Microsoft Windows 11 Embraces AI: New Features Transforming the OS and Hardware

Artificial intelligence is becoming the new heart of Windows 11, rapidly transforming both the operating system itself and the hardware that runs it. Microsoft’s latest cascade of updates brings fresh AI-driven features into everything from longstanding apps like Paint, Photos, and Notepad, to the very core of Windows in the form of conversational system agents and NPU-accelerated capabilities. As Copilot+ PCs roll out powered by specialized Neural Processing Units (NPUs), early adopters and Windows Insiders are the first to experience, and critique, Microsoft’s ambitious push to make AI as integral to personal computing as the Start menu once was.

AI Infusion: The Next Stage for Windows 11​

This wave of innovation arrives on the heels of rapid advances in generative AI and machine learning technology, with Microsoft aiming to solidify its leadership in the space. These efforts are especially evident in the Copilot+ PC line—flagship devices optimized for local AI workloads using hardware-accelerated NPUs. Currently, this segment spotlights initial Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus-powered machines, though both Intel and AMD are poised to enter the AI PC fray later this year.

Key AI Features Arriving for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs​

Microsoft’s announcements, cross-verified by official Microsoft documentation and industry news outlets, describe a series of interconnected upgrades:

• AI-Enhanced Apps: Paint, Photos, Snipping Tool, and Notepad get new AI-centric features that streamline creative tasks and content management.
• Platform-Level Agents: Conversational system helpers embedded in Settings and Search allow for natural language queries and intent-driven system management.
• Ecosystem and Accessibility Progress: Deepened accessibility options for low-vision users, smarter app recommendations in the Microsoft Store, and new capabilities for developers looking to leverage the NPU.

Each addition, according to Microsoft and early reports from the Windows Insider community, is built to run natively—many without reliance on cloud processing—thanks to the integration of powerful NPUs that specialize in on-device machine learning.

Reinventing Windows Apps with AI​

Photos: AI “Relight” for Next-Level Editing​

The Windows Photos app now leads with “Relight,” an AI-driven feature that lets users adjust lighting conditions in their images by simulating up to three adjustable 3D light sources. Verified in Microsoft’s own Insider documentation, Relight constructs a depth map of the image (much as earlier AI photo editors do) to offer intuitive highlight and shadow controls for dynamic re-editing. Initial rollout is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips, with extension to Intel and AMD hardware coming later in the year as compatibility improves.

How It Works​

• Up to three virtual lights can be positioned and colored.
• Preset lighting “scenes” are available for one-tap enhancements.
• Intended for both novice users and hobbyist photographers, “Relight” demonstrates the growing intersection of AI and consumer creativity.

Paint: AI Stickers and Smart Object Selection​

Microsoft Paint, another perennial favorite, is receiving two standout AI features:

• Sticker Generator: Users create digital stickers from text prompts in real time (after a Microsoft account sign-in). All generative requests are processed in the cloud to ensure community standards compliance and safety.
• Object Select: Powered by on-device AI, this tool identifies and separates image elements. Whether for editing, moving, or subsequent AI-assisted manipulation, Object Select automates tasks that previously required cumbersome manual selections.

These features will enter preview for Insiders later this month, verified by public beta roadmaps and official Microsoft channels.

Snipping Tool: Perfect Screenshots and Color Extraction​

Snipping Tool is evolving into a more intelligent assistant for capturing and analyzing content. Three new features are in the Insider pipeline:

• Perfect Screenshot: Automatically frames areas of interest in a screenshot using content-aware AI, which reduces or eliminates the need for cropping.
• Text Extractor: Copies text directly from images, inspired by tools like Google Lens but built into Windows for rapid productivity.
• Color Picker: Lets users click anywhere on a sample to snag precise color values, ideal for designers and digital artists.

Notepad Joins the AI Revolution​

Notepad, long the tool for plaintext editing, is taking a bold leap forward:

• AI Write and Summarize: These Preview features offer context-driven writing suggestions and summarizations for text files.
• Markdown and Formatting Support: A long-awaited addition for developers and advanced users, these enhancements bridge the gap between Notepad and more full-featured editors.
• Notably, to access Notepad’s AI content creation features, users must have an active Microsoft 365 subscription with available credits, as stated in Microsoft support resources and multiple previews.

