Microsoft is beginning a broader rollout of Windows 11 improvements that it says make the system up to 20% more responsive, alongside changes to Photos, phone integration and gaming. A new Windows Search interface lets users change settings directly through search results, with Windows Insiders getting access today and a wider rollout planned before the year ends.
Search actions can switch dark mode or night light without requiring a trip into Settings, and can also minimize or arrange windows. Microsoft says interaction with a connected phone will follow. The search rollout has a separate timetable from the foundational Windows improvements already beginning to reach users more broadly.
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For buyers, Microsoft also plans a promotion beginning in November: eligible Windows 11 PCs purchased in the US will qualify for 25 games without an extra charge. Microsoft values the collection at more than $500, with Minecraft Dungeons and Gears of War: Reloaded among the included titles. Some qualifying devices will be unable to run every included game.
Microsoft says changes to memory management let Windows retain up to 2GB more active data in memory on PCs with 8GB, reducing transfers to slower storage. On machines with 8GB or less, Widgets now wait until opened to load, freeing more than 200 MB for other uses. Windows Update changes are intended to give users more scheduling control and cut restarts by coordinating updates.
The refreshed Microsoft Photos app combines pictures stored locally and in connected libraries within Gallery, with searches based on descriptions and tools for organizing albums. Its Editor offers object removal and Relight for lighting adjustments, while Microsoft says the app starts up to 20% faster. The redesigned Viewer gives pictures more space and keeps printing and sharing accessible.
Start can display message and notification previews from an Android phone or iPhone, with replies handled in a dedicated chat window. Supported Android phones also allow their apps to run in individually resizable desktop windows and their files to appear in File Explorer. Microsoft says AirPods pairing can take up to 15 seconds less, alongside improvements to Bluetooth calls and reconnection.
For supported games, Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) supplies precompiled shaders to shorten initial loading, with Forza Horizon 6 among the named titles. Microsoft recommends installing the XBOX PC app before downloading a supported title and updating graphics drivers to get the most from ASD.
