Latest Enhancements Introduced in Windows 11 Insider Program from July 2025's Initial Half
## Windows 11 Insider Program Introduces AI-Powered Features and Enhanced Security (First Half of July 2025)
Microsoft's Windows Insider Program has unveiled an array of new features, improvements, and bug fixes across the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels during the first half of July 2025. These updates are part of the ongoing development for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, focusing on both innovative capabilities and refinements to the user experience.
### New Features and Enhancements
- **Quick Machine Recovery (QMR):** This new feature streamlines the process of restoring or resetting a Windows 11 device, making system recovery faster and more user-friendly [1]. QMR will come enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, but can be configured manually on Windows 11 Pro. - **Adaptive Energy Saver:** This feature dynamically adjusts system power settings based on usage patterns to improve battery life on laptops and mobile devices [1]. Adaptive Energy Saver is available on laptops and desktop computers with a battery backup starting with build 27898. - **Support for Third-Party Passkey Providers:** Windows 11 now allows integration with third-party passkey providers, expanding authentication options beyond Microsoft’s offerings [1]. To use the 1Password integration, install the latest version of 1Password (Beta), and then enable the "1Password" plugin on Settings > Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options. - **Administrator Protection:** A security feature aimed at safeguarding administrative accounts and actions, adding another layer of defense against unauthorized changes [1]. This feature generates an authorization dialog when an unsigned or untrusted application requires elevation. To enable Administrator Protection, navigate to Windows Security > Administrator Protection and turn on the toggle switch, then restart the computer. - **On-Device AI for Image Description and Screenshot Cropping:** Users can leverage local AI models to automatically describe images and intelligently crop screenshots, tasks previously limited to select beta testers [2]. The Click to Do image description feature is a new feature introduced in build 26200.5702. - **“Click to Do” Context Menu:** Available in builds for version 25H2, this menu option allows users to quickly generate image descriptions using AI, directly from the context menu [1]. - **Natural Language Search in Settings:** The Settings app now supports natural language queries, enabling users to describe tasks in everyday language to find the right settings [2]. - **Visual and Workflow Enhancements in Snipping Tool:** Improvements to the Snipping Tool include streamlined workflows and better integration with on-device AI features [2]. - **Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) Visual Change:** The BSoD now features a black background, reverting to a look reminiscent of earlier Windows releases, following user feedback [2].
### Quality Improvements and Bug Fixes
- **File Explorer Fixes:** Resolved an issue where view changes in File Explorer (including desktop icons) were not saved persistently [3]. - **Camera App Fix:** Addressed a bug that caused the Camera app to freeze when switching between front and back cameras on certain PCs [3]. - **General Stability and Performance:** Multiple builds included general improvements and fixes to enhance overall system stability and user experience [3][5]. - **Known Issues:** For Copilot+ PCs joining the Canary Channel, there is a known issue with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics; users may need to recreate their PIN [3].
### Build Highlights by Channel
| Channel | Build Numbers (July 2025) | Key Notes | |-------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Canary | 27891, 27898, 27902 | Advanced AI features, File Explorer and Camera fixes | | Dev | 26200.5670, 26200.5702, 26200.5710 | Gradual rollout of new features, stability fixes | | Beta | 26120.4520, 26120.4733 | Testing of upcoming 24H2/25H2 features |
### Future Directions
While many of these features are currently in testing with Windows Insiders, they signal Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI deeply into the Windows experience, improving security, and responding to user feedback—even on seemingly minor details like the BSoD color [1][2]. The Copilot+ PC initiative continues to drive innovation, particularly around on-device AI capabilities [2].
[1] [2] [3]
- The Surface Pro, a laptop from Microsoft, will soon incorporate the new Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature, making system recovery faster and more user-friendly.
- Microsoft's Windows Insider Program has introduced AI-powered image description in the Surface Pro, allowing users to automatically describe images.
- The new Adaptive Energy Saver feature, available on laptops and desktop computers, dynamically adjusts system power settings based on usage patterns to improve battery life.
- In the realm of gaming, the Windows 11 update includes the "Click to Do" context menu, enabling users to quickly generate image descriptions using AI, directly from the context menu.
- Microsoft's Windows 11 also supports third-party passkey providers, expanding authentication options beyond Microsoft’s offerings, like 1Password.
- Part of the ongoing development for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, the Software update will introduce the "On-Device AI for Image Description and Screenshot Cropping" feature.
- The Windows 11 update also includes support for Natural Language Search in Settings, making it easier for users to find the right settings using everyday language.
