Windows 11 releases updates, and more convenient features help you enjoy relaxing every day.

Author: Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer of Microsoft

This is an exciting moment in the field of technology for our whole industry and even the whole world. Windows PC has become an indispensable part of our daily life. With the large-scale popularization of artificial intelligence, we will usher in the next wave of computing, and PC will also play a more important role. Today, I am pleased to introduce to you the important updates that Microsoft has brought to Windows 11, which will reshape and enhance people’s experience of doing everything through PC.

Windows 11, which was released more than a year ago, makes the PC more modern and brings a brand-new experience, so that each of us can easily connect and interact, and better show our image and voice. Since its release, the activity of Windows 11 users has been continuously improved compared with Windows 10, and the satisfaction has reached a record high.

Below, we are pleased to introduce you to a series of brand-new functions brought by the team, which will make your daily use of Windows 11 easier. For example, you can directly connect your iPhone to a Windows 11 PC through the new Phone Link)* function for iOS system in the preview version. In addition, we also bring an optimized touch experience, full screen widgets and quick access to Windows 365 applications. Windows 11 also includes the "Start" menu driven by artificial intelligence, which is continuously updated to create a simpler and more sustainable operating system, and to fulfill our consistent commitment to the quality and ease of use of the whole system and applications. We look forward to hearing your feedback on these new features.

Mobile phone connection * function for iOS system in preview version

Today, we are very happy to share our next plan with you. Next, we will launch the mobile phone connection function for iOS system to eliminate the obstacles for iPhone users. By using this function, you no longer have to worry about missing important phone calls or text messages when you concentrate on using Windows 11 PC.

We are constantly working hard, hoping that you can get closer to what you love. For example, by integrating photo applications with iCloud, you can access photos on the iPhone more easily and quickly. The preview version will be open to Windows Insider first. You can visit the Windows Insider blog to learn more about the mobile phone connection function for iOS system in the preview version.

Android phone users will get a richer experience.

Mobile phone connection * has been open to Android users for a long time, and we are happy to share with you that we are making the connection between Android devices and Windows PC closer. Through thousands of comments in the Microsoft Store, we are encouraged to see that people like to access the information in their mobile phones instantly from Windows PC.

For users who use Samsung mobile phones, you can more easily activate personal hotspots of mobile phones with one click from the list of Wi-Fi networks on your PC *. With the Recent Websites function *, Samsung users can now easily transfer the content of their browsed pages from their smartphones to Windows PC, so as to continue browsing effortlessly and maintain a smooth experience.

More new features in Windows 11 are updated to make your daily use easier.

When you need it, use advanced artificial intelligence technology to show yourself better.

Whether you are attending a conference call in a crowded lobby, giving a briefing to investors on the other side of the world, or meeting new family members, we all hope that we look and sound good, so as to achieve more meaningful communication.

Last year, we launched the Windows Studio effect * *. Thanks to the advanced artificial intelligence technology, you can customize the audio and video effects for your scene.

You can use these functions and effects together with the built-in camera and microphone to enhance the video call experience, such as Eye Contact, Background Blur, Automatic Framing and Voice Focus. With this update, we can more easily find and adjust Windows Studio effects directly from the taskbar of Quick Settings. Now, you can instantly adjust eye contact, background effects and auto-framing, apply them to your favorite communication applications, or use them seamlessly in Microsoft Teams*. Our partners are also constantly introducing exciting new devices equipped with these functions, such as Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 2 360*** and Lenovo ThinkPad X13s***. You can check other new devices released by our partners (including Dell, Acer, Asus, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and our game partners) at CES here.

The reinvented "Quick Assistant" app * makes it easier to help.

When your brother’s computer "suddenly stops working", neighbors are caught in a "password dilemma", and parents can’t find the files saved yesterday, will they all call you for help? For those who provide technical support to family and friends, we know how challenging it is to provide help.

You can open the Quick Assistant directly from the Start menu to establish a connection faster than before. You can also use the new function to switch between "Shared Screen" and "Full Control" to provide or get help in the way you want. Moreover, there is a new function that you will like: now you can use a brand-new laser pointer to highlight icons, menus or anything else on the screen, thus helping you better guide people through the learning process.

With a simple stroke, the news and information you care about will appear immediately.

Sometimes, you just want to quickly check the latest headlines, get the scores of big games, check your stock, weather and even schedule, but you don’t want to use multiple devices at the same time. These can be achieved through widgets. The news and information you want are at your fingertips and will not be disturbed by other things.

We are very happy to introduce the extension function of widgets *, adding mobile phone connection *, Xbox Game Pass* and application widgets * provided by partners such as Meta and Spotify. Since then, it will be very easy to quickly learn important information. Simply click the weather icon in the taskbar or swipe from the left, and the widget can display important information at a glance. With the launch of new widgets, we not only create a better experience, but also provide developers with new ways to reach Windows users. Click here to learn more about development tools so that you can start your development work.

The touch experience is constantly improving.

