Microsoft is rolling out a series of new features to Windows 11 Insider Preview testers, focused on improving power efficiency, adding AI tools in File Explorer, and refining widgets. These changes appear in builds 26120.4151 for the Beta Channel and 26200.5603 for the Dev Channel, giving a glimpse of what may arrive for regular Windows users down the line.
A key highlight is a new power-saving technology called User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management. Unlike traditional power-saving modes, this feature monitors when your PC is inactive and then adjusts CPU power usage to conserve energy and extend battery life. When you start using the device again, it quickly returns to full performance. The exact benefits are still unclear, but the goal is to help laptops last longer without compromising responsiveness.
Another major update is the addition of AI-powered shortcuts in File Explorer’s right-click menu. For image files like JPEGs and PNGs, you can quickly apply commands such as Blur Background, Erase Objects, or launch Bing Visual Search—all powered by AI. These actions automatically open the Photos app to perform the task, streamlining common editing and search activities. Microsoft also plans to expand these AI-powered file options to Microsoft 365 documents, enabling users to get summaries or create FAQs without opening the files.
Widgets are being revamped with Copilot now controlling their layout, showing suggested stories or groups of stories in a new “Copilot Discover” view that users can toggle on and off. This aims to create a more engaging widget experience, although many users still don’t interact with widgets frequently.
Other smaller improvements include a new shortcut for the Snipping Tool’s Text Extractor feature (WIN+SHIFT+T), quality settings for images shared via Windows Share, clear cloud/local file status in Taskbar Search, enhanced accessibility descriptions in Quick Settings, and a new Developer Settings section in System > Advanced.
Microsoft’s latest Insider builds demonstrate a focus on smarter power management and AI-enhanced productivity features that could make everyday Windows use smoother and more efficient in the future.