Discover the 25 Best New Features in Windows 11

Following Microsoft’s initial announcement of Windows 11, it unveiled significant previews like Build 22000.51 and 22000.100 to provide Windows Insiders with insight into the new features. Today, Microsoft has officially rolled out the inaugural stable build of Windows 11 to all eligible users. If you’re eager to experience the next-generation Windows OS update, we’ve crafted a tutorial on upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Having extensively tested Windows 11 for weeks, we’ve identified the standout features worth noting. From hidden gems to major enhancements, we’ve comprehensively covered all the noteworthy additions to Windows 11.

Below are the 25 best new features of Windows 11, encompassing the revamped Start Menu, Action Center, Android app support, Auto-HDR, and more. Simply expand the table and navigate to your desired feature with ease.

1. New Start Menu

Among the array of new Windows 11 features, the standout is the redesigned, launcher-style floating Start Menu. Departing from its predecessor, the traditional Start Menu, the new Start — as dubbed by Microsoft — resides centrally within the taskbar. Featuring a flyout design, it integrates pinned and recommended apps, seamlessly coexisting. In my experience thus far, the recommendations prove notably effective, swiftly granting access to recently installed documents, photos, and apps.

Besides, hovering your mouse over the Search menu provides suggested apps based on past searches. Overall, I believe the new Start in Windows 11 is exceptional. It’s swift, intelligently addresses queries, and delivers results promptly.

Concerning users uneasy about the centered and launcher-style Start Menu, reverting to the classic Windows 10 Start Menu with live tiles support is an option.

2. Enhanced Action Center

My second favorite feature of Windows 11 is the revamped Action Center. It follows a design language seen on mobile OSes, and I like this mobile-first approach to system toggles. You can click on the unified “WiFi, volume and battery” button to open the new Action Center. It includes controls like brightness and volume sliders. You can also add more toggles.

What’s more interesting is that Bluetooth connection is now faster, and you don’t need to dive into Settings to pair your device. It also houses notifications in a clean design with badge support and offers space to reply or clear clutter. The new Action Center is responsive compared to the laggy mess of Windows 10’s Action Center. Kudos, Microsoft!

3. Universal Media Control

Now, manage all your media playback directly from the new Action Center in Windows 11. Whether it’s a YouTube video, Spotify playlist, Twitter clip, or local video, everything appears in the Action Center. Note that VLC didn’t display when playing a video, but the native “Films & TV” app worked perfectly. Universal Media Control stands out as another valuable feature in Windows 11.

4. Modern File Explorer

Windows users have long debated the File Explorer’s merits. While some staunchly oppose any alterations, arguing against fixing what isn’t broken, others acknowledge the necessity of modernizing it. Happily, the new File Explorer addresses this need admirably. Sporting vibrant icons, an updated Context menu, and a sleek Command bar replacing the Ribbon menu, it’s both functional and user-friendly.

Notably, Microsoft has retained the beloved Folder Options and offers access to the classic Context menu through a simple click on “Show more options.” Despite initial apprehensions among Windows enthusiasts, the transition to Windows 11 proves seamless, with all essential features preserved.

5. Revamped Microsoft Store

The redesigned Microsoft Store is a standout feature of Windows 11. It now supports Win32, .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, and Progressive Web Apps. Themes and extensions for Microsoft Edge are also available.

Previously, I wasn’t keen on the Microsoft Store due to its sluggish performance, but the new version is impressive. Notably, app update dates remain unavailable. Additionally, Android app support is planned for a later release. Learn more below.

6. Android App Support in Windows 11

Windows 11 can now run Android apps via the Amazon App Store. However, Android app support isn’t yet available in the stable Windows 11 build. Microsoft confirmed that the option to install Android apps will come in future builds. The best part? You can sideload APKs on your Windows 11 PC. Cool, right?

For implementation, Microsoft follows WSL 2’s approach. This ensures native Android app compatibility on Windows 11 with good performance. Additionally, Android apps will run on both Intel and AMD processors, independent of Intel Bridge technology. For further details on Android app support on Windows 11, explore our guide to Project Latte.

7. Revamped Settings App

Following the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft completely revamped the Settings app for the first time. It’s built from scratch, featuring a mobile-driven design compatible with desktops and tablets. The Settings page is neatly categorized with menus and sub-menus, complemented by a static menu pane at the left. Additionally, there are breadcrumbs for easy navigation and expandable settings options for clarity.

