Top 10 Windows 11 June 2025 Insider Updates: AI, Privacy & UI Enhancements

The wave of Windows 11 updates delivered through the Insider Program in June 2025 has demonstrated Microsoft’s continued ambition to modernize the operating system, add advanced AI capabilities, and refine almost every aspect of the user interface. In this feature, we’ll take an in-depth look at the top 10 new features and changes that have emerged across the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels according to official release notes, confirmed previews, and hands-on user feedback. We’ll show where you can find them, what makes them significant, and examine both their benefits and areas of concern for the wider Windows community.

Refined Core Experience: Preview Builds Set the Pace​

Microsoft’s development cadence in June was as aggressive as ever, with at least ten preview builds for Windows 11 scattered across three release channels. Each channel caters to a different audience and stability appetite: the Beta channel sees moderately stable features nearing completion, Dev offers a closer look at upcoming changes, and Canary is the home for raw, experimental innovations.
Some of the key builds included:

• Beta Channel: 26120.4230, 26120.4250, 26120.4441, 26120.4452
• Dev Channel: 26200.5622, 26200.5641, 26200.5651, 26200.5661
• Canary Channel: 27871, 27881

While some features are initially exclusive to a particular channel, Microsoft often rolls them out more widely in quick succession. This cross-channel convergence means new experiences reach users faster than ever, but also requires insiders to stay vigilant about which features are experimental and which are set for general availability.

1. Settings App Gets Smarter with AI Agent​

The much-anticipated AI agent in the Settings app finally started fulfilling its promise with a major update in the June builds (notably 26200.5651). Initially announced in May, the AI-powered agent sits in the Settings app’s search box—relocated to a prominent top-center position for improved usability.
Instead of merely matching keywords, it can now parse natural language and infer user intent. Type in “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the agent not only understands the request but offers to automate the appropriate adjustment for you—a leap from the clunky menus of the past.
While the full AI agent experience is currently limited to Copilot+ PCs—a new hardware class designed for advanced local AI tasks—the refreshed, centered search bar is now standard across all Windows 11 devices. Microsoft’s direction is clear: natural language and context-aware assistance are set to become default interaction paradigms in Windows.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Dramatic reduction of friction for accessing system settings; blends seamlessly with existing search paradigms; advances accessibility for all users.
• Risks: The best AI features are gated behind hardware requirements (Copilot+ PCs), leaving some users behind. Also, some early testers report inconsistent answer quality—a well-known growing pain for AI-driven assistants.

2. Windows Recall: Export, Reset, and a Fresh Homepage​

Windows Recall—a feature designed to help users revisit past activity and content—received an overhaul in builds 26200.5661 and 26120.4452. Updates include:

• A redesigned homepage with a new left navigation pane
• Grouping of recent and top-used content for quicker rediscovery
• Streamlined settings accessible from the sidebar

Two standout additions are the ability to export snapshots (in line with evolving European privacy standards) and a simple reset function. Exporting is available to European users, offering encrypted data extraction with a one-time “export code”—a nod to both privacy and transparency. The reset button allows users to instantly clear all Recall data and switch the feature off.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Puts users clearly in control of their data; the one-click reset supports privacy and regulatory compliance; transparent export process aligns with EU privacy expectations.
• Risks: Complexities with managing export codes may lead to frustration if codes are lost. Some data-handling transparency claims, while forward-thinking, require continued independent verification as new builds emerge.

3. Clock in Notification Center—With Seconds!​

Long requested by power users and by those who enjoyed the granular time display in Windows 10, the ability to show seconds in the Notification Center clock has been revived. Accessible under Date & time settings, this feature is now in testing in both Dev and Beta builds (e.g., 26200.5661, 26120.4452).
This detail, minor at first glance, pleases those who wish to use Windows 11 for precision tasks—such as lab work, server maintenance, and media production—where visibility of exact time is critical.

