Windows 11 gets a major September refresh

Windows 11 gets a major refresh

Microsoft has started rolling out its September 2025 Patch update for Windows 11. This release, version 24H2, includes not only security fixes but also a number of new features and enhancements with the September 2025 update.

From redesigned apps to AI-powered tools, the update gives users plenty to explore. Some changes are subtle, while others make Windows 11 feel brand new.

Recall app gets new homepage

The Recall app is getting a major redesign with a brand-new homepage. The new layout makes it easier to access recent activities, snapshots, and top content right away.

A navigation page, similar to the Microsoft Store, also lets you quickly reach the timeline page. From there, you can interact with snapshots or use the Click to Do feature.

Click to Do tutorial arrives

Click to Do, one of the newest AI tools on Copilot+ PCs, now includes an interactive tutorial. It uses text and images to guide users through the basics.

The tutorial shows up the first time you launch the feature, but you can also revisit it anytime from the Click to Do menu.

Clock now shows seconds

Windows 11’s Notification Center finally lets you display a clock with seconds, a feature many missed from Windows 10.

It isn’t turned on by default, but you can enable it in Settings under Time & language. A notification toast may also pop up letting you know it’s available.

Photo search gets grid view

Searching for photos in Windows 11 just got easier. Windows Search now shows image results in a clean grid view.

If your system is still indexing files, you’ll also see a notification letting you know that search results may be limited until indexing is complete.

Widgets board gets redesigned

The Widgets board has been updated with a new left-side pane for smoother navigation between boards. It also lets you add more dashboards from the Microsoft Store, though that feature is limited to users in Europe.

The Discover feed inside Widgets now includes Copilot-curated stories. Plus, Lock screen widgets management is expanding worldwide, letting you customize or toggle widgets with ease.

Windows Hello gets a fresh look

The September update brings a big design overhaul to Windows Hello. You’ll see modernized visuals, smoother animations, and clearer prompts when signing in with different methods.

The redesign extends across the OS, appearing in sign-in screens, passkey prompts, Recall, and even the Microsoft Store.

Settings app powered by AI

The Settings app is seeing its own upgrades. A built-in AI agent is expanding beyond Snapdragon to also support AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs.

This AI helper can answer questions in natural language and even configure settings automatically with your permission. A new “Recent activity” log also tracks when third-party apps use text and image generation.

Privacy and visuals improved

Microsoft has refreshed several Settings visuals. Activation and expiration dialogs now match the overall Windows 11 design style.

When apps request access to hardware like your microphone or camera, the screen will dim, making the prompt harder to miss and putting privacy front and center.

Task Manager gets smarter metrics

The Task Manager has received an important update that now measures CPU usage using industry-standard metrics. This makes the performance display more consistent and accurate for modern processors.

You can switch back to the old metric by customizing the columns in the Details tab, giving users full control over how CPU usage is displayed.

Windows Backup for businesses

Windows Backup, already familiar to home users, is now available for organizations. It offers enterprise-grade backup and restore, making device transitions much smoother.

This feature makes it much easier for IT administrators to deploy new PCs across an organization. It ensures that critical data, personalized settings, and system configurations are preserved during the transition.

File Explorer gets small tweaks

File Explorer’s context menu now has dividers that make icons easier to distinguish. It may feel like a small tweak, but it helps reduce clutter.

On the Home page, you’ll also see people icons in the Activity column. Hovering over them shows Microsoft 365 profile cards if you’re signed in with a work or school account.

Hidden removals in update

The September update quietly removes two legacy tools: PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-Line (WMIC). Both were outdated and rarely used.

Microsoft says the tools were security risks, so Microsoft recommends using modern PowerShell (version 7.x), which offers greater security and support.

Gradual rollout continues

Like most Windows updates, these features are rolling out gradually. Depending on your device and hardware, it may take time before you see them.

Some updates are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with advanced NPUs, while others are region-specific, such as certain Widget functions in Europe.

Looking ahead, Windows 12 takes a backseat as Microsoft shifts gears with Windows 11 25H2 instead.

Big changes, bigger update ahead

The September refresh shows Microsoft’s steady push to modernize Windows 11 with AI, privacy updates, and cleaner designs.

But this is just the warm-up. The bigger 25H2 release is right around the corner, promising even more features. For now, this update gives users plenty of new things to try while hinting at what’s next.

Could your data earn you AI credit? Find out how Microsoft may credit AI Data contributors.

Read More From This Brand:

• Windows 11 Notepad update sparks major user backlash
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.