Microsoft Rolls Out New Windows 11 Update: AI Features, Redesigned Widgets, and Braille Viewer Added

Microsoft has formally presented the latest update for Windows 11 which includes a variety of AI-based applications, a revamped Widgets' board, and better accessibility features that the company claims will make the OS "more intuitive, secure, accessible, and reliable."

Apart from that, the update has enhanced File Explorer, brought Braille Viewer to Narrator, and made the Xbox PC app more user-friendly for gamers.

Windows 11 Update: What’s New

1. AI Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft has introduced new AI-powered “actions” in File Explorer, enabling users to perform smart tasks directly from the right-click menu.

These actions allow quick access to:

• Bing Visual Search
• Background blur and object removal through the Photos app
• Background removal via Paint
• The goal is to streamline everyday tasks using built-in AI, reducing the need for third-party software.

2. Redesigned Widgets Board

The Widgets board has received a major design overhaul. The new Discover feed offers a cleaner and more personalized layout, curated by Microsoft Copilot, featuring summaries, videos, and stories from trusted MSN publishers.

Users can customize their feed by navigating to:

Widgets → Discover dashboard → Personalization settings

The lock screen widget section has also been refreshed, replacing the old “Weather and more” layout. Users can now add, remove, or rearrange widgets such as Weather, Watchlist, and Sports, with new recommendations available for more widget options.

3. Braille Viewer in Narrator

Accessibility sees a major boost with the addition of a Braille Viewer in Narrator mode. This tool allows users to view on-screen text alongside its Braille equivalent, supporting teachers of visually impaired students (TVIs) and helping learners improve their Braille literacy.

To activate the Braille Viewer:

• Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator
• Then press Narrator key + Alt + B
• A floating window will appear, dynamically updating as you navigate.
• Before using the feature, users must enable Braille in Narrator through:
• Settings → Accessibility → Narrator → Use a Braille display with Narrator

4. Xbox PC App Improvements

For gamers, Microsoft has added a Network Quality Indicator (NQI) to the Xbox PC app, helping users detect and resolve cloud gaming issues like lag, audio drops, or visual stuttering.

To enable it:

Go to Profile → Settings → Cloud Gaming → Network Quality Indicator

or

During gameplay, press Win + G → Xbox Cloud Gaming widget → Settings → Enable Network Quality Indicator

Additionally, the Xbox PC app now manages unsynced game saves more efficiently, showing a progress bar, device name, and timestamp to help players track synchronization across multiple devices.

How to Download the Windows 11 Update

Press the Windows Start button

Go to Settings → Windows Update

Click Check for updates

Select Download and install now

Once installed, the update brings a smoother, more capable Windows experience built around productivity and AI innovation.

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