Microsoft Windows 11 set for major AI-powered update: Check out the new features

Windows 11 update boasts over 150 new features, introducing AI-powered Copilot to various applications including Paint, Photos, and more. (Image source: Screengrab from video on @Microsoft/X)

Microsoft is gearing up to launch its significant Windows 11 update on September 26, bringing enhancements to the operating system along with a range of groundbreaking features. This latest version incorporates AI features that enhance the user interface and functionalities. The standout features of the update include a redesigned File Explorer, the AI-powered Windows Copilot Assistant, a brand new Outlook for Windows, significant improvements to the Paint and Photos apps, and more.

The AI-powered capabilities of this update, which is a part of the Windows 11 version 22H2, will be made gradually available to all current Windows 11 general users in phases.

During the Surface event in New York on September 21, Microsoft announced these updates and provided a preview of the new features.

Let's take a glimpse at some of the major features in the latest Windows 11 update.

Copilot: AI-powered Assistant

The upcoming Windows 11 update is introduced to usher in the era of AI to the PCs. Microsoft is preparing to improve PC interactions with the integration of Copilot, a highly anticipated AI-powered assistant designed to enhance multitasking and productivity.

These new Copilot's AI-powered features are set to be integrated into various Bing, Edge, and Microsoft 365, as well as several apps such as Photos and Paint.

The Preview version of Copilot is slated to debut on September 26, followed by a gradual rollout to a broader audience in subsequent phases. Copilot is free for existing Windows users, but Microsoft 365 Copilot will give Enterprise users access to more advanced AI features from November 1.

How to access Copilot

You can find it on the desktop taskbar or can quickly launch it using the Win+C keyboard shortcut. Additionally, users can access Copilot directly from the Search bar within the Edge browser. When opened, it will appear as a pop-up window on the side of the screen, and you can interact with it through voice or text commands. Copilot within Windows empowers users to control various desktop elements using these commands.

Copilot's enhanced features: A breakdown of what users can expect

The upcoming Windows 11 update boasts over 150 new features, introducing the capabilities of AI-powered Copilot to various applications like Paint, Photos, and more for Windows PC users. Copilot can perform a wide range of tasks, such as organising open desktop windows, navigating files, editing images, removing backgrounds in Paint, transcribing handwritten text directly into a Word document, enabling dark mode, and much more. It can also be used to launch apps, adjust system settings, and retrieve information from your mobile device.

Improved Paint and Photos App

Paint is infused with AI capabilities for background blur. It identifies the background in a photo, emphasises the subject, and blurs out the background. Users have the option to customise the blur intensity. Additionally, a Cocreator tool has been introduced to aid in background removal. In the Photos app, you have the option to apply effects or emphasise specific subjects. A new auto-compose function from Clipchamp helps users by suggesting scenes, providing editing tips, and creating storylines based on images and footage. These improvements enable you to easily make movies and to share information with loved ones, friends, and on social media platforms.

Snipping tool feature

The Snipping Tool can detect text within screenshots, images, and can separate text from the images.

Ink Anywhere feature (for pen users)

In the forthcoming Windows 11 update, stylus users will get access to a new feature known as "Ink Anywhere". This feature enables users to use a stylus (or pen) to handwrite within any text field across the Windows interface. Notably, the handwritten text is seamlessly and automatically converted into typed text.

New Outlook for Windows

The new Outlook for Windows offers the convenience of managing multiple email accounts, such as Gmail, Yahoo, and iCloud, within a single application. It also incorporates intelligent features that assist in composing structured emails and attaching documents and photos from OneDrive.

Copilot in Shopping

While using Bing or Edge, the AI Copilot will play an important role in helping users efficiently locate products during online shopping. Users can inquire about additional information regarding a product, and Copilot will respond by asking further questions before offering personalised recommendations.