Diffusion Models Power Creative Tools​

Both Paint’s Cocreator and Photos’ Image Creator are now underpinned by an upgraded “diffusion” AI model—a type of generative technology widely considered the gold standard in image synthesis, confirmed by AI benchmarks and Microsoft product notes. This aligns Windows creative apps with best-in-class solutions like those from OpenAI, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly.

AI at the Core: OS-Level Experiences​

Perhaps the most consequential enhancements are those taking place under the hood: integrating AI as a virtual assistant for the entire system.

Conversational Settings Agent​

Debuting in the Settings app, this AI agent lets users interact with their PC using plain language. For instance, typing “my mouse pointer is too small” prompts recommendations and, with user approval, direct system changes. As Charles Lamanna of Microsoft noted, “If a person can use the app, the agent can too”—a statement supported by live Insider demos. This feature is launching first for English-language Snapchat X Copilot+ PCs, with localization and hardware expansion to follow.

Critique​

The potential for accessibility and ease-of-use is massive; however, initial limitations to English and specific hardware could slow mass adoption. User privacy and the extent of permission required for system changes also warrant careful scrutiny as these agents mature.

Semantic Indexing: Smarter, Local Search​

Windows Search, now powered by advanced local AI (Semantic Indexing), analyzes file content and metadata using the NPU for natural language retrieval. The broader rollout, which began with Insiders on Copilot+ PCs, now allows users to search and install Store apps, adjust system settings, and, soon, perform advanced searches in Photos.
This approach, unlike traditional cloud-based search, aims to keep sensitive data on the device, easing privacy concerns voiced by both critics and IT professionals. According to both Microsoft and independent analysts, indexing is significantly faster and less bandwidth-intensive due to NPU acceleration.

Start Menu and Phone Companion Panel​

A Start menu refresh, confirmed by both Microsoft and hands-on Insider reports, will introduce an “all apps category view” sorted by most-used applications. Simultaneously, the “Phone Companion” panel—initially Android-exclusive, with iOS support in the works—offers message, call, photo, and wireless file access in a single location. This builds on the established Phone Link framework, requiring paired apps on both PC and phone.

“AI Actions” in File Explorer​

In a move that underscores the utility of integrated AI, File Explorer will soon allow users to right-click files and perform instant “AI Actions”—generating summaries, reformatting documents, or editing images with a single click without opening separate applications.

Copilot and Accessibility: Smarter and More Inclusive​

Copilot App Evolution​

The dedicated Copilot sidebar, now a staple of Windows 11, gains new superpowers:

• Copilot Vision: Lets users point Copilot at any app window; the AI can interpret, describe, or interact with what it “sees.” Microsoft stresses that participation is opt-in, and no images or audio are saved without explicit user consent. Early feedback from the US Insider community suggests the feature is both helpful and privacy-conscious, though some concerns remain about inadvertent data exposure.
• Voice Activation and “Press to Talk”: Long-pressing the Copilot key or using the soon-to-debut “Hey, Copilot!” wake word enables hands-free control.

Accessibility First: Rich Image Descriptions and Voice Access​

Microsoft has clearly prioritized accessibility, especially for the blind and low-vision users. “Rich Image Descriptions” in Narrator now describe not just pictures, but complex charts and UI elements. While currently limited to Snapdragon X series Copilot+ PCs, broader availability is promised. Similarly, expanded Voice Access capability offers more adaptive commands and interfaces, reflecting Microsoft’s stated “Accessibility by Design” commitment.

Privacy and Security Considerations​

AI-driven features, especially those with access to screenshots or ongoing file analysis, raise legitimate concerns around privacy:

• Recall Feature History: Early iterations of the Recall feature were met with skepticism over screenshot and history logging. Microsoft subsequently implemented stronger on-device security, encryption, and sign-in requirements after community feedback.
• Copilot Opt-Ins: Voice, image, and context-sensitive features are, by default, opt-in and under user control according to updated privacy policies and documentation. However, cautious users should stay attuned to evolving privacy settings and periodic reviews by watchdog organizations.
• Cloud Dependence: Some features—specifically, generative creation in Paint and Photos—require cloud processing and a Microsoft account, meaning user prompts and, occasionally, generated images briefly reside on servers for moderation and compliance checks.

Importantly, there is no evidence that Microsoft or partners are retaining this data long-term without explicit notification to users. Independent security experts recommend regular reviews of Microsoft’s transparency reports for updates or incidents related to AI service privacy.

