Best Windows 11 Features You Should Start Using in 2026

Windows 11 includes many built-in features designed to help you work more efficiently, stay organized, and keep your PC secure. While some improvements are easy to notice, others are hidden or often overlooked, even by long-time Windows users. Whether you’ve recently upgraded from Windows 10 or have been using Windows 11 for a while, it’s worth exploring the features that can improve your everyday experience. From better multitasking and file management to enhanced security, accessibility, and gaming, Windows 11 offers useful tools for almost every type of user.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Windows 11 features you should start using in 2026. For each feature, we’ll explain what it does, why it matters, and how you can make the most of it.

Quick Overview of the Best Windows 11 Features

Before we explore each feature in detail, here’s a quick overview of the most useful Windows 11 features covered in this guide.

Note: Some features, including Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects, require a Copilot+ PC or compatible hardware and the latest Windows 11 updates.

1. A More Modern Windows: Design and Interface Changes

The first thing you’ll notice in Windows 11 is its refreshed design. Microsoft has refreshed almost every part of the interface to make the operating system look cleaner, more consistent, and easier to use without changing the familiar Windows experience.

Redesigned Start Menu for Faster Access

The Start menu now features a simplified layout with pinned apps at the top and recommended files below, making it easier to launch your favorite programs and quickly reopen recently used documents. Microsoft has also removed the Live Tiles found in Windows 10, creating a cleaner and less distracting experience.

Centered Taskbar with Better Navigation

By default, Windows 11 places the Start button and taskbar icons in the center of the screen, giving the desktop a modern appearance. If you prefer the traditional layout, you can move them back to the left from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.

Fluent Design, Dark Mode, and Visual Improvements

Windows 11 expands Microsoft’s Fluent Design across the operating system. Rounded window corners, updated icons, redesigned context menus, smoother animations, and refreshed Settings and File Explorer create a more polished and consistent experience across the desktop.

Microsoft has also improved Dark Mode, extending it across more built-in apps and system menus for a more consistent appearance. If you prefer working in low-light environments, Dark Mode can also help reduce eye strain during extended use.

Widgets for Personalized Information

Widgets give you quick access to personalized information such as weather, news, calendar events, stock updates, sports scores, and traffic. Accessible from the taskbar, they help you stay informed without opening multiple apps or websites. You can also customize the Widgets board to display the information that’s most relevant to you.

2. Multitask Like a Pro with Powerful Productivity Tools

Windows 11 introduces several productivity features that make it easier to organize your workspace and switch between tasks. Whether you’re working with multiple applications, comparing documents, or managing several projects at once, these built-in tools can help you stay organized and work more efficiently.

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for Better Multitasking

Snap Layouts let you quickly arrange multiple windows into predefined layouts, making multitasking much easier on both large and small displays. Simply hover your mouse over the maximize button on any window to choose a layout that fits your workflow.

Windows 11 also remembers your grouped apps using Snap Groups. If you minimize a group of windows, you can restore the entire layout with a single click from the taskbar instead of reopening each application individually.

Virtual Desktops for Organizing Your Workspace

Virtual Desktops allow you to create separate workspaces for different activities. For example, you can have one desktop for work, another for personal tasks, and another for entertainment, helping reduce desktop clutter and improve focus.

File Explorer Tabs for Easier File Management

File Explorer now supports tabs, allowing you to open multiple folders within a single window instead of launching several File Explorer windows. This small change makes file management much faster and more convenient.

Quick Settings for Faster System Controls

Quick Settings provides fast access to commonly used controls such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, brightness, and accessibility options. Instead of navigating through the Settings app, you can adjust these options directly from the taskbar.

Focus Sessions to Minimize Distractions

Focus Sessions help you stay productive by reducing distractions while you work. Built into the Clock app, this feature lets you set focus timers, schedule short breaks, and optionally integrate with Microsoft To Do so you can work through your tasks without interruptions.

3. AI-Powered Features That Boost Productivity

Windows 11 now includes several AI-powered features designed to help you work faster, find information more easily, and improve everyday tasks. While some features are available on all Windows 11 PCs, others require a Copilot+ PC with supported hardware.

Microsoft Copilot for Everyday Assistance

Microsoft Copilot is built into Windows 11 as an AI assistant that can answer questions, summarize information, generate text, and help you perform common tasks. It can also provide suggestions, launch Windows settings, and assist with everyday productivity.

Recall to Find Previously Viewed Content

Recall helps you quickly find content you’ve previously viewed on your PC. Instead of remembering where you saved a file or which website you visited, you can search using natural language to locate past activities.

Note: Recall is only available on supported Copilot+ PCs and can be turned on or off based on your privacy preferences.

Click to Do for Quick On-Screen Actions

Click to Do lets you perform quick actions on text and images displayed on your screen. For example, you can copy text from an image, summarize selected content, rewrite text, or perform other supported actions without switching between multiple applications.

Windows Studio Effects for Better Video Calls

Windows Studio Effects uses AI to improve video and audio during online meetings. Depending on your device, it can automatically frame your face, blur the background, maintain eye contact, and reduce background noise for a more professional video calling experience.

Improved Windows Search with AI

Windows Search continues to improve with faster indexing and more relevant results. On supported Copilot+ PCs, AI-enhanced search can also help you find documents, photos, and settings using natural language instead of exact file names.

4. Built-in Windows Apps Get Smarter with AI

Windows 11’s built-in apps have evolved beyond their original purpose. Apps like Paint, Photos, Snipping Tool, Notepad, and Clipchamp now include smarter editing tools, AI-powered features, and productivity improvements that reduce the need for third-party software.

