Podcast Summary: Hands-On Windows 147: AI-Powered Windows 11 Enhancements

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Host: Paul Thurott
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) by TWiT
Episode: Hands-On Windows 147: AI-Powered Windows 11 Enhancements

In the July 3rd episode of TWiT's "Hands-On Windows," host Paul Thurott delves into the latest AI-powered enhancements in Windows 11, specifically focusing on the updates introduced in the 24H2 release. This detailed exploration covers a range of new features, from Microsoft's Copilot integration to improvements in system settings and sharing functionalities. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions and insights shared during the episode.

1. Introduction to Windows 11 24H2 Updates

Paul Thurott opens the episode by highlighting the bustling update cycle of Windows 11 during the mid-year period. Contrary to expectations, there hasn't been a 25H2 release yet; instead, the 24H2 version continues to receive monthly feature updates covering May, June, and July.

Key Points:

• Focus on OS Features: This episode concentrates solely on operating system enhancements, with app-specific features to be discussed in future episodes.
• Continuous Evolution: The 24H2 release is evolving steadily, with no immediate plans for a subsequent major release like 25H2.

2. Microsoft's Copilot: The AI Companion

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Microsoft's Copilot, an AI-driven chatbot integrated into Windows 11. Copilot serves as an AI companion, offering assistance and automation to enhance user experience.

Notable Features:

• Activation Methods: Initially accessed via the Windows Key + C shortcut, Copilot's activation has been refined. New keyboards may include a dedicated Copilot key, but older systems can still use Windows Key + C.

  Paul Thurott [01:50]: "You may recall, I don't know how you would remember everything. I have a hard time myself."

• Voice Interaction: Copilot now features voice command capabilities, allowing users to interact verbally. Thurott demonstrates this by activating Copilot using voice commands.

  Paul Thurott [04:20]: "Can I hear your voice a little bit more, please? Absolutely. I'm here for you."

• Customization Limitations: Currently, users cannot preview voices within the Windows version of Copilot, though this is possible on mobile and web platforms.

3. Recall: An Intelligent Screenshot Tool

Recall is an AI-powered feature that automatically captures screenshots of user activities, enabling semantic searches based on the content displayed.

Key Features:

• AI Integration: Utilizes both Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and image recognition to understand and categorize screenshots.

• Semantic Search: Allows users to perform searches based on the content or context of previous activities.

  Paul Thurott [10:30]: "It can do a semantic search later. Now the traditional interface was this or the original interface was this Timeline view."

• User Interface Enhancements: The new home view for Recall provides organized access to frequently used applications, simplifying the retrieval of past activities.

4. Click to Do: Enhanced Contextual Actions

Click to Do is another Copilot-integrated feature that offers actionable options based on the content selected on the screen, such as text or images.

Functionality:

• Activation: Accessible via Windows Key + Click or Windows Key + Q.

• Action Toolbar: Provides options like "Ask Copilot," "Summarize," and "Create a Bulleted List" for selected text or images.

  Paul Thurott [18:45]: "If you know what the app is, you can go right to the app and that kind of shrinks down the search profile for the thing you're looking for."

• Future Potential: Thurott anticipates more interactive capabilities as Copilot evolves, enhancing user productivity.

5. Enhanced Windows Search with Natural Language

Windows Search has seen significant improvements, incorporating natural language processing to understand and execute user queries more effectively.

Highlights:

• Natural Language Queries: Users can now search using conversational language, such as "Enable Dark mode," and Windows will navigate directly to the relevant settings.

  Paul Thurott [23:10]: "There's also a new type of window that's not been here before with a bunch of edit controls."

• Upcoming Features: Microsoft is working on enabling direct execution of commands via search, allowing settings changes without additional navigation.

6. Sharing Enhancements: Streamlined and Efficient

The sharing functionality in Windows 11 has been revamped to provide more intuitive and customizable options for users.

Key Improvements:

• Share with Menu: Right-clicking an item now presents a "Share with" submenu, listing compatible applications for sharing content.

  Paul Thurott [29:00]: "This is actually pretty nice because when you think about why you might use this feature Recall, it's because you're trying to find something that you did in the past."

• Image Editing Before Sharing: Users can edit images within the share pane, including cropping and adjusting compression levels, ensuring shared content meets desired specifications.

  Paul Thurott [32:15]: "They are actually pretty important. So these are two kind of cool features to me."

• Thumbnail Previews: Shared links now display thumbnails, providing visual confirmation of the content being shared.

7. Settings Interface Overhaul

Windows 11's Settings app continues to replace traditional Control Panel functionalities, offering a more unified and modern interface.

Notable Changes:

• Accessibility Integration: Mouse and touchpad settings have been moved under the Accessibility section, streamlining access to device configurations.

  Paul Thurott [35:50]: "As part of the phasing out of the Control Panel over time, they're starting to bring more and more features that were Control Panel specific into Settings."

• FAQ and Support Integration: A new FAQ section within the Settings app provides users with answers and information about their devices, enhancing support accessibility.

  Paul Thurott [36:45]: "There's some HDR changes just to make that interface a little more obvious."

• User Interface Updates: Renaming printers and other devices now features a more native Windows 11 interface, moving away from outdated Windows 8 styles.

8. Non-AI Feature Highlights

Beyond AI integrations, several non-AI features have been updated to improve overall user experience.

Key Updates:

• Continuity Features: Enhancements allow seamless transitions between devices, such as continuing work on Office documents from a phone to a PC.

  Paul Thurott [27:30]: "It's kind of a Apple continuity type feature, right? They're trying, I give them credit for that."

• Taskbar and Window Indicators: Subtle changes make window indicators more visible, aiding user navigation and multitasking.

9. Conclusion and Future Episodes

Paul Thurott wraps up the episode by acknowledging the extensive list of updates and teasing future discussions on major app changes, including Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool enhancements.

Paul Thurott [45:00]: "Next week in the next episode, I'll take a look at some of the major app changes across Notepad and Paint and Snipping Tool, which seems, you know, to get touched a lot these days."

He also encourages listeners to join Club Twit to support the podcast and stay updated with upcoming releases.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Integration: Microsoft's ongoing commitment to integrating AI through Copilot, Recall, and Click to Do enhances user productivity and system intelligence.
• User-Centric Enhancements: Updates to sharing, settings, and continuity features reflect a focus on improving everyday user interactions and system usability.
• Continuous Improvement: Windows 11's 24H2 release demonstrates a robust update cycle, continually adding and refining features without necessitating a major version overhaul.

For listeners seeking to stay abreast of the latest in Windows 11 advancements, this episode of "Hands-On Windows" offers a thorough and insightful overview of the current and upcoming features shaping the operating system's landscape.