4. Expanding "Click to Do" with New AI and Teams Actions​

Microsoft’s “Click to Do” contextual actions—especially available on Copilot+ PCs—have been meaningfully enhanced. New actions allow users to:

• Forward selected text or images directly to Microsoft 365 Copilot for processing (“Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot”)
• Send a Teams message or schedule a Teams meeting directly from an email address or context selection

These workflow improvements are appearing in build 26200.5651 and build on Microsoft’s drive to embed AI deeply into the Windows productivity stack. The integration is especially powerful for enterprise and hybrid-remote professionals.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Reduces context-switching; bridges the gap between Windows, Teams, and Copilot ecosystems.
• Risks: Limited at present to Copilot+ PCs and organizational tenants with Microsoft 365 subscriptions; unclear at time of writing if all users will eventually receive full functionality.

5. Start Menu Makeover: Unified, Adaptable, and Customizable​

The new Start menu redesign, prominent in build 26200.5641, represents one of the most visible Windows 11 transformations of the summer. The updates include:

• A scrollable interface that merges “All apps” and “Pinned” into a single, larger, and more adaptive space
• The ability to accommodate up to eight apps per row; two “Pinned” rows displayed by default
• The “Recommended” section—three apps/files per row, with easier visibility
• Category grouping for installed applications in “All apps,” reducing visual clutter and boosting discoverability
• Enhanced user control over recommendations, including the ability to toggle off recommended files, tips, and even recently added or most used apps
• A new “mobile sidebar” toggle in the Start menu’s top-right

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Improves usability for both mouse and touch users; introduces mobile-inspired flexibility.
• Risks: Long-time Windows traditionalists may find the new Start layout disorienting; some bulkier app categories may require further curation to avoid overwhelming users.

6. Greater Privacy for Screen Reader Users: Narrator’s "Screen Curtain"​

“Screen Curtain” is a straightforward but impactful new accessibility feature. When invoked (with the shortcut Caps + Ctrl + C during Narrator use), it blacks out the display, ensuring no visual clues are leaked to onlookers—all while allowing blind or low-vision users to continue interacting through Narrator’s audio descriptions.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Addresses long-standing privacy concerns for screen reader users; simple, effective, and immediately accessible.
• Risks: No major risks noted, though adoption rests on user awareness and consistent availability.

7. Windows Backup: Effortless Transfer to New PCs​

Transferring files, apps, and settings from an old machine to a new one has historically been one of Windows’ pain points. With the refreshed Windows Backup (in Beta and Dev Channels), users can simply run the backup tool, choose "Transfer to a new PC," and follow the guided process to move their environment—including settings and files—to a new device.
Looking ahead, this functionality will be surfaced in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) during new PC setup, a move clearly designed to ease transitions ahead of Windows 10’s end-of-support milestone. Microsoft has also said this feature will eventually reach Windows 10, promoting more seamless upgrades.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Dramatically simplifies onboarding for both home and enterprise users; aligns with Apple’s longstanding migration tools.
• Risks: Success may hinge on both network reliability and Microsoft Account integration; full cross-version support between Windows 10 and 11 remains pending verification closer to release.

8. Quick Machine Recovery: Next-Gen Self-Repair​

“Quick Machine Recovery” (QMR) is a bold addition to Windows 11’s repair arsenal. Designed to automate the detection, diagnosis, and recovery from major boot-time issues—especially those triggered by problematic updates—QMR operates from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
What truly changes the game is the new dedicated Settings page (appearing since builds 26200.5622 and 26120.4230), enabling both individual users and network admins (via Intune) to manage QMR’s behaviors. When a Windows update breaks your setup, QMR can scan Microsoft servers for known fixes and apply recovery procedures with minimal intervention.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Moves Windows toward true automated self-healing; gives IT administrators more granular control.
• Risks: Heavy dependence on cloud connectivity; timely receipt of resolutions from Microsoft may vary; the complexity of supporting diverse hardware in the wild is always a concern.

