On Tuesday, Microsoft revealed its newest AI advancements for Copilot+ PCs, including enhancements to Windows search and a feature capable of recognizing and responding to the content displayed on the user’s screen.
Click to Do introduces an interactive overlay directly onto the desktop, offering suggestions for actions to engage with text and images. For example, this could allow users to perform a “visual search” using an image through Microsoft’s Bing search engine or to condense highlighted text from a webpage.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and chief marketing officer, elaborated in a pre-recorded briefing leading up to the announcement, stating, “Click to Do starts by comprehending everything displayed on your screen, then providing handy shortcuts to actions that facilitate quicker searching, learning, editing, shopping, or engagement with those elements. It functions across any window, document, image, or even video.”
The Click to Do feature is set to be available for preview to Windows Insider members starting in November.
Among various features, Windows has introduced one that is tailored for Copilot+ PCs offered by Microsoft and its OEM partners. These “AI PCs” are equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) designed to handle AI tasks more efficiently on the device itself.
Additionally, Microsoft has elaborated on its plans to roll out another key feature of Copilot+ — the much-debated Recall timeline search tool — which is set to become available to Windows Insiders this month. The initial launch will be for Copilot+ PCs that utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, with plans to extend availability to devices powered by Intel and AMD in November.
The Recall feature was originally announced in May but faced delays due to concerns regarding data privacy and security. In light of the controversy, Microsoft has implemented modifications to Recall; the company detailed these adjustments last week, stating that the feature will now be disabled by default.
As for when the Recall feature will be widely available, Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline and has only mentioned that further information would be forthcoming “soon.”
On Tuesday, it was announced that owners of Copilot+ PC will benefit from enhanced Windows Search. This innovative feature allows users to search for content, like photos, by describing what they want instead of recalling a specific file name or having to spell it accurately. Thanks to the Copilot+ NPUs, this improved search capability will initially be available in File Explorer, with plans to expand it to Windows Search and Settings in the upcoming months, as stated by Microsoft.
The enhanced Windows Search empowers users to express their queries in a more natural way, eliminating the need to pinpoint exact file details.
The Windows Search functionality “could be a significant advantage for users,” commented Tom Mainelli, IDC’s group vice president for device and consumer research.
“We often find ourselves wasting a lot of time either organizing files for future reference or searching for misplaced items,” he remarked. “The new search feature we showcased simplifies the process of quickly locating what you need, allowing you to maintain your workflow.”
Additionally, two Windows applications, Paint and Photos, are set to receive new AI capabilities.
In Photos, users can utilize a super resolution tool that enhances low-quality images, allowing for quick upscaling to 4K resolution.
Paint will introduce two new editing features — generative fill and erase. “With a versatile brush, you can eliminate unwanted or distracting elements from your images or introduce new ones precisely where you wish,” stated Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows and devices, in a blog entry. “We have also refined the diffusion-based model to achieve superior results more quickly, and with integrated moderation, it offers a reliable and creative experience.”
Mainelli mentioned that the latest Copilot+ features are not likely to compel the typical consumer or IT decision-maker to immediately purchase a new PC. Instead, the aging PC installed base plays a more significant role, with numerous commercial clients still dependent on Windows 10 devices that were obtained four or more years ago. “With Windows 10 reaching its end of support in October 2025, many organizations are starting to consider a refresh,” he noted.
For those who are preparing for an upgrade, the new capabilities indeed make Copilot+ devices more attractive. “These innovative features might lead individuals already thinking about new PC acquisitions to opt for a Copilot+ PC instead,” Mainelli added.
Furthermore, these fresh AI functionalities position Microsoft and Windows well to retain current users and prevent them from switching to Apple and Mac, especially with Apple Intelligence set to launch in the near future.
On Tuesday, Microsoft also revealed the introduction of the Windows 11 24H2 update for customers. This new version offers features like Energy Saver, which aims to minimize energy consumption and prolong battery life; upgrades to hearing aid support with Bluetooth LE Audio including audio preset controls and ambient sounds; and compatibility with Wi-Fi 7.
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