Paint With Layers and AI

Paint is no longer just a basic drawing application. Recent updates have introduced features such as background removal, layers, and AI-powered image editing tools on supported devices, making it useful for quick image edits.

Snipping Tool with OCR and Screen Recording

The Snipping Tool now does much more than capture screenshots. You can record your screen, copy text directly from images using OCR, and quickly annotate screenshots before sharing them.

Photos with AI Editing Tools

The Photos app includes improved organization, editing tools, and AI-powered features that help you remove unwanted objects, enhance images, and search your photo library more efficiently on supported devices.

Notepad with Tabs and AI Writing Tools

Notepad has evolved with features such as tabs, automatic session restore, spell check, autocorrect, and AI-assisted writing tools on supported systems. It remains a lightweight text editor while offering several modern conveniences.

Clipchamp for Easy Video Editing

Clipchamp is Microsoft’s built-in video editor for Windows 11. It allows you to trim videos, add transitions, record your screen, generate captions, and create content for presentations or social media without installing third-party editing software.

Redesigned Microsoft Store

Windows 11 includes a redesigned Microsoft Store with a cleaner interface, faster performance, and a wider selection of apps. In addition to Microsoft Store apps, you can also discover many popular desktop applications, making it easier to find, install, and update trusted software from one place.

5. Better Security and Privacy Features

Security is one of the biggest improvements in Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced stronger protection against malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access while making it easier for users to secure their devices.

Passkeys for Passwordless Sign-in

Windows 11 supports passkeys, allowing you to sign in to supported websites and apps without using traditional passwords. Passkeys are more secure and help protect your accounts from phishing attacks.

Windows Security with Microsoft Defender

Windows Security brings together Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Firewall, Device Security, and account protection in one place. It provides real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, phishing attempts, and other online threats without requiring additional antivirus software for most home users.

Recent Windows 11 updates have also strengthened Microsoft Defender with smarter threat detection, enhanced phishing protection, and improved security alerts to help keep your PC and personal data safe.

Smart App Control for Safer Apps

Smart App Control helps prevent untrusted or potentially harmful applications from running on your computer. It analyzes apps before they launch and blocks suspicious software to reduce the risk of malware infections.

Windows Backup for Easy PC Recovery

Windows Backup lets you save your files, settings, installed apps, and preferences to your Microsoft account. When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, you can quickly restore your backed-up data and continue where you left off.

6. Better Gaming Features for PC Players

Windows 11 includes several gaming improvements designed to deliver faster load times, better visuals, and a smoother gaming experience on compatible hardware. If you play PC games, these built-in features can help you get the most out of your system.

Auto HDR for Better Visuals

Auto HDR automatically improves the color and contrast of supported games, making visuals appear more vibrant without requiring developers to update older titles.

DirectStorage for Faster Game Loading

DirectStorage helps games load faster by allowing supported NVMe SSDs and graphics cards to transfer game assets more efficiently. This can significantly reduce loading times in compatible games.

Xbox Game Bar for Gaming Tools

Xbox Game Bar lets you quickly access performance monitoring, screen recording, screenshots, audio controls, and social features without leaving your game. Press Windows + G to open it at any time.

7. Accessibility Features That Make Windows Easier to Use

Windows 11 includes a wide range of accessibility features designed to help everyone use their PC more comfortably. Whether you have a visual, hearing, or mobility impairment—or simply want a more convenient way to interact with your computer—these tools can improve your overall experience.

Live Captions for Real-Time Subtitles

Live Captions automatically generate captions for audio playing on your PC, including videos, online meetings, and podcasts. This makes spoken content easier to follow, especially in noisy environments or for users with hearing impairments.

Voice Access for Hands-Free Control

Voice Access allows you to control Windows and dictate text using your voice without relying on a keyboard or mouse. You can open apps, navigate menus, browse the web, and compose documents using voice commands.

Narrator Screen Reader

Narrator is Windows 11’s built-in screen reader that reads text displayed on the screen and helps users navigate Windows using keyboard shortcuts. It supports webpages, documents, emails, and many built-in applications.

Magnifier for Better Visibility

Magnifier lets you zoom in on any part of the screen, making text, images, and interface elements easier to read. It also includes options such as full-screen zoom, lens mode, and high-contrast support.

8. Better Connectivity Between Your PC and Mobile Devices

Windows 11 makes it easier to stay connected across your devices. With built-in features for syncing your phone and sharing files between PCs, you can continue your work without relying on third-party apps or cables.

Phone Link for Seamless Phone Integration

Phone Link lets you connect your Android smartphone or iPhone to your Windows 11 PC. Once connected, you can view notifications, send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, access recent photos, and, on supported Android devices, even use mobile apps directly from your desktop. This integration helps you stay productive without constantly switching between your PC and phone.

Nearby Sharing for Quick File Transfers

Nearby Sharing lets you quickly send documents, photos, videos, and other files between nearby Windows PCs over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It’s a fast and convenient way to transfer files without using USB drives, email, or cloud storage. Simply select the file, choose Share, and pick a nearby Windows device to start the transfer.

Conclusion

Windows 11 offers much more than a refreshed interface. From improved multitasking and built-in productivity tools to stronger security, smarter apps, AI-powered features, and gaming enhancements, it includes a wide range of improvements designed to make everyday computing easier.

While some features, such as Snap Layouts, File Explorer Tabs, and Passkeys, are available on most Windows 11 PCs, others like Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects require a compatible Copilot+ PC. Exploring these features can help you get more value from your Windows 11 installation and improve the way you work, create, and stay organized.

Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or already using Windows 11, taking advantage of these built-in features can help you make the most of your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)