9. Windows Share: Image Compression and Smart "Open With" Suggestions​

The Windows Share dialog continues to grow beyond basic file transfer. Notable June enhancements include:

• New “Open With” menu that surfaces Microsoft Store app recommendations for unfamiliar file types, visually distinguished by a Store icon
• Image compression options in the Share interface (build 27881), letting users select from low, medium, or high compression before sending pictures

These changes support Microsoft’s push to streamline day-to-day tasks and improve network efficiency—particularly helpful when sharing large photos or working on metered data connections.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Reduces frustration with “unknown file type” errors; saves both time and bandwidth on image sharing.
• Risks: App suggestions could spark concerns about promotion of third-party apps or privacy sensitivities; effectiveness of image compression relies on user awareness.

10. Gamepad Layout for Touch Keyboard—PIN Entry Via Controller​

Touching on both accessibility and convergence with the gaming ecosystem, Windows 11 now allows users to enter their PIN at the Lock Screen using their Xbox Controller thanks to a refreshed Gamepad layout for the touch keyboard (builds 26200.5641, 26120.4250).
This not only benefits gamers, but also anyone using Windows-based media centers or hybrid devices where traditional keyboard access is limited.

Strengths & Cautions​

• Strengths: Expands accessibility for new use cases; showcases Microsoft’s investment in unifying Windows and Xbox ecosystems.
• Risks: Niche feature for now, but could set precedent for more controller-friendly settings and sign-in methods.

The Broader Impact: Is the Future of Windows More AI and Less Legacy?​

The June 2025 update cycle represents one of the most aggressive campaigns toward a “new Windows” in recent memory. AI is being woven deeply into the fabric—from the Settings app and Copilot features to more subtle UX choices like recall and recovery. UI elements are bolder, more adaptive, and clearly influenced by mobile trends.
Yet, the move toward “Copilot+” exclusivity and the introduction of features that demand new hardware (such as NPU-equipped systems) have triggered concerns about fragmentation and forced obsolescence. Early feedback from insiders suggests an increasing stratification between the AI “haves” and “have-nots.” Microsoft’s challenge will be to ensure that AI and productivity improvements trickle down to as many users as possible, not only those on the cutting edge.
At the same time, the company’s renewed focus on privacy (export controls, screen curtain), actionable reliability (QMR), and migration ease (Windows Backup to new PC) address pain points and put Windows 11 on firmer consumer ground.

Where to Find and Try These Features​

• Insider Program Channels: Join the Beta, Dev, or Canary channel in the Windows Insider Program settings.
• Settings App Search: Discover new features using the refreshed search box, especially on Copilot+ hardware.
• Windows Recall, Backup, and QMR: Access these in Settings under Privacy, Backup, and Recovery respectively.
• Notification Center Clock and Start Menu Layout: Tweak through Date & Time and Personalization settings.
• Narrator Screen Curtain: Turn on Narrator (Windows + Ctrl + Enter), then press Caps + Ctrl + C to toggle.
• Click to Do, Share Compression, and Teams Actions: Look for new context menus and share dialogs after updates.
• Touch Keyboard Gamepad Layout: Accessible from the Lock Screen via Xbox Controller after updating.

Always consult the official Windows Insider changelogs and documentation for precise version requirements and rollout details, as some enhancements remain in limited preview while others are rapidly expanding.

Critical Takeaway and Looking Forward​

The June 2025 insider builds fill gaps, modernize workflows, and mark a deeper commitment to AI-first computing on Windows. Microsoft’s strategy is clear: they want Windows to be easier to use, smarter at understanding your intent, and ready for a future where the divide between PCs and other device types is ever thinner.
The path ahead, however, is not without turbulence. As AI becomes intrinsic to the Windows 11 experience, the importance of transparent, user-first privacy controls and equitable hardware support grows. For now, June’s features serve as a window into a future of ever more personal and proactive computing. As the steady drumbeat of preview builds continues, both enthusiasts and everyday users will have plenty to explore—and even more to discuss.
What’s your take on the most compelling new Windows 11 capability? Sound off below to share your experience with the latest insider preview—and stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and how-to guides as Microsoft’s flagship OS continues its transformation.

---

Source: Windows Central Top 10 new Windows 11 features and changes unveiled via the Insider Program in June 2025 — and where to find them