The best new Windows 11 features of 2024

Microsoft is a little sneaky. Sure, there’s just one “big” update for Windows 11 each year. But Microsoft’s Windows team is always working on something, and new Windows 11 features are arriving on PCs every month — even outside of those high-profile updates.

So as we arrive at the end of 2024, let’s review the most interesting and useful new features that have shown up on Windows 11 in the past year. I bet you’ll find at least a few features you haven’t yet discovered!

And be sure to sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter for even more useful knowledge. I’ll keep you up to date on all the interesting new features you can find and explore as we get into the new year.

New Windows 11 features #1—3: Phone integration powers

Use an Android phone as a webcam, wirelessly

Windows now lets you use your Android phone as a webcam. It all happens entirely wirelessly, if you like — no cables! The setup process is quick, and it’s particularly useful if you’re not a big fan of your PC’s on-board webcam quality.

Get PC notifications when you take new photos or screenshots on Android

Windows can now pop up a notification whenever you take a new photo or screenshot on your Android phone. Then you can click that notification to immediately transfer the photo and open it for viewing, editing, or sharing on your PC.

Transfer files to and from Android phones, wirelessly

Once you’ve connected your Android phone to your PC for the above wireless features, you’ll also see your phone pop up in File Explorer. You can transfer files to and from your Android phone right from File Explorer — wirelessly!

New Windows 11 features #4—5: Windows taming tricks

Why Widgets on Windows 11 are finally worth using

Windows 11’s built-in Widgets menu got some big updates in 2024. It’s worth giving it a second chance now that you can tweak various options to hide the viral article feed and customize it further.

Remove stocks and sports from your PC’s lock screen

Windows now shows stock prices and sports updates alongside the weather on your lock screen — it’s a recent update, too! (That said, many people won’t be fans of this.)

New Windows 11 features #6—8: New Microsoft apps

Try the new Sticky Notes app

Out with the old and in with the new! Windows has a new Sticky Notes app that’s more closely integrated with OneNote.

The ultimate Windows app launcher

Microsoft’s PowerToys package isn’t included with Windows, but it’s an honorary part of the operating system as far as I’m concerned. In 2024, Microsoft released an especially powerful application-launcher-and-arranger named PowerToys Workspaces. It’s a big productivity upgrade for many people.

Activate and use the PowerToys New+ menu

Speaking of PowerToys, Microsoft also launched an even more powerful and flexible “New+” menu that lets you quickly create new files and folders from templates right in File Explorer. I’m already putting this one to good use myself.

New Windows 11 features #9—12: AI grab bag

Erase objects from photos with AI on your PC

Microsoft’s Photos app includes a new Generative Erase feature that works on all Windows 11 PCs — and on Windows 10 PCs, too! You can select objects in photos and use this AI-powered erase to get rid of them.

Microsoft wants Copilot to be your new AI best friend

Windows got a brand-spanking-new Copilot app this year. Beyond productivity, Copilot now wants to be your best buddy!

5 Copilot+ PC AI features you can use at launch

Some of the newest PCs are branded “Copilot+ PCs,” and they have access to new AI-based Windows features. Again, these don’t work on most Windows 11 PCs — these need a new Copilot+ PC. Here are the AI features you can use on those PCs.

Hands on with Microsoft’s Windows Recall

Recall is the most controversial Windows feature of the year. It’s still available only in testing form right now — but I’m experimenting with it, and you can see how it works.

Bonus: More Windows AI features

10 Windows 11 AI features you can use today

Okay — technically this one is from December 2023, but who’s counting? All Windows 11 PCs include AI features, even if they aren’t Copilot+ PCs. This guide reveals what you can use today on any Windows 11 PC.

Stay tuned: 2025 promises to be even more of a busy year when it comes to Windows development. We’ll explore it all together, every step of the way.

Don’t wait for next year’s December review! Sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter now, and I’ll send you three new things to know and try every single Friday.