Windows 11 Gets AI Boost — One Snipping Tool Feature Demands a Copilot+ PC
New AI Features Coming to Windows 11
Windows 11 users are set to receive a variety of new AI-powered features in the coming weeks. The specific tools available will depend on the type of PC you own. Copilot+ PCs will have access to the most advanced features, but several enhancements are also being rolled out to all Windows 11 devices.
Some of these features are already available, while others will be introduced gradually over time. Here’s a breakdown of what users can expect:
Changing Settings with Natural Language
One of the most notable updates is the ability to change Windows settings using natural language. This feature is currently rolling out to all Copilot+ PCs. It allows users to interact with the system using voice commands or text, making it easier to adjust settings without navigating through multiple menus.
This new agent in the Settings app is optimized for Copilot+ PCs and could pave the way for similar AI-driven assistants in the future. However, only those with Snapdragon X processors will have access to this feature immediately, while AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will get it at a later date.
Enhanced Click to Do Feature
Click to Do is a relatively new tool in Windows 11 that allows users to perform actions by clicking on elements on the screen. Microsoft continues to add new capabilities to this feature, including:
- Practice in Reading Coach
- Read with Immersive Reader
- Draft with Copilot in Word
Additionally, Click to Do now supports actions through Microsoft Teams. Users with Copilot+ PCs can access this feature by pressing the Windows key and clicking the mouse, or by using the keyboard shortcut Windows+Q. It can also be accessed through Snipping Tool.
Relight in Photos
For those who enjoy editing photos, the new Relight feature in the Photos app offers an innovative way to enhance images. Using AI, users can add up to three virtual light sources to a subject, mimicking professional lighting conditions. This feature is currently available to Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X processors, with support for AMD and Intel models coming later.
Sticker Generator in Paint
Microsoft Paint is getting a fun new addition: an AI-powered sticker generator. Users can type a prompt, and the app will generate a set of stickers for them to choose from. Once selected, the stickers can be added directly to the canvas. This feature is available to all Copilot+ PCs right away.
Perfect Screenshot in Snipping Tool
One of the most exciting updates is the "Perfect Screenshot" feature in Snipping Tool. This AI-powered tool captures content more accurately than traditional screenshot methods, reducing the need for manual cropping. Users can select the Perfect Screenshot button within Snipping Tool or press and hold the Control key when selecting a region to capture. The feature allows for precise editing before saving the image.
Color Picker in Snipping Tool
A small but useful addition to Snipping Tool is the color picker. This tool lets users identify the HEX, RGB, or HSL values of any part of their screen. It also includes zoom functionality for more accurate selections.
Copilot Vision on Windows
Copilot Vision is now available in the United States for Windows users. This feature analyzes the content on your screen and provides suggestions or advice. For example, it can help guide you through tasks in games or other applications. While it's free with Microsoft Edge, extending its functionality to other apps requires a Copilot Pro subscription, which costs $20 per user per month.
Quick Machine Recovery
Quick Machine Recovery is another new feature designed to detect and fix issues that may occur after an unexpected restart. Microsoft has replaced the infamous Blue Screen of Death with a darker design, though most users will only see it for a few seconds.
How to Get the New Features
The new features will be rolled out gradually through controlled feature rollout (CFR). Some of them are already available through the latest non-security preview update. To get the latest updates, users should navigate to Settings > Windows Update and enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” After turning on this option, check for updates and install the non-security preview update that appears.
It’s also recommended to ensure that the Paint, Photos, and Copilot apps are up to date. Keep in mind that some features are still exclusive to Copilot+ PCs or those equipped with Snapdragon X processors.