Windows 11 has continued to evolve through regular feature updates, bringing meaningful improvements to productivity, performance, security, and customization. In 2024, Microsoft refined many core areas of the operating system rather than completely redesigning it, focusing on making everyday tasks faster, smarter, and more intuitive.
Many of these features are easy to miss because they are enabled by default or tucked away inside Settings. However, when used properly, they can significantly improve multitasking, system efficiency, and overall user experience on both laptops and desktops.
Below are the 26 best new and improved Windows 11 features to use in 2024, explained clearly so you can take full advantage of what the OS offers.
How to Use the Best New Windows 11 Features in 2024
Each feature below highlights what’s new or improved and how it benefits daily usage. You can enable or use most of them directly from Settings or built-in Windows tools.
1. Copilot in Windows
Microsoft Copilot is deeply integrated into Windows 11.
- Access Copilot from the taskbar.
- Use it to change settings, summarize content, or get help.
- Interact using text prompts without opening apps.
Copilot acts as an AI assistant across the OS.
2. Redesigned File Explorer with Tabs
File Explorer now supports tabs by default.
- Open File Explorer.
- Use Ctrl + T to open new tabs.
- Manage multiple folders in one window.
This improves file navigation efficiency.
3. Native RAR and 7-Zip Support
Windows 11 now supports more archive formats.
- Right-click compressed files.
- Extract RAR and 7Z without third-party tools.
This reduces dependency on external apps.
4. Improved Task Manager
Task Manager received performance and UI upgrades.
- Open Task Manager.
- View modern layout and efficiency mode.
- Monitor resources more clearly.
It is now easier to diagnose performance issues.
5. Windows Studio Effects
AI-powered camera and audio enhancements.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Camera.
- Enable background blur and eye contact.
- Improve video call quality.
Best for supported hardware.
6. Enhanced Snap Layouts
Snap layouts are smarter and faster.
- Hover over the maximize button.
- Choose from improved layout options.
- Snap apps with better memory handling.
Multitasking feels more natural.
7. Taskbar Search Improvements
Search is more contextual and faster.
- Use taskbar search.
- Get web, app, and local results together.
Search behavior is more consistent.
8. Widgets Board Enhancements
Widgets are more useful in 2024.
- Open Widgets from the taskbar.
- Add news, weather, calendar, and productivity widgets.
- Customize content sources.
Widgets are now less cluttered.
9. Energy Recommendations
Windows helps reduce power usage.
- Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Review energy recommendations.
- Apply suggestions to save power.
Useful for laptops.
10. Adaptive Refresh Rate Improvements
Smoother visuals with better power efficiency.
- Enable adaptive refresh rate in Display settings.
- Windows dynamically adjusts refresh rate.
This balances smoothness and battery life.
11. Dynamic Lighting for RGB Devices
Native RGB control without third-party apps.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting.
- Control supported RGB hardware.
Simplifies lighting management.
12. Improved Bluetooth Audio Support
Better stability and codec handling.
- Pair Bluetooth audio devices.
- Experience improved latency and reliability.
Audio dropouts are reduced.
13. Passkeys Support
Passwordless authentication support.
- Use passkeys for supported websites.
- Store securely in Windows.
Improves account security.
14. Smart App Control
AI-based app reputation protection.
- Enable Smart App Control.
- Block untrusted or unknown apps.
Enhances malware protection.
15. Modernized Settings App
Settings is faster and more organized.
- Navigate categories more easily.
- Reduced reliance on Control Panel.
System management is more intuitive.
16. Live Captions with Translation
Real-time captions with language support.
- Enable Live Captions.
- Translate supported languages automatically.
Useful for accessibility and meetings.
17. Improved Virtual Desktops
More customization per desktop.
- Create multiple desktops.
- Rename and assign wallpapers.
Better workspace separation.
18. Updated Notepad
Notepad is now feature-rich.
- Use tabs and autosave.
- Improved performance and UI.
Still lightweight but more capable.
19. Dev Drive for Developers
Optimized storage for development workloads.
- Create Dev Drive using ReFS.
- Improve build and file operation performance.
Designed for developers.
20. Faster Windows Updates
Updates install quicker in the background.
- Reduced downtime during updates.
- Smaller update packages.
Improves overall update experience.
21. Improved Touch and Pen Support
Better responsiveness on touch devices.
- Enhanced gestures.
- Improved handwriting recognition.
Ideal for tablets and 2-in-1 devices.
22. Enhanced Accessibility Features
Accessibility continues to improve.
- Better Narrator voices.
- Improved voice access commands.
Makes Windows more inclusive.
23. Built-in Phone Integration Improvements
Phone Link is more capable.
- Access notifications and messages.
- Use apps and photos seamlessly.
Improved Android integration.
24. Improved Gaming Optimizations
Gaming performance enhancements continue.
- Auto HDR improvements.
- Better GPU scheduling.
Smoother gaming experience.
25. Security Hardening by Default
Windows 11 is more secure out of the box.
- Stronger default security settings.
- Better isolation and exploit protection.
Reduces attack surface.
26. Ongoing AI Integration Across Windows
AI features are expanding system-wide.
- AI used in search, photos, and accessibility.
- Smarter suggestions and automation.
Windows 11 is becoming more intelligent.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 in 2024 focuses on refinement rather than radical change, delivering practical features that improve productivity, security, and usability. From Copilot integration to performance and accessibility upgrades, these enhancements make everyday computing smoother and more efficient.
