Windows enthusiasts, buckle up! Microsoft has a bag of tricks in development for Windows 11 as we glide deeper into 2025, and boy, do they look promising. Whether you're someone aching for functionality, an aesthetics nerd, or simply that gamer chasing convenience—there's something for everyone. Microsoft has revealed its roadmap of new features through Insider builds, hidden tweaks, and experimental concepts currently unpolished but glittering with potential. Let's break these down into the exciting possibilities heading your way.
For now, there’s only a touch of nostalgia—nothing fully implemented yet. But once it lands, not only does this mean tighter, more elegant taskbars, but it also brings more screen real estate for multi-taskers working on smaller displays.
Microsoft originally teased this innovation before pulling it back due to performance issues, but it's making its way back into Insider builds. Many hope the final feature is as seamless as controlling games themselves.
Why does this matter? Imagine faster device tethering during presentations or transferring files between laptops without the slowdown of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz clutter. This forward-looking compatibility cements Windows 11 as modern hardware-friendly.
This tiny, but mighty, productivity fix will finally make tabbed browsing in File Explorer akin to internet browsers we’ve loved for over a decade.
Additionally, Settings navigation will use AI to locate cryptic toggles (like “disable touchpad while typing”) with conversational request phrasing like “disable accidental touch settings.”
Your Next Steps:
If you don’t want to wait, enroll in the https://insider.windows.com to sample these features early. Just remember—you’re entering experimental waters, so proceed with some caution.
So, what do you think of these updates? Which one are you most eager to try? Let us know—and don’t hold back on ideas for what else Microsoft should innovate!
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/top-10-cool-and-useful-features-coming-soon-to-windows-11/
1. Improved Auto HDR
If you’ve ever fiddled with HDR on Windows 11, switching between toggles for games and movies, you know how clunky the experience can feel. Improved Auto HDR is set to revolutionize how the OS handles HDR content. Instead of toggling HDR on/off manually (or dealing with Windows' drab desktop visuals when HDR is always enabled), Windows 11 will automatically detect HDR-supported content and seamlessly optimize settings for gaming and streaming. Imagine firing up your favorite HDR game without having to pause and tweak—this is HDR convenience done right.But… How Does It Work?
HDR optimization in Windows hinges on metadata provided by HDR-compatible monitors or TVs, paired with an algorithm that maps brightness levels dynamically. With this update, Microsoft plans to use these hardware signals combined with OS smarts to auto-toggle HDR settings whenever needed. This eliminates manual interference and lets both SDR and HDR content coexist gracefully. Perfect for Netflix binge-watchers or gamers with HDR10 monitors.2. The Return of Small Taskbar Buttons
Remember the good-old days of Windows 7 when you could shrink your taskbar icons into compact little blocks? Windows is planning a comeback to those memories. Windows 11’s current taskbar design lacks this feature, but Microsoft has tweaked Insider builds suggesting small taskbar buttons may soon become an option.For now, there’s only a touch of nostalgia—nothing fully implemented yet. But once it lands, not only does this mean tighter, more elegant taskbars, but it also brings more screen real estate for multi-taskers working on smaller displays.
Tip: If you’re dying for compact taskbars today, hidden registry hacks can emulate a similar look, though they’re far from polished.
3. Gamepad Keyboard
PC gamers, rejoice—typing with a keyboard might soon not be mandatory. A new "gamepad keyboard" feature allows users with Xbox or other controllers to type things like passwords or quick messages using the paddle’s triggers, sticks, and buttons (AXYB). It’s an ideal addition for couch-based gamers who’d rather not juggle a wireless keyboard while slouched in gaming Zen.Microsoft originally teased this innovation before pulling it back due to performance issues, but it's making its way back into Insider builds. Many hope the final feature is as seamless as controlling games themselves.
4. Start Menu Overhauled: Grid and Category Views
Say goodbye to universal disorientation—the Start menu re-imagination is here. Two new layout types are in development:- Category View: Automatically organizes apps into predefined groups such as Entertainment, Productivity, and Games.
- Grid View: Think of this as a simplified app grid with clearly grouped icon layouts rather than traditional scrolling lists.
5. Support for 6 GHz Hotspots on Wi-Fi 7 Hardware
For laptop owners packing new-gen Wi-Fi 7 chips, Windows 11 will bring the ability to create blazing-fast 6 GHz wireless hotspots. This feature is like your personal mobile superhighway connecting devices—only now with the speed cranked up to eleven.Why does this matter? Imagine faster device tethering during presentations or transferring files between laptops without the slowdown of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz clutter. This forward-looking compatibility cements Windows 11 as modern hardware-friendly.
6. Redesigned Battery Indicator
Finally, an end to squinting at the minuscule, vague battery icon in Windows 11. A redesigned battery indicator is poised to add an actual percentage number (hallelujah!) directly to the taskbar tray for easy visibility. While minor, this fix will massively improve quality-of-life, particularly for laptop warriors running on deadlines—or just low power.Pro Tip: You can use utilities like "Battery Flyout" today for extended widget-like battery info if you're looking for immediate gratification.
7. File Explorer Now Tab-Savvy
Windows 11 users embraced File Explorer tabs enthusiastically, but let’s admit—present usability is clunky. Clicking links like “Open File Location” spawns redundant windows instead of adding tabs inside one File Explorer session. The upcoming changes will allow external links to intelligently open as new tabs instead of multiple chaotic windows.This tiny, but mighty, productivity fix will finally make tabbed browsing in File Explorer akin to internet browsers we’ve loved for over a decade.
8. Simplified PC Spec Cards
No more deep-diving into Task Manager or the cryptic “dxdiag” prompt to check your system’s specs. The "About" section in Windows Settings will soon include slick PC specifications cards. Everything from CPU details to graphics card VRAM allocation and storage capacity will now sit conveniently in one place.9. Drag-and-Drop Sharing UI
We know Snap Layouts made arranging apps simple. Microsoft’s new Share Tray UI is taking that convenience to file sharing. Picture dragging your file to an app-dock-like bar at the screen top (e.g., dragging images directly into Slack or emails). This feature feels set to make multitasking intuitive and perhaps even fun. As of now, enabling insider builds is needed to test it.10. AI-Powered Search
AI has officially arrived at your desktop. This new AI-powered Windows Search lets users find files, folders, or even obscure settings using contextual human language. Looking for your "elephants in PowerPoint" presentation? Instead of manually digging through dozens of files, just type a plain phrase, and semantic search magic kicks in.Additionally, Settings navigation will use AI to locate cryptic toggles (like “disable touchpad while typing”) with conversational request phrasing like “disable accidental touch settings.”
What Does This All Mean for Users?
Microsoft’s updates aim to keep Windows at the forefront of usability, balancing aesthetic revamps with substantial quality-of-life improvements. The list of changes comes with an undercurrent of patience—some features remain buried or buggy in their preview stages. However, encouraging signs suggest sincere refinement is underway.Your Next Steps:
If you don’t want to wait, enroll in the https://insider.windows.com to sample these features early. Just remember—you’re entering experimental waters, so proceed with some caution.
So, what do you think of these updates? Which one are you most eager to try? Let us know—and don’t hold back on ideas for what else Microsoft should innovate!
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/top-10-cool-and-useful-features-coming-soon-to-windows-11/
