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It’s been another busy month in the Windows ecosystem! Highlights in this month’s “Windows news you can use” will help you get up to speed on news you may have missed—including recent announcements about the general availability of AI features for Copilot+ PCs—and new ways to drive productivity and security at your organization. Along with what’s available to you now, be sure to check out the Windows 11 Roadmap to help with longer-term planning.

Before jumping into the goods for this month, it’s worth celebrating that this is the thirteenth issue in our monthly series. Help us plan for the second year of “Windows news you can use.” Is there content you’d like to see more or less of? What matters most to you? Let us know in the comment section below!

New in Windows update and device management

• [HOTPATCH] Help your organization stay secure and productive. Hotpatch for Windows client is now available. Hotpatch provides immediate protection, consistent security, and minimal disruption as updates are installing. Learn how hotpatch works and how to get started using it. And, share this complementary resource with your organization about how hotpatch updates are installed and take effect without restarting Windows devices. 


• [WINDOWS AUTOPATCH] Dive into what’s new in Windows Autopatch for April. Learn how new features simplify update rollouts, policy configuration, and compliance reporting. Discover advancements in Windows Autopatch reporting that focus on update compliance for every device and Windows Autopatch groups that are more flexible and intelligent.


• [WINDOWS AUTOPATCH] Don’t miss this overview of new Windows Autopatch capabilities and new naming conventions, including the rename of Windows Update for Business to Windows Update client policies. Windows Autopatch is the smart update solution for organizations and businesses of all sizes, helping to make the update process secure, seamless, and productive. It offers a unified update management experience in Microsoft Intune and expanded features for those with Windows Education and Business Premium licenses.  


• [WINDOWS 365] Looking for ways to make more informed decisions about snapshots for restoring Cloud PCs? Learn about point-in-time restore snapshot health indicator—the newest disaster recovery solution for Windows 365 is now generally available. The point-in-time snapshot health indicator is integrated into the Microsoft Intune admin center, where admins can readily see healthy and unhealthy snapshots and then use that information to select the most reliable snapshots for successful recovery operations.


• [INTUNE][PREVIEW] Take advantage of “automatic mode” in Microsoft Intune for enhanced configuration and device preparation provisioning specifically for Windows 365 Frontline in shared mode. Automatic mode in Intune helps ensure required apps and scripts are delivered to the shared Cloud PC before users sign in.


• [QMR][PREVIEW] Get and test the remediation package “Quick machine recovery update for Windows 11” through the Windows Insider Program, starting with the Beta Channel. Just activate the “test mode” to simulate the quick machine recovery (QMR) experience and get the remediation package installed. To verify successful installation, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Locate the remediation under Quality updates.

New in Windows security

• [ZERO TRUST DNS][PREVIEW] Test the public preview of Zero Trust DNS (ZTDNS), a new feature now available in Windows 11 Insider builds. ZTDNS is designed to enforce domain-name-based network access controls to enhance security posture. Learn what ZTDNS is, how to use it to mitigate threats, and how to get started with it in your environment.


• [SFI] The second Microsoft Secure Future Initiative (SFI) progress report is now available. Catch up on the evolution of the largest cybersecurity engineering project in history. Find a wealth of information including data and security resources to share at your organization, and read the full report.   

• [SECURITY][PREVIEW] On Windows Insiders’ Beta, Dev, or Canary Channel, experience an improved Windows Security app. If you have PCs that use Pluton TPM chips, find information about them under Device security > Security processor details.

New in Copilot+ PCs and AI

• [AI] Built-in controls and policies are available to complement new AI features now generally available for Copilot+ PCs. Deep dive into Recall (preview),ⁱ Click to Do (preview),ⁱⁱ and improved Windows search.ⁱⁱⁱ Learn more about these AI features, gradually rolling out with the April non-security preview update.


• [COPILOT KEY] Learn about new experiences coming to the Copilot key including changes to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and accessing Microsoft 365 Copilot using the Copilot key on Windows 11 keyboards. We’re also bringing back a way to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat without interrupting your flow of work.


• [M365 COPILOT] For the latest features and improvements for Microsoft 365 Copilot, see the release notes.

Install the April 2025 non-security update for Windows 11, version 24H2 to get these capabilities:

• [RECALL] Use Recall (preview) to quickly find and get back to any app, website, image, or document just by describing its content using the AI capabilities of Copilot+ PCs.


• [WINDOWS SEARCH] With improved Windows search, find your documents, photos, and settings across Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs with semantic indexing models and traditional lexical indexing.


• [CLICK TO DO] Take immediate action on text or images on your screen with Click to Do (preview). Open it with Windows key+mouse click, Windows key+Q, or the Snipping Tool menu.


• [SETTINGS] You can now manage which apps Windows recommends actions for by going to Settings > Apps > Actions on Copilot+ PCs.