You also receive a power and battery usage report, akin to smartphones, along with stunning themes and more. Overall, I appreciate the new Settings redesign, although it’s currently a bit slow and less responsive than expected. And for those wondering, Control Panel is still available.

8. Faster Windows Updates

Yes, with Windows 11, you’ll experience a significantly faster update process, thanks to the background installation mechanism. Microsoft has pledged that updates will now be 40% smaller, enhancing efficiency.

If an update installation is pending upon restarting your PC, it will display the estimated completion time, saving you time and hassle. This addition is one of the standout features of Windows 11.

9. Snap Layout & Other Multitasking Features

Snapping was already efficient on Windows 10, but Microsoft has enhanced it further with Snap Layouts. When hovering over a window’s maximize button, you’ll discover various layouts for positioning the window. You can also access Snap Layouts with the “Win + Z” shortcut. This is particularly useful for maximizing productivity on large monitors.

Similarly, Timeline has been removed in Windows 11, replaced by a clean Task View where you can add multiple desktops. Creating a new desktop feels fluid. Both features are quality additions to Windows 11, improving multitasking.

10. Windows 11 Widgets

Microsoft embraces mobile-driven design with Windows 11, introducing Widgets akin to Google Assistant’s Snapshot and Apple’s “Today View” in iOS 15 and macOS Monterey.

Explore news, personal photos from OneDrive, sports scores, stock prices, and more in the customizable widget section, tailored to your interests. On Windows 11 tablets, the widget window occupies the entire screen, serving as a comprehensive dashboard. For those uninterested in this feature, disabling the Windows 11 widgets panel takes just a few clicks.

11. Enhanced Context Menu & Rounded Corners

Windows 11 introduces a modern context menu without sharp corners, blending seamlessly with the overall aesthetics. Initially, the context menu lacked a “Refresh” button, but Microsoft responded to user feedback by reinstating it in recent Windows Insider preview builds. Additionally, the “F5” shortcut remains functional in Windows 11.

In my view, the new UI, featuring the Mica effect for Windows UI elements, is impressive. Rounded corners are ubiquitous, and I anticipate Microsoft will uphold this consistency going forward.

12. Teams Chat Integration

Following the release of Windows 11 Build 22000.100, Microsoft introduced Team Chat to the taskbar, heralding it as one of the premier new Windows 11 features. With a simple click from the taskbar, users can connect with friends and family via video calls, audio calls, and chat—a viable alternative to iMessage/FaceTime on macOS. However, it’s worth noting that FaceTime is now also available on Windows. Yet, it’s important to remember that audio and video calls are not yet supported.

13. New Your Phone App

Since its 2018 release, Microsoft has continually improved the Your Phone app. Following the stable Windows 11 release, a redesigned version has emerged, aligning with the Windows 11 aesthetics.

The current Your Phone app allows launching Android apps from flagship Samsung phones exclusively. It’s anticipated that the new Your Phone on Windows 11 will extend app mirroring to all Android devices.

14. Enhanced MS Paint, Photos, MS Office, and Media Player

Windows 11 excels not only in adopting the new Fluent UI, rounded corners, and Mica material but also in the revitalization of its first-party apps. Among these, Paint, one of Microsoft’s longstanding applications, has undergone a striking transformation to embrace the new design language, resulting in a visually stunning interface. The recent Windows 11 Dev build introduces the revamped Paint app, seamlessly integrating it with the overall UI.

Moreover, the Photos app has received a similar treatment, featuring rounded corners and introducing new functionalities like side-by-side comparison, a floating toolbar, smart categorization, and more. If you haven’t yet experienced the updated UI, our tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for manually installing the new Photos app on Windows 11.

Microsoft has begun aligning all Office apps visually with Windows 11. Join the insider channel of Microsoft Office for the redesigned apps. Rumors suggest Windows 11 will introduce a unified Media Player, replacing Groove Music, Movies & TV, and Windows Media Player.

15. Focus Sessions

Focus Sessions, a standout feature of Windows 11, mirrors smartphone functionality. To boost productivity, Microsoft urges users to utilize the dedicated Focus Sessions feature in the Alarms and Clock app. Link your Microsoft To-Do list to manage tasks and integrate Spotify for music while working.

It reminds you to take breaks after long hours of work, lets you set timers to remain disciplined, and provides a helpful dashboard to track progress. What I love most is the widget for Focus Sessions, which you can place on the desktop for quick glances. To learn how to use Focus Sessions on Windows 11, refer to our linked guide.

