Windows 11 25H2: What’s New and How to Use the Latest Features
The Windows 11 25H2 update introduces several usability improvements, AI-driven tools, and customization options. While not a massive overhaul, these updates make the OS smoother, smarter, and more personal.
Below, we’ll cover each new feature in depth—with clear instructions on how to use them.
1. Lock Screen Widget Customization
What’s new:
You can now pick which widgets appear on your lock screen. Weather, calendar, and traffic are popular choices, and you can display up to four widgets.
How to use it:
- Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.
- In the left menu, select Lock screen.
- Under Lock screen widgets, choose Customize widgets.
- Use the checkboxes to enable or disable widgets.
- Drag items to reorder their position.
- Lock your PC (Win + L) to see the new layout.
👉 Tip: If the option isn’t visible yet, your PC may not have received the rollout. Keep Windows Update checked.
2. Desktop Widgets Panel Refresh
What’s new:
The widget board now has a side rail that lets you switch between:
- Widgets only view
- Widgets + News/Discover feed view
How to use it:
- Press Win + W or click the Widgets icon on the taskbar.
- Look for the new navigation bar on the left.
- Switch between My Widgets or Discover Feed.
- Click the “+” Add widgets button to personalize what appears.
👉 Tip: This is cleaner than before—no more clutter between news and widgets.
3. AI-Powered Settings Search
What’s new:
You can now type natural phrases into Settings search. Instead of digging through menus, just describe what you want, e.g.:
- “Turn on dark mode”
- “Change display resolution”
- “Move taskbar to top”
How to use it:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- At the top, click the Search bar.
- Type a plain-English request (e.g., “turn off Bluetooth”).
- Windows will either:
- Take you directly to the setting, or
- Show a one-click toggle inside the search result.
👉 Note: Some of these suggestions run locally on your device using small AI models. Others may require online support.
4. Smarter File Explorer & Context Menus
What’s new:
- File Explorer now shows recommended files (not just work/school accounts).
- Context menus have clearer icons, better grouping, and new sharing options.
How to use it:
- Open File Explorer (
Win + E). - Look at the Home tab → “Recommended” section will now appear with suggested files.
- Right-click on any file to see the updated context menu.
- Notice sharper icons and new Share via email/Teams options.
- The “Show more options” is still available, but you’ll need it less often.
👉 Tip: If you don’t want “Recommended files” in Explorer, you can disable them:
- Go to View > Options > Privacy and uncheck recommendations.
5. Notepad with AI Features
What’s new:
Notepad now includes built-in AI tools like rewriting, summarizing, and generating content.
How to use it:
- Open Notepad from Start.
- Type or paste some text.
- Highlight the text.
- Right-click → select an AI option (Rewrite, Summarize, Explain, etc.).
- For new content, click the AI pen icon in the toolbar.
👉 Note:
- Some features require a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Local AI features may only run on Copilot+ PCs (with NPU hardware).
6. Notification Center Clock Return
What’s new:
A small but welcome change: the current time now displays inside the Notification Center, just like in Windows 10.
How to use it:
- Press Win + N or click the clock in the taskbar to open Notification Center.
- Look at the top right corner → time will now be visible above notifications.
How to Get Windows 11 25H2 Features Early
Not seeing these yet? You can test them before the full rollout.
Method 1: Join the Release Preview Channel
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
- Link your Microsoft account.
- Select Release Preview Channel.
- Restart and check for updates.
Method 2: Manual Windows Update
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Make sure “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” is turned on.
👉 Remember: Features roll out in waves, so even in Release Preview, some users may get them later.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 25H2 focuses on quality-of-life improvements: more control over widgets, smarter search, a better File Explorer, and AI tools in Notepad. These aren’t huge changes, but together they make Windows more helpful and intuitive.
If you want early access, join the Release Preview channel. Otherwise, watch for the update in Windows Update later this year.
