Top Features Landing in Windows 11 25H2: Insider Preview

Microsoft is gearing up for its next annual feature update for Windows 11, officially dubbed version 25H2, which is anticipated to roll out in the latter half of 2025. While many speculated about a potential “Windows 12,” Microsoft has instead chosen to build upon the existing Windows 11 foundation.

A significant change with this release is its delivery method. Windows 11 25H2 will be deployed as an “enablement package” for systems already running version 24H2. This means a much faster and more seamless update experience, akin to a monthly cumulative update rather than a full operating system overhaul.

Based on the latest builds available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, we have a clear picture of the exciting new features and refinements on the horizon. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming.

AI Takes Center Stage on Copilot+ PCs

Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the Windows 11 25H2 update, with a strong focus on new capabilities for Copilot+ PCs. Initially launched for Snapdragon-powered devices, these AI features are now making their way to AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs.

An AI Agent in Your Settings

One of the most innovative additions is the new AI-powered agent in the Settings app. This feature allows you to use natural language to find and adjust settings. Instead of navigating through complex menus, you can simply describe what you want to do, such as “make my mouse pointer bigger” or “how do I control my PC with my voice,” and the agent will guide you to the correct settings or even automate the task for you.

“Click to Do” Gets Smarter

The “Click to Do” feature, which lets you perform actions on screen content, is also getting a significant AI boost. A new “describe image” action can generate detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. This is a powerful tool for accessibility and can also be used to quickly get summaries of visual data. An interactive tutorial is also being introduced to help users get acquainted with these new capabilities.

Enhanced Accessibility with Narrator

The built-in screen reader, Narrator, is being enhanced with AI to provide richer, more detailed descriptions of images. By pressing Narrator key + Ctrl + D, users on Copilot+ PCs can get a contextual description of images, including details about people, objects, and text within the picture. While non-Copilot+ PCs will still offer basic image descriptions, the advanced AI-powered feature is exclusive to the new hardware.

User Interface and Experience Refinements

Beyond the AI-centric features, Windows 11 25H2 is bringing several quality-of-life improvements to the user interface and overall experience.

Multi-Monitor and Taskbar Improvements

A long-awaited feature is the extension of the Notification Center to secondary monitors. You’ll now be able to view your calendar and notifications on any connected display by clicking the date and time in the system tray. For IT admins, Microsoft is also streamlining the process of pinning enterprise apps to the taskbar, reducing the time it takes for these changes to appear for users.

A Redesigned Setup Experience

Microsoft is testing a redesigned “Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience” (SCOOBE). This is the screen that sometimes appears after an update, encouraging users to adopt certain settings or services. The new design consolidates these suggestions into a single, more intuitive page.

Smarter Search and Lock Screen Widgets

Windows Search will feature a new grid view for image results, making it easier to find the picture you’re looking for. The lock screen is also getting an update with a “Discover widgets” option, which will suggest new widgets to enhance your at-a-glance information.

System-Level Enhancements and Privacy

The Windows 11 25H2 update also includes important changes under the hood that affect system performance, security, and user privacy.

Standardized CPU Metrics in Task Manager

Task Manager will now display CPU workload using standard metrics that align with other industry tools. This provides a more consistent and accurate view of your processor’s performance. For those who prefer the old method, an optional “CPU Utility” column can be enabled on the Details tab.

New Privacy Controls for Generative AI

As AI becomes more integrated into the operating system, Microsoft is giving users more visibility and control. A new page in Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation will show you which third-party applications have recently used the generative AI models provided by Windows. This allows you to manage which apps have permission to use these powerful local models.

Debloating Windows with Group Policy

For business and enterprise users, a welcome new feature is the ability to easily remove unwanted default Microsoft Store apps. A new Group Policy setting, “Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages,” allows administrators to debloat Windows 11 installations in a streamlined manner. You can find out more about this on the Microsoft Tech Community blog.

A Look Ahead

The Windows 11 25H2 update is shaping up to be a significant refinement of the operating system. While not a radical overhaul, it delivers a host of intelligent features, user interface enhancements, and important system-level improvements. The focus on a faster, enablement package-based delivery is a clear indication that Microsoft is listening to user feedback and aiming for a smoother, less disruptive update cycle. As we move closer to the official release, we can expect to see more of these features stabilize and perhaps even a few more surprises.