Sometimes we need to leave our desk and use the computer in a more relaxed environment, such as sitting on the sofa and watching movies. In this case, when your keyboard and mouse are left behind, you will want to maximize the screen experience and get more sensitive touch response.

Windows users like the fast and intuitive interaction mode brought by Windows touch devices without using keyboard and mouse. The recent enhancements make it easy for you to finish your work on touch devices, such as touching to achieve the function of sticking, and the layout of multiple windows can be realized with a light touch; There is also a new touch gesture that allows you to easily open and close the Start menu and widgets. And a quick setting function. Now, with the folded taskbar, you can maximize screen space and improve flexibility without a keyboard. When you take off the screen, the taskbar will automatically adjust immediately to facilitate touch. If you need to open another application or check the widget panel, just swipe up to expand it and easily find what you need.

Screen recording in the screenshot tool

Although a picture is worth a thousand words, a video can tell a story. For teachers, creators, students and marketers, video is far more powerful than pictures. You can easily record what you are doing by using the new built-in screen recording function in the screenshot tool.

We have been continuously expanding the functions of these popular applications. Now you can easily capture, save and share your creations through the screenshot tool, and all these operations can be completed in this application. To use the screen recording function, you can search and start the screenshot tool in the search box on the taskbar, and then select Record. Your screen shots will be automatically saved in the default folder, so you don’t have to worry about losing files. At the same time, you can also use the shortcut key Windows+Shift+S to easily open the screenshot tool.

Tabs function helps you find what you need easily in Notepad.

For developers who like to quickly grab code for reuse, Notepad application of Windows 11 is a very suitable choice for you.

We are constantly improving the Notepad application and adding a tab function to it. Notepad’s tab function can help you organize data quickly and easily, and allow you to switch between notes, so that you can create compatible codes and avoid format problems. Just open Notepad and click the+icon to create a new tab.

New accessibility features that support Braille display * * and enhanced voice access * in core applications.

We believe that achieving a better world requires everyone’s participation, so we will continue to promote the barrier-free design innovation of Windows 11. We have enhanced the Narrator function and expanded the support for Braille display, including three display functions designed for Surface from HumanWare. Now, when using a Braille display, you can seamlessly switch between the narrator function and other screen readers. This important function means that the narrator can interact with other barrier-free accessories to ensure that visually impaired people can easily use Windows.

We also officially launched the voice access function, which provides a more flexible and perfect solution for users to use the voice function on Windows 11. You can access your favorite Microsoft applications through voice in Windows 11, including processing Word documents and managing files in the file explorer. Whether you are connecting, collaborating or creating, whether you use a keyboard or mouse, you can easily use Windows devices to perform more tasks. Click here to view a complete list of voice commands.

The new energy-saving suggestion function makes it easier for you to control your impact on the environment.

Windows hopes to empower users to take more effective actions to reduce their carbon footprint by continuing to invest in sustainable technologies. Through the new energy-saving suggestion function in the settings, you can more easily understand your choice, adjust the settings, and make your personal PC run in a more environmentally friendly way.

The Start menu driven by artificial intelligence intelligently recommends the required files to you.

We hope to help users who use Windows in the office environment. Whether you need to get files immediately or need files stored in Cloud PC*, you can find what you need more quickly and easily, so that you can work in your own way.

Now, Azure Active Directory (AAD) can be used on Windows 11 Professional and later devices. We personalize your experience by providing artificial intelligence-driven recommendations in the Start menu. You just need to click the Start menu to find relevant content to help you prepare for the upcoming meeting, quickly access the files you are collaborating on, and so on.

At the same time, searching for files in the file explorer becomes faster, and you can quickly recommend files stored locally and in the cloud when you need them.

Use the latest Windows 365 applications * to access your Cloud PC*

We have officially provided Windows 365 application in Microsoft Store to help users access Cloud PC quickly. With Windows 365 application, you can extend your personalized experience in Windows to Cloud PC, and synchronize your settings, personal accounts and work habits. In addition, IT administrators can authorize employees’ single sign-on experience, which greatly reduces their workload. The application can now be downloaded and used through https://aka.ms/Windows365app.

How to get all the new features?

We are very happy to fulfill our commitment to bring meaningful updates and continue to bring exciting new experiences to Windows 11. The features of this update will be available from today, and you can experience these features through Windows update and application update in Microsoft Store * * * *. Users who are using Windows 11 22H2 version can open Windows Update Settings (Settings — — Windows update), select "Check for updates" to complete the upgrade * * * *. We expect to provide complete new functions in the Monthly Security Update Report released in March 2023 (business customers can click here for more information).

We are very excited about this update, and believe that now is a good time for you to experience the charm of Windows PC. For more information, please visit this link.

* Specific functions vary according to different markets.

* * Hardware support is required.

* * * The listing date varies according to different markets.

* * * * Click Update in the Microsoft Store — "Library", search your favorite applications and explore our new selection of applications and games.

* * * * * The new function needs to be restarted before it can be enabled. The specific functions vary according to different markets.