If you’re a Windows Insider, you can preview what’s coming next:

• [COPILOT APP][PREVIEW] If you’re a Windows Insider on any channel, get the newest changes for your Microsoft Copilot app on Windows via the Microsoft Store. Use the app to find, open, or ask questions about the contents of a file on your device. Share your browser or window with Copilot to get analysis, insights, or answers to your questions with Copilot Vision (available in the United States). Personalize your Copilot key and Windows key+C experience under Settings > Personalization > Text input > Customize Copilot key on keyboard.


• [NARRATOR][PREVIEW] If you’re a Windows Insider in the Dev Channel or the Beta Channel, experience more accessible images with AI-powered descriptions in Narrator. Simply press Narrator key+Ctrl+D to hear Narrator read out a contextual description of your image, chart, or graph. Further regenerate, like, dislike, or copy the generated description. Available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.


• [CLICK TO DO][PREVIEW] If you’re in Windows Insiders’ Beta or Dev Channel, try new Click to Do actions: “Practice in Reading Coach” and “Read with Immersive Reader.” Available today in the Beta Channel on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Starting with Dev’s Build 26200.5518 and Beta’s Build 26120.3671, highlight text or image and select Ask Copilot (not yet available in the European Economic Area). Manage how to invoke Click to Do in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touch. And, if you’re in the Beta Channel, configure the shortcut button from Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink and add it as one of the apps you can launch via the pen menu.


• [SEARCH][PREVIEW] If you’re on the Windows Insiders’ Beta or Dev Channel, search more efficiently. To manage how you search content saved in the cloud from the Windows search bar on your Copilot+ PC, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Search permissions. If you’re in the European Economic Area, you can now find photos saved in the cloud via the Windows search box. Rolling out gradually on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Additionally, starting with Beta’s Build 26120.3863 and Dev’s Build 26200.5551, search for the right setting using your own words in the Windows search box.

New in Windows Server

For the latest features and improvements for Windows Server, see the Windows Server 2025 release notes and Windows Server, version 23H2 release notes.  

• [PREVIEW] For Windows Server Insiders, Windows Server vNext Preview Build 26392 is now available. It contains a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview with both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition Preview Build 26392 is now available to try in Desktop and Core version on the Microsoft Server Operating Systems Preview offer in Azure.


• [SERVER SUMMIT] Join us for Windows Server Summit sessions. Improve your skills with deep dives and demos. Learn about connecting Windows Server servers across environments with Microsoft Azure Arc, fine-tuned host networking, easy upgrades with Windows Server 2025, hardening security and building resiliency, and much more. If you didn’t attend the virtual sessions live (April 29-30), all sessions were recorded and available on demand—be sure to build your agenda. Have questions? Q&A chat remains open for the week.


• [HOTPATCH] Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 becomes generally available as a subscription service on July 1, 2025. With hotpatching, what was previously a Microsoft Azure-only capability will be available to Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc and this hotpatch subscription. Learn more.

New in productivity and collaboration

[WINDOWS 365] Discover how to Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365. Learn about Windows 365 innovations including Windows 365 Frontline shared mode, Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, and Windows 365 migration API, which makes the transition to Windows 365 easier than ever. These innovations and others—now generally available—help boost productivity, improve efficiency and security, and reduce costs. Don’t miss the report on Forrester Consulting’s study, which projects significant return on investment (ROI) with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.

[CLOUD PC] Learn about streaming enhancements for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop for like-local experiences that optimize performance, reduce latency, and improve responsiveness of remote session.

Get the April 2025 security update for Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 23H2 to start using the following improvements, which might be rolled out gradually.

• [SETTINGS][24H2][23H2] Understand your PC’s capabilities at a glance. “Top cards” are an easy way to view key specifications including processor, RAM, storage, and GPU. “Top cards” appear under Settings > System > About.


• [TASK MANAGER][24H2] Task Manager will now calculate CPU usage differently for Processes, Performance, and Users pages. It will use standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages and align with industry standards and third-party tools. To ensure backward compatibility, an optional column named CPU Utility is available (hidden by default) on the Details tab, showing the previous CPU value from the Processes page.

Install the April 2025 non-security preview update to get the following Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 23H2 improvements ahead of next month’s quality update:

• [PHONE LINK][24H2][23H2] Use Phone Link to access cross-device features between your mobile device and PC. For example, you can make phone calls, send SMS messages, or access your photos.


• [NARRATOR][24H2][23H2] Use speech recap in Narrator to quickly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said—all with simple keyboard shortcuts.


• [FILE EXPLORER][24H2][23H2] Increase productivity with pivot-based curated views on File Explorer Home, which support ease of access of Microsoft 365 content on Windows.


• [WIDGETS] [24H2][23H2] If you’re a web developer, use your existing content to create interactive widgets that can be added to multiple widgets surfaces.

Lifecycle milestones

Check out our lifecycle documentation for the latest updates on Deprecated features in the Windows client and Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server 2025.

