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Microsoft Introduces AI-Powered Start Menu and Settings Enhancements in Windows 11

The updates, previewed on Snapdragon devices, bring a redesigned Start menu with a phone companion panel and an AI agent for automating settings changes.

Windows AI update
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Sharing the Windows 11 screen with Copilot so the AI can help.
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Overview

  • Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Windows 11 Start menu featuring a larger, scrollable layout with categorized app organization, improving usability on larger displays.
  • The updated Start menu includes a phone companion panel, enabling quick access to synced iPhone or Android contacts, messages, calls, and battery status.
  • A natural-language AI agent is being embedded into the Settings app, allowing users to describe issues or preferences and receive recommendations or automated solutions.
  • Additional AI-driven features include enhanced editing tools in Paint, Photos, and Snipping Tool, as well as AI-powered actions in File Explorer, Notepad, and Windows Search.
  • These updates are initially available to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with rollouts to Intel and AMD Copilot+ devices and all Insiders planned in the coming weeks.