Windows 11 continues to evolve as Microsoft relentlessly tweaks and polishes its operating system, sprinkling in delightful surprises and functional upgrades throughout the year. Sure, we officially get one major annual update as part of Microsoft’s cadence, but don’t be fooled — there’s so much happening in between those milestone moments. In this deep dive, we’ll unpack the standout features Windows 11 users received in 2024 and explore why each might change the way you interact with your PC. From revamped widgets to AI magic, let’s embark on a tour through 2024’s innovations.
But are there areas still screaming for improvement? Absolutely:
Now, which of these new features caught your eye? What’s the one upgrade you’ve been dreaming of? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com! Let’s talk shop.
Source: Computerworld The best new Windows 11 features of 2024
Android Integration: Your Phone and PC Are BFFs Now
Let’s kick things off with a suite of features that have blurred the lines between Android devices and Windows PCs. While cross-device compatibility isn’t new, Microsoft pushed boundaries this year, focusing on usability and cable-free convenience.1. Your Android Phone as a Wireless Webcam
Forget lugging around a separate webcam or cursing your PC’s grainy built-in one. Windows 11 now allows you to turn your Android phone into a fully functional webcam — and it’s wireless! Once set up, your phone’s camera syncs effortlessly with your PC, delivering crisp imaging whether you’re in a high-stakes Zoom call or recording tutorials for YouTube.How It Works:
- The feature leverages Wi-Fi Direct for uninterrupted streaming, minimizing latency.
- It bypasses complex configurations: just connect the phone and PC via Bluetooth, enable the feature, and you’re good to go.
2. Instant Photo Notifications from Android
Picture this: You’re out in the world clicking amazing shots on your Android phone. The moment you snap a pic, Windows 11 alerts you, making it a breeze to transfer and edit images directly on your PC. No more fumbling with plugins or emailing yourself photos — all of it happens seamlessly. This feature pairs especially well with the built-in Photos app or even third-party editing powerhouses like Adobe Photoshop.3. Drag-and-Drop File Transfers via File Explorer
Gone are the days of tangled USB cables or third-party sync apps. With wireless integration, your Android phone appears like any other folder in Windows File Explorer. Dragging files to and from your phone has mirrored the simplicity of managing files between USB drives. A Wi-Fi network is all you need for this next-level convenience.Widget Wonderland: Finally Worth Your Time
For many, Windows 11’s Widgets have felt like a generic newsfeed they didn’t ask for — until now.4. Customizable Widgets Menu
Microsoft took constructive criticism to heart, overhauling the Widgets experience for 2024. You can now:- Suppress the noisy viral headlines you never cared about.
- Add, rearrange, and customize widgets for news, sports updates, weather, and more.
- Hide irrelevant feeds entirely.
5. Culling Noise from the Lock Screen
Hate stock prices flashing on your lock screen? Or sports updates cluttering your screen when you just want to check the weather? Microsoft now lets users declutter these elements. With greater control over lock-screen content, the experience feels cleaner, more productive, and tailored to individual preferences.Enhancements in Core Utilities
Several familiar apps got sleek upgrades, but two stand out for their significant usability boosts:6. Sticky Notes 2.0
Sure, Sticky Notes has existed forever, but 2024 introduced a version that aligns more closely with OneNote’s robust ecosystem. Whether you’re brainstorming, juggling tasks, or leaving reminders for yourself — this is multitasking gold. Not to mention, the syncing across devices is smoother than ever before. Finally, the digital Post-it deserves a place on your desktop.7. PowerToys Workspaces Redefines Productivity
If you haven’t yet dived into Microsoft’s open-source PowerToys suite, it’s time. This year brought “PowerToys Workspaces,” a turbocharged solution for opening and arranging related sets of files, applications, and browser tabs all in one go. From creative professionals to corporate multitaskers, this app launcher redefines efficiency. Bonus: it’s free and loaded with customization options.8. File Explorer’s "New+" Menu
File Explorer received a secret weapon in 2024: the “New+” menu. With it, you can create templates for new folders and files, streamlining workflows directly from Explorer itself. Need a pre-built folder structure for recurring projects? Now it’s seconds away.AI-Powered Awesomeness
Artificial Intelligence hit a stride in Windows this year, offering tools both practical and highly experimental.9. AI Object Erasing in Photos App
Equipped with Generative AI, the Photos app now lets you erase objects from images. You draw a selection over unwanted objects, click “Erase,” and presto! The AI fills the area in, attempting to reconstruct the background. While it’s not perfect in all cases, the executions feel uncanny, giving apps like Photoshop rudimentary competition for casual users.10. Windows Copilot Steps Up
Microsoft Copilot — an AI assistant introduced in Windows 11 — stepped up with enhanced features. Need complex guidance, email drafting, or automated workflows? Copilot is positioned as a productivity ally, offering insights and shortcuts to Windows features directly from its conversational prompt box.What About “Copilot+ PCs”?
High-end systems branded as “Copilot+ PCs” received exclusive AI-powered perks this year, such as auto-transcription for voice recordings and high-speed generative queries. While exciting, this feature set remains locked to select, premium hardware.11. Experimental “Windows Recall”
Only available in beta, Windows Recall claims to let you re-examine your online interactions via AI memory cues. Yes, it’s ambitious, but it’s also sparked privacy debates, as it essentially involves Microsoft storing records of user activity. It’s unclear how this will be executed upon full release, but right now, it feels like both a technical marvel and something most people will approach cautiously.The Year in Review: 2024’s Legacy and What’s Next
The year offered innovations across usability, productivity, and AI integration, making Windows 11 more than just an operating system — it’s becoming a hub for creative and professional endeavors. With these updates, Microsoft seems intent on turning Windows into a seamless extension of your digital life, spanning PCs, phones, and even the cloud.But are there areas still screaming for improvement? Absolutely:
- Windows Recall Privacy Questions: Will Microsoft address those privacy concerns before rolling out the feature universally?
- AI Features on Non-Premium PCs: How long must average users wait for AI-reliant functionalities?
Now, which of these new features caught your eye? What’s the one upgrade you’ve been dreaming of? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com! Let’s talk shop.
Source: Computerworld The best new Windows 11 features of 2024