• [WSUS] Removal of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) driver synchronization has been postponed. The service remains deprecated and no longer in active development, but, based on your feedback, Microsoft will continue to support driver update synchronization, and it will not be removed in April 2025. This gives you time to explore new options and plan for change.

• [WIN10 EOS][REMINDER] Windows 10 end of support (EOS) is now six months away. Find resources to help you get ready for Windows 10 end of support coming up on October 14, 2025. This resource hub includes important reminders, guides, interactive assessments, and customer testimonials. Choose among several ways to transition to Windows 11, check if current devices are eligible for the upgrade, purchase new PCs as part of your refresh cycle, and learn more about the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For extra insights, watch the on-demand Technical Takeoff session to bust myths and misconceptions around Windows 10 EOS.

• [WIN10 EOS][IOT] Some Windows 10 IoT Enterprise versions are impacted by Windows 10 end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025. To learn more about which Windows IoT Enterprise devices will and won’t be impacted, see Windows 10 EOS for Windows IoT Enterprise tech community blog.

• [WINDOWS APP] Prepare for the Windows App replacement of Remote Desktop app for Windows. As of May 27, 2025, Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported or available for download. Windows App will ensure continued access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. [Note: this does not apply to the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI).]

Windows Insider Preview news

Here’s a summary of this month’s new experiences available to Windows Insiders. Remember that gradual rollout reaches some devices earlier than others. Note: The Dev Channel now releases 26200 series builds, meaning that you can no longer switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel.

All Insider Channels 

• [SNIPPING TOOL] Extract text with Snipping Tool, whatever channel you’re in. Use the new “Text Extractor” button in the toolbar and select the region you’d like to scan for text.


• [SETTINGS] On Beta’s Build 26120.3671, Dev’s Build 26200.5518, or Canary’s Build 27842, configure your mouse settings directly under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse or Mouse pointer and touch. No need to go into Control Panel. Likewise, check out new Settings configurations under Bluetooth & Devices > Pen and Windows Ink and Touch pages.

Dev and Beta Channels

• [VOICE] On Beta’s Build 26120.3872 or Dev’s Build 26200.5562, try out improvements for voice access. Add custom words to the dictionary using “Add to Vocabulary” command or through the settings menu. Discover new voice access updates and features through the new in-product experience. Turn On the toggle for voice access from the Accessibility flyout via quick settings in the system tray of the taskbar. Additionally, adjust your profanity filter setting for voice typing from the voice typing launcher (Windows key+H) on the more recent Beta and Dev Channel builds.


• [NARRATOR] On Beta’s Build 22635.5160 or Dev’s Build 26200.5516, keep track of what Narrator has spoken with speech recap. Access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said. Open the speech recap with Narrator key+Alt+X. Copy the last spoken phrase to your clipboard with Narrator key+Ctrl+X.


• [FILE EXPLORER] On Beta’s Build 26120.3872 or Dev’s Build 26200.5562, if you launch File Explorer folders from outside of File Explorer, manage whether they open in a new tab or in a new window. Open File Explorer’s Options > General > Browse Folders.


• [TASKBAR] On Beta’s Build 26120.3671 or Dev’s Build 26200.5518, customize your taskbar icon scaling settings. Right-click an empty region of your taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Expand “Taskbar behaviors” section and make your selection for the setting “Show smaller taskbar buttons.” Additionally, find your assistive technologies grouped by vision, hearing, motor, and mobility in the Accessibility flyout in quick settings on the more recent Beta and Dev Channel builds.


• [WINDOWS SHARE] On Beta’s Build 26120.3671 or Dev’s Build 26200.5518, share files more easily with our new drag tray feature. Start dragging a local file from File Explorer or your desktop and drop it on a tray that appears at the top of your screen. The tray contains common apps that you can use to share the file.

Beta Channel  

Going forward, updates released to the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, which is currently available as an optional upgrade for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.

• Starting with Build 26120.3653, preview web content of shared links and quickly edit and enhance images while sharing.


• On Build 22635.5160, find answers to common questions about your PC and Windows 11 direction from Settings > System > About.

Note: Many new features are rolled out gradually and belong to different build versions. If you want to be the first to get features, you can turn On the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available via Settings > Windows Update. Please visit the Windows Insider Blog for complete details.

May will be a big month for events including Build and the Microsoft 365 Community Conference. Join us in person at both events or take the opportunity to attend Build sessions virtually! Come back next month for updates on these events, the Windows Server Summit, and much more Windows news you can use.

ⁱ Recall (preview) requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security. Available in the European Economic Area later this year. Optimized for select languages [English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish]. Content-based and storage limitations apply. Enterprise license required for some policy-enabled management controls. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.

ⁱⁱ Click to Do (preview) is coming to the European Economic Area later in 2025. Functionality varies by market and will roll out across devices over time; text actions are available across markets in select character sets. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.

ⁱⁱⁱ Improved Windows search works with specific text, image, and document formats only; optimized for select languages [English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish]. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.

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