Ecosystem, Hardware Expansion, and Third-Party Innovation​

Copilot+ PCs: Surface Pro and Laptop Lead the Charge​

Microsoft’s new flagship Copilot+ devices, the 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, anchor the first wave of machines explicitly optimized for NPU-driven AI workloads. As of May 20, these PCs are available for general purchase, with the Snapdragon X series at the heart of Microsoft’s on-device AI strategy.

Hardware Dependency​

At launch, many new AI features are restricted to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has stated that development for Intel and AMD platforms continues and will bring feature parity later in the year.

Analysis​

This segmented hardware rollout presents both opportunity and risk for Microsoft:

• Advantage: Early adopters receive exclusive capabilities, creating buzz and competitive differentiation.
• Risk: Fragmentation and confusion around feature availability may frustrate mainstream users, particularly as upgrade deadlines for Windows 10 loom in October. Users with non-Snapdragon hardware must wait for parity, a situation reminiscent of past transitions during big feature updates.

Third-Party Apps Go AI-Native​

Microsoft is working closely with developers to ensure that the NPUs in Copilot+ PCs see immediate real-world use. Several popular creative, productivity, and business tools now claim “AI-optimized” status:

• Moises Live by Music.AI: Offers 35x faster AI audio separation on Snapdragon X NPUs versus the CPU, demonstrated in benchmarks and by independent testers.
• Gigapixel AI by Topaz Labs, Capcut, DJay Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Camo, Cephable, and LiquidText: All leverage local NPUs for faster processing and generative AI without cloud roundtrips.

Microsoft Store Gets an AI Upgrade​

The Microsoft Store introduces an “AI Hub,” adds personalized recommendations, and brings Copilot integration right to app pages—users can query what an app does using natural language. New badges help customers identify apps that are either AI-enhanced or exclusive to Copilot+ devices, simplifying installation choices.

Critical Perspective: Opportunities and Concerns​

Strengths: The Compelling Case for AI-First Windows​

• Enhanced Productivity: Real, measurable improvements in common workflows—from writing, image editing, and code to document search and summarization.
• Frictionless User Experience: Natural language agents and context-aware suggestions reduce learning curves and democratize access to advanced PC features.
• Accessibility: Rich, AI-driven descriptions and adaptive voice commands broaden the Windows experience for users with disabilities.
• Privacy Progress: Many AI features run locally on the NPU, keeping sensitive data out of the cloud by default and raising the bar for competing platforms.

Potential Risks and Open Questions​

• Hardware Exclusivity: Tying key features to new hardware risks alienating loyal users and, potentially, slowing adoption as some wait for feature parity or broader support.
• Privacy Missteps: Despite improvements, some AI-powered capabilities (especially those with screenshot, clipboard, or file access) demand ongoing vigilance to ensure personal data isn’t at risk. Classic concerns resurfaced around Recall until Microsoft outlined—under pressure—its latest encryption measures and simplified opt-out controls.
• Information Fragmentation: Rapid feature expansion can outpace users’ understanding. Keeping up with what’s new, what’s required, and where features reside presents a learning curve, despite AI’s promise of simplicity.
• Cloud Requirements and Subscriptions: While much is made of on-device AI, key features, especially those in legacy or broadly used apps like Notepad and Paint, often require a Microsoft 365 subscription or internet connectivity for generative requests.
• Competition from Apple and Google: As Microsoft touts its vision for the AI PC, industry watchers anticipate swift countermoves. Apple is rumored to be weaving similar generative AI into macOS, iOS, and its flagship ARM-based chips, a dynamic that could redefine the competitive landscape.

Looking Forward: The Future of Windows, AI, and the PC​

Microsoft’s aggressive integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 and the Copilot+ PC ecosystem signals not just a new marketing cycle, but a potentially foundational shift in how users interact with their computers. The promise is plain: more intuitive, helpful, and creative user experiences powered by local and cloud AI, anchored by custom silicon and a revitalized partner ecosystem.
Yet, this future is still taking shape. Early users, IT pros, and privacy advocates should watch closely—not merely for new features, but for clarity on boundaries, data practices, and meaningful user control.
Ultimately, as the Windows platform transitions to this new AI-first reality, Microsoft’s challenge will be to balance innovation with trust, feature leadership with user inclusivity, and technical prowess with the universal accessibility that once made Windows the default choice across the globe.
For millions of Windows users, the AI era has already begun. The real test will be its staying power—and whether these smart new features grow into must-have essentials or fleeting novelties in an ever-evolving, increasingly intelligent PC world.