While Microsoft typically saves major new Windows features for the fall, the company is changing that pattern in April 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding. Based on two Windows 11 previews, we can probably guess which new features will be unveiled at the April 4 launch event. Quick prediction: Microsoft appears to be gearing up for another AI breakthrough.
Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624 are part of the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11 Insiders. Microsoft doesn’t typically release all new features at once — some launch “normally,” while others roll out gradually. Microsoft typically puts a strong emphasis on new capabilities, and these days, everything new for Microsoft is AI-related in some way. That means many of the new features will require users to upgrade to a Copilot+ PC.
The flagship AI feature of Windows in the near future will be semantic search, which will allow you to skip entering an exact word or name and just describe the search subject. At the first stage, semantic search will be available only on PCs with Snapdragon X Elite chips; users of Copilot+ PCs with AMD or Intel processors will have to wait. A big advantage of semantic search is that it can work locally on a PC without an internet connection.
Image source: Microsoft
Semantic search will also help you with PC settings in the Settings menu.
Semantic search for image search will appear in File Explorer, which will allow you to find photos based on a rough text description. File Explorer, like the Photos app, will now show images stored in the OneDrive cloud along with local graphic files on your PC. Most likely, you will need a PC based on Snapdragon X Elite or Copilot+ with AMD and Intel processors for such searches.
AI will also enable Copilot+ PC owners to generate subtitles and translate in real time while watching videos. Currently, these capabilities are available for English translation from 44 languages during video calls and while watching streaming content. Owners of Snapdragon X Elite PCs are currently limited to 25 languages.
Using AI will make voice control more flexible – now you won’t need to know the exact syntax of commands, it’s enough to describe what needs to be done. Chinese language support will also be added.
Microsoft has also changed the way you monitor your PC, with separate “cards” that show you key PC stats like your processor, graphics card, memory, and storage. These cards will be available at the top of the About section of the Settings menu.
Microsoft plans to change the way Task Manager tracks CPU usage, though it’s not yet clear how it will be implemented. The old method will be available in a separate tab.
Microsoft will offer new ways to interact with Windows, including the ability to use the new Xbox controller to type just like you would on a gaming console.
The company has added a new way to interact with emoji. Few users know that the keyboard shortcut “Windows + semicolon” brings up the emoji input window, so Microsoft has added a new icon in the system tray.
Microsoft is also working on adding improved widgets, specifically noting that users will have more control over them on the lock screen.
These are far from all the possible new features of Windows 11, many other innovations may be announced on April 4. You can evaluate Microsoft differently, but its influence in the field of information technology cannot be denied. The 50th anniversary is a good reason to please its users, so we are waiting for news from Microsoft.