Windows 11 updated with 'new' Start menu, text formatting in Notepad and more interesting changes

Microsoft today announced a slew of new features for Windows 11 and its apps, focusing primarily on its Copilot+ PC line, like the 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop. But even "traditional" PCs with older Intel or AMD chips will see some notable improvements. Microsoft revealed that Windows 11 is getting a new Start menu, AI actions in File Explorer, and additional features for Notepad and Copilot.

Start menu gets a major upgrade

After much speculation and a hidden feature in the preview, Microsoft has officially confirmed a new Start menu layout with categories that automatically sort apps, similar to the app library on iOS. It ditches the previous two-page design for a single-page scrolling interface and adds a dedicated button for Phone Link — a companion app that lets you check your phone status, recent contacts, calls, messages, and files.

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Integrate more AI features in File Explorer

This feature provides quick access to AI tools like content summarization or image editing directly from the context menu. Similar to Click to Do on Copilot+ PC, you can right-click on a file to use AI features without opening the file.

Notepad now has text formatting

Notepad also gets a bunch of useful improvements. Like Word, users can summarize text or create content from suggestions to outline documents and ideas. In terms of non-AI features, Notepad now supports basic formatting like bold, italics, headings, highlights, and lists — making it more like WordPad (which has since been discontinued).

Upgrade for Copilot

The Copilot update brings push-to-talk: hold down the Copilot key to activate voice mode. Microsoft is also restoring the "Hey, Copilot" voice activation command, allowing you to summon the AI assistant without touching the keyboard. This feature will be available to Windows Insiders soon as an opt-in experience.

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Copilot Vision is coming soon

Microsoft is also rolling out Copilot Vision — a feature that analyzes on-screen content to make suggestions or answer questions, helping users better understand the information they're viewing. Copilot Vision is expected to launch first in the US.