Microsoft has rolled out its final major update of 2025, bringing 16 exciting new features to Windows 11. This December update focuses on polishing the user interface, improving productivity tools, enhancing AI-powered capabilities, and offering deeper customisation options. While features may reach devices at different times due to Microsoft’s controlled rollout system, the update represents a significant upgrade for everyday users, professionals, developers, and creators.
Page Contents
Overview of the 16 New Windows 11 Features
1. Refreshed Windows Search Interface
The search box has been updated to better align with the Start menu’s design, creating a cleaner and more consistent visual flow.
2. “Share with Copilot” on Taskbar
With deeper AI integration, users can now quickly send app content or screen previews to Copilot directly from the taskbar.
3. Improved Desktop Spotlight
Spotlight users get new options, including the ability to explore background details or switch wallpapers right from the desktop menu.
4. Option to Disable Drag Tray
Users who prefer a cleaner workflow can now disable the Drag Tray feature from the Nearby Sharing settings.
5. Dark Mode Enhancements in File Explorer
Dialogue windows, including move, copy, and delete, now follow the dark mode theme, offering a more consistent nighttime experience.
6. New Device Information Card
A new device information card in Settings shows system specs like RAM, processor, and GPU at a glance.
7. Updated Mobile Device Management
Users can now easily manage their linked mobile devices from one centralised Settings page.
8. Revamped “About PC” Section
This redesign introduces a cleaner layout featuring a desktop thumbnail, quick rename options, and reorganised device details.
9. Virtual Workspaces Settings Page
A new dedicated settings page allows advanced users to manage virtual workspaces and secure environments effortlessly.
10. Expanded Keyboard & Text Cursor Settings
More customisation options are available, including cursor behaviour, key repeat rates, and Copilot key configuration.
11. Smart Quick Machine Recovery
Quick Machine Recovery now checks for solutions only once by default, reducing repetitive troubleshooting loops.
12. Redesigned Widgets Board
Widgets and the content feed are separated for a cleaner experience, while notifications and overlays have been simplified.
13. Pen Haptic Feedback
Compatible devices now offer subtle haptic responses when using the stylus for interactions like dragging or closing windows.
14. Action Menu for Copilot+ PCs
A new context menu streamlines actions like opening, saving, or sharing while also providing quick access to Copilot.
15. Xbox Full-Screen Experience on More Devices
This update brings a console-like interface to more PCs and helps save up to 2GB of RAM when enabled.
16. Studio Effects for External Cameras
AI-powered features such as background blur and lighting tools now work with supported external webcams, enhancing video calls and streaming.
Why This Update Matters
This December update significantly boosts the overall Windows 11 experience through:
- More consistency across the UI
- Smarter AI integrations that assist users in daily tasks
- Better productivity features for power users
- Support for more device types, including external webcams and handheld PCs
- Greater personalisation through keyboard, cursor, and workspace settings
Overall, the update reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to making Windows 11 a modern operating system that blends AI capability with ease of use.
How to Install the Update
To check if the update is available on your device:
- Open Settings
- Click Windows Update
- Select Check for updates
- Download and install the December 2025 release if shown
Because Microsoft uses a phased rollout, you may receive some features a bit later than others.
References
- https://www.pcworld.com/article/3003928/16-new-features-coming-in-windows-11s-huge-december-update.html
- https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/top-16-features-on-windows-11s-december-9-2025-update-file-explorer-start-menu-virtual-workspaces-and-more
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/december-1-2025-kb5070311-os-builds-26200-7309-and-26100-7309-preview-5cd455bf-3291-47fa-b0bf-e5f60d0ea7af
- https://pureinfotech.com/kb5070312-windows-11-december-2025-update/
- https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/microsoft-windows-11-new-update-features-on-device-ai-capabilities-coming-125072300777_1.html
- https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/windows-11-december-2025-update-adds-16-new-features-5347f169

Parvesh Sandila is a passionate web and Mobile app developer from Jalandhar, Punjab, who has over six years of experience. Holding a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (2017), he has also mentored over 100 students in coding. In 2019, Parvesh founded Owlbuddy.com, a platform that provides free, high-quality programming tutorials in languages like Java, Python, Kotlin, PHP, and Android. His mission is to make tech education accessible to all aspiring developers.


