Windows 11 has received a slew of new features and security updates this month, but some of the most exciting ones have gone relatively unnoticed. Once you've downloaded the July 2026 updates, all the new features will be installed on your PC, although Microsoft is rolling out activation of those features gradually to avoid overloading its servers and ensure a smooth user experience. If you don't have access to some features, you'll simply have to wait.
One of the most notable changes is the improved Widgets Board. The Widgets Board no longer expands fully when you hover your mouse over the Widgets icon in the taskbar, and the entire dashboard has been tidied up for a clearer user experience. The taskbar now displays notifications and icons in a minimized state, making it easier to navigate.
Another useful feature is the ability to pause Windows Updates. A new calendar feature allows you to conveniently postpone Windows Updates, but Microsoft strongly advises against postponing them for too long. It's essential to stay up to date with the latest security patches and updates to ensure your PC remains secure.
The new Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature is a significant improvement. With PITR, you can automatically create restore points for your Windows system, applications, settings, and files. You can then revert your Windows PC to one of those PITR snapshots from the last 72 hours at any time, restoring not just your Windows system but also saved apps, files, and settings.
The Screen Tint feature is designed to reduce eye strain, applying a color overlay across your entire screen. Unlike Windows Night Light, which simply adjusts the screen color temperature, Screen Tint allows you to customize both the color and intensity of the tint effect.
Finally, Bluetooth has received significant improvements with the July update. Microsoft has not only fixed a number of issues with Bluetooth connections but has also launched a new feature called Shared Audio, which enables you to listen to Windows audio with multiple Bluetooth devices at once.
