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In summary:
- PCWorld highlights five important Windows 11 features from July 2026’s update that users should pay attention to despite gradual rollout.
- Microsoft is implementing a staggered activation process to prevent server overload, meaning users may need patience before accessing new features.
- These updates include significant functionality and security improvements that enhance the Windows 11 experience once fully activated.
Windows 11 got so many features and security updates this month that it’s easy to overlook the most exciting ones. Here are the five most important new Windows 11 features you shouldn’t miss.
Note: Once you’ve downloaded the July 2026 updates, all the new features will be installed on your PC… but Microsoft is rolling out activation of those features gradually to avoid overloading its servers and to ensure that new features don’t cause widespread unexpected issues. If you don’t have access to some features, you’ll just have to wait.
The Widgets Board no longer expands fully when you hover your mouse over the Widgets icon in the taskbar. Microsoft has also tidied up the entire Widgets dashboard. It should no longer overwhelm users with too much information, but instead present itself in a much clearer manner. The taskbar displays notifications and icons in a minimized state.
Pausing Windows Updates
You can now conveniently postpone Windows Updates using a new calendar feature. But be careful because Microsoft strongly advises against postponing Windows Updates for too long.
Point-in-Time Restore
With the new Point-in-Time Restore (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. This “undo button” for your PC is one of the best improvements this month.
Screen Tint
The new Screen Tint feature is designed to reduce eye strain, sort of like Windows Night Light, with Windows applying a color overlay across your entire screen. Unlike Night Light, which simply adjusts the screen color temperature to be slightly warmer or cooler, Screen Tint allows you to customize both the color and intensity of the tint effect.
Improved Bluetooth
Bluetooth should feel like new on your PC after the July update. Microsoft not only fixed a number of issues with Bluetooth connections, but has also launched a completely new feature called Shared Audio for listening to Windows audio with multiple Bluetooth devices at once.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.