Here’s a summary of the key highlights from the May 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, focusing on the new features and security improvements based on the linked article and fresh forum discussions:
Source: extremetech.com Microsoft Rolls Out May 2025 Windows 11 and 10 Updates With New AI Tools, Security Fixes
Windows 11 Version 24H2 (KB5058411) – Major AI and Productivity Enhancements
- AI Features for Copilot+ PCs:
- Recall: Uses AI to let users retrieve past activities, files, emails, and web pages by searching for keywords or context—designed for efficiency but also flagged for potential privacy concerns.
- Click to Do: Allows instant contextual actions and quick task execution, tightly integrated with Copilot+ hardware for best performance.
- AI-Powered Search: Now available on both Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs, delivering smarter and more contextual results.
- Phased Rollout: Recall and Click to Do are being deployed gradually via controlled feature rollout, so not all users will receive them immediately.
- Other Enhancements:
- Widgets Board & Lock Screen Widgets: Developers can now build customizable widgets, with expanded options, especially for EU users.
- File Explorer Improvements: Curated views, improved ZIP support, and better handling of text scaling.
- Start Menu Phone Link Sidebar: Access phone calls, messages, and photos from your mobile device directly within Windows.
Windows 11 Version 23H2 (KB5058405)
- Speech Recap for Narrator: Improved accessibility for visually impaired users.
- Curated File Explorer & Phone Link Sidebar: As above, now included for 23H2 users.
Windows 10 Version 22H2 (KB5058379) – Security Focus
- Security Fixes: A large set of patches, including updates to block vulnerable drivers—especially against Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
- No Major UI/Feature Changes: Windows 10 updates are now primarily about maintenance and security as the OS approaches end of support. No significant user-facing features.
Additional Notes
- Cross-Device Integration: Microsoft is investing in seamless integration between Windows and mobile devices.
- AI and Privacy Debate: The Recall feature, in particular, is sparking debate about data privacy, as it involves local data indexing—users are encouraged to review their privacy settings.
- Linux as an Alternative: With Windows 10 nearing end-of-life and significant AI/telemetry features in Windows 11, some users are exploring Linux as a privacy-friendly alternative.
Sources:
- ExtremeTech Review
- Relevant Windows Forum discussions from May 2025, which confirm the details and expand on user reactions to “Recall,” “Click to Do,” AI Search, heightened privacy focus, and technical rollout strategy.
Source: extremetech.com Microsoft Rolls Out May 2025 Windows 11 and 10 Updates With New AI Tools, Security Fixes
