11 news17:11: Handheld Gaming Mode in-depth look26:40: Windows 10 EOL39:07: Intel & NVIDIA partnership50:38: Meta Ray Ban Display and should Microsoft make its own Copilot wearable?Hosts:Daniel RubinoZac BowdenSubscribe to the Windows Central PodcastListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Pocket CastsSubscribe via RSSDownload the Windows Central PodcastIf you like the show, please let us know by give us a rating on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us! LIVE Video PodcastYou can watch the live, uncut version of the Windows Central Podcast on our YouTube channel! Microsoft should make wearable Copilot hardware to compete | Windows Central Podcast LIVE | 09/18/25 - YouTube Watch On Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview build introduces game-changing features: users can now swiftly translate screen text and share app insights directly from the Taskbar, enhancing accessibility to AI tools like Copilot Vision, which is currently limited to the U.S. Microsoft is rolling out a new preview build of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels today that introduces two new features designed to make utilizing Copilot easier across the system. First up, Microsoft is adding the ability to translate text on your screen right from the Click To Do interface using Copilot. On Copilot+ PCs, you'll now be able to hold down the Windows key and click your trackpad to access Click To Do and translate text on your screen. "When you select text that is in a different language from your Windows display language or preferred language settings, a translation suggestion will appear. The selected text is sent to the Copilot app, which provides the translation seamlessly within the experience." You may like Windows 11 Insider: 7 standout features Microsoft is releasing this September 2025 Windows 11's Taskbar search is being replaced with Copilot Microsoft unveils next-gen agentic AI assistant for Windows 11, powered by "Hey Copilot" Microsoft updates Copilot app with cleaner UI, better integration The other new feature is one that is designed to make sharing what's currently on your screen with Copilot easier. Paired with Copilot Vision, the Windows 11 Taskbar will now show a button to share with Copilot when you hover over open apps on the Taskbar. This feature is similar to the button that appears when you want to share your screen in a Teams meeting. The new share screen button that will appear when you hover over app icons in the Taskbar. (Image credit: Microsoft)"When mousing over an opened app window on the taskbar, you will see an option to share with Copilot where you will be able to quickly start a new conversation with Copilot and use Copilot Vision to scan, analyze, and offer insights on what is shown on your screen from that app at that time" says the Microsoft blog post. These new features are designed to better position AI capabilities as tools you can access on Windows 11 at any time. Copilot Vision is a feature that is still limited to the United States, and so it'll likely be a while before those outside of the US can try out these new tools. It's clear that Microsoft is eager to get features like Copilot Vision in front of more people, and integrating it directly into the Taskbar app previews is one way to do that. Now, you no longer need to open Copilot and enable the Copilot Vision mode first to utilize it. Just hover over an app icon and press the button, and Copilot will be able to see the app you chose to share with it. Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The new AI features are now in testing with Insiders on Windows 11, and will likely roll out to production PCs in the coming months should feedback be positive. What are your thoughts on these new Copilot features coming to Windows 11? Let us know in the comments.

Microsoft has published a new blog post detailing the progress that has been made when it comes to app developers supporting Windows 11 on Arm with natively compiled apps. Today, the company claims that 90% of the time on Arm-based PCs are now spent within natively compiled apps, a huge improvement over how things were just a few short years ago. "The Arm app ecosystem continues to expand, with native Arm versions available for apps representing 90% of total user minutes, thus providing efficient, high-performance experiences across the scenarios that matter most to our customers" says Microsoft corporate vice president of customer experience engineering, Mike Adams. Microsoft essentially rebooted Windows on Arm with the launch of Copilot+ PCs and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X range of PC chips in May last year. All the major OEMs were onboard to ship new Arm-based PCs with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon chips, with the promise that performance and efficiency was finally there and capable of competing with Apple Silicon. You may like Microsoft commits to improve gaming on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs Qualcomm promises major PC gaming improvements on the way Best Windows on ARM laptops in 2025 VLC update adds support for Windows 11 on Arm and Windows XP That attempt to reboot Windows on Arm has seemingly been successful, as app developers across the ecosystem have finally taken the time to recompile their apps for the Arm architecture. Everything from small to major app developers have jumped on-board the Windows on Arm train, improving performance and efficiency of their apps for these Arm-based PCs. Microsoft highlights several different categories of apps where developers have ported over to Arm, including VPN, productivity, creative, social, entertainment, and even endpoint protection and management tools. Even Google Chrome is now natively compiled for Arm! (Image credit: Windows Central)Adobe is one of many app developers that are finally taking Windows on Arm seriously. Apps like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Audacity are now available to run natively on Arm, albeit in preview for some. Here's a list of just some of the apps Microsoft is highlighting as now natively compiled for Windows on Arm PCs: Get the Windows Central NewsletterAll the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.7 ZipGoogle DriveDropboxTrelloTodoistLibre OfficeAdobe Creative SuiteCamtasiaPaint.NETDjay ProCapCutFigmaApple TVApple MusicGoogle ChromeTelegramWhatsAppSpotifyDavinci ResolveBlenderLuminar NeoMicrosoft OfficeUltimately, it's clear that Microsoft is proud of the progress Windows on Arm as a platform has made in just the last year. Most users who pick up an Arm-based Windows PC going forward will be unlikely to encounter an app that doesn't work on, especially now that most apps are Arm-native. For the few that are still running under emulation, the current generation of Snapdragon X processors are powerful enough that for the most part, users won't even notice. The PRISM emulation engine that's part of Windows 11 on Arm does an incredible job at running x86 apps on Arm, with the only exception really being games. With the app ecosystem now so strong on Windows on Arm, that sets the stage for a healthy launch of Qualcomm's upcoming next-generation Snapdragon PC chips, likely to be dubbed the Snapdragon X2 and feature even better performance and efficiency.