16. Voice Typing

Voice Typing is one of my favorite Windows 11 features as it makes typing easier and acts as a great accessibility tool. Just press the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut “Win + H“ to dictate.

Using Google voice typing on my Android device, I was surprised to discover that Microsoft has significantly improved its voice recognition algorithm. It works wonderfully well and even supports auto punctuation, which is awesome. Give Voice Typing on Windows 11 a try.

17. Advanced Gesture Controls

Gestures have been part of Windows 10 for a while, but they weren’t smooth, and transitions between apps and virtual desktops were poor. With the new Advanced Gesture Controls and mandatory precision touchpad requirement for Windows 11 PCs, things have improved. Now, customize three-finger and four-finger swipes to your preference.

Testing Windows 11 Insider Preview build 22000.51, I can confidently affirm that the new gestures flow smoothly between apps, virtual desktops, and webpages. They create a tactile experience reminiscent of tablet interaction. Particularly enjoyable is the three-swipe down gesture, swiftly minimizing all open windows.

18. Minimalist Lock Screen

Besides the excitement surrounding Windows 11’s new design and features, it’s worth noting the captivating aesthetics of its lock screen. Featuring an acrylic blur background and the elegant Segoe UI font, it exudes sophistication. For a cleaner lock screen, easily disable unnecessary links and recommendations via Settings.

19. Fresh Wallpapers & Sounds

With Windows 11, Microsoft introduces a range of stunning wallpapers, sounds, and themes. Notable wallpapers like Captured Motion, Flow, Sunrise, and Glow adorn the desktop OS. Additionally, the startup and notification sounds are of high quality. Access Windows 11 wallpapers and sounds through our linked articles.

Windows 11 boasts support for both light and dark modes. Notably, the dark theme exhibits remarkable consistency across UI elements. While some legacy components may persist in Windows 11 build 22000.51, Microsoft assures refinement before the final release.

20. Snappy Animations

Windows 11 excels with fluid UI animations. Launching apps triggers lively animations. Switching between apps or accessing Task View displays smooth transitions.

Interactions like swiping away widgets or closing the Action Center evoke seamless animations, enhancing the overall user experience.

21. Enhanced Touch Keyboard

Microsoft removed tablet mode from Windows 11, consolidating the interface for both desktop and tablet. Enhancements to the touch keyboard include theme support, background image options, and customizable text size and typing behavior. Windows 11 promises a rejuvenated tablet experience.

22. Auto HDR and Dynamic Refresh Rate

Microsoft introduced support for Auto HDR during the Windows 11 unveiling, enhancing gaming visuals. Though untested, it appears promising for the extensive Windows gaming community.

Windows 11 introduces Dynamic Refresh Rate for a smoother OS experience. My monitor supports up to 75Hz, allowing me to utilize this feature in build 22000.51. The future of high-refresh-rate Windows machines looks promising, and I’m excited.

23. Clipboard Syncing

The Your Phone app bridges the gap between PCs and smartphones, aiming for seamless clipboard syncing. Windows 11 and SwiftKey Beta enable text copying and pasting between devices effortlessly.

Currently, cloud clipboard lacks support for image and video sharing, but these features might be added in the future. To learn how to sync the clipboard across your Android phone and Windows 11 PC, refer to our tutorial.

24. Screen Time and Battery Usage

With Microsoft’s complete overhaul of the Settings page, new features have been introduced to Windows 11. You can now determine the screen’s on-time after a full battery cycle. Additionally, it provides a battery usage graph to assess your laptop’s battery health and lists apps that have consumed battery power.

For Windows laptop users, this feature in Windows 11 is noteworthy. Explore how to check screen time in Windows 11 in the linked article.

25. ARM Emulation

Windows 11 now supports 64-bit emulation on ARM PCs with the ARM64EC layer. This development is significant, marking Microsoft’s effort after years of stagnation. Now, you can run Win32 64-bit apps on ARM-based Windows 11 PCs.

Microsoft has launched full-fledged 64-bit Office apps for ARM-based computers. Despite the small market for ARM-based Windows PCs, this is a huge win for consumers. Let’s hope Microsoft continues to improve Windows 11.

Explore the Best Windows 11 Features

These are the new Windows 11 features I discovered recently. As it’s the first stable release and Android app support is pending, there’s more to explore. Stay tuned for in-depth Windows 11 content in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, if you want to know which features Microsoft removed from Windows 11, check our linked article. Also, find out if your PC is compatible with Windows 11, along with the list of supported Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm CPUs. That’s it for now. What’s your favorite Windows 11 feature? Share in the comments below.