5 Windows 11 Features from July’s Update You Shouldn’t Miss

Microsoft’s July 2026 update for Windows 11 delivered far more than a record number of security patches. Alongside hundreds of vulnerability fixes, the update introduced several new features designed to improve usability, system recovery, and everyday productivity.

Although the features are installed with the latest update, Microsoft is enabling them gradually. If they aren’t available on your PC yet, they should arrive over the coming weeks.

1. Point-in-Time Restore

The standout addition in July is Point-in-Time Restore (PITR), a new recovery system that acts as an advanced “undo” feature for Windows.

PITR automatically creates recovery snapshots every 4 to 24 hours, allowing users to restore their PC to a previous state within the last 72 hours. Unlike the traditional System Restore feature, PITR can recover:

• Windows settings
• Installed applications
• Personal files

This makes it particularly useful before installing software, drivers, or major system updates.

2. Smarter Widgets Board

Microsoft has redesigned the Widgets Board to make it less intrusive.

Instead of expanding automatically when you hover over the Widgets icon, the panel now remains compact until you intentionally open it. The dashboard has also been reorganized to reduce clutter, while taskbar notifications and widget indicators now appear in a more compact format.

The result is a cleaner desktop experience with fewer distractions.

3. Easier Windows Update Scheduling

Windows Update now includes a calendar-based pause feature, allowing users to delay updates more conveniently.

Updates can be postponed by selecting dates directly from the calendar interface rather than navigating through multiple settings.

Despite adding the feature, Microsoft continues to recommend installing security updates as quickly as possible due to the growing speed at which newly disclosed vulnerabilities are exploited.

4. New Screen Tint Feature

Windows 11 now includes Screen Tint, a new accessibility and comfort feature aimed at reducing eye strain.

Unlike Night Light, which simply adjusts the display’s color temperature, Screen Tint applies a customizable color overlay across the entire display.

Users can adjust both:

• Tint color
• Tint intensity

This provides greater flexibility for users who spend long hours working in front of a screen.

5. Bluetooth Improvements and Shared Audio

The July update also delivers significant Bluetooth enhancements.

In addition to improving connection stability and reliability, Microsoft has introduced Shared Audio, a new feature that allows Windows audio to be streamed to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

This makes it easier for two people to listen to the same audio through separate Bluetooth headphones or speakers without additional software.

Rolling Out Gradually

Although these features are included in the July 2026 Windows 11 update, Microsoft is activating them in phases across compatible devices.

As a result, users who have already installed the latest update may not immediately see every new feature. The staged rollout allows Microsoft to monitor compatibility and resolve potential issues before making the enhancements available to all Windows 11 users.