The best new Windows 11 features of 2024

The ultimate Windows app launcher

Microsoft’s PowerToys package isn’t included with Windows, but it’s an honorary part of the operating system as far as I’m concerned. In 2024, Microsoft released an especially powerful application-launcher-and-arranger named PowerToys Workspaces. It’s a big productivity upgrade for many people.

Activate and use the PowerToys New+ menu

Speaking of PowerToys, Microsoft also launched an even more powerful and flexible “New+” menu that lets you quickly create new files and folders from templates right in File Explorer. I’m already putting this one to good use myself.

New Windows 11 features #9—12: AI grab bag

Erase objects from photos with AI on your PC

Microsoft’s Photos app includes a new Generative Erase feature that works on all Windows 11 PCs — and on Windows 10 PCs, too! You can select objects in photos and use this AI-powered erase to get rid of them.