Tag: Windows11

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Copilot key on Windows can now be remapped

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 to give users more control over the Copilot key, allowing it to be reassigned instead of always opening the AI assistant.

Introduced in 2024, the Copilot key was meant to provide quick access to Microsoft’s AI tool. However, some users complained it replaced useful keyboard functions and changed familiar layouts.

The upcoming update will allow users to remap the key through system settings. It can be switched to functions like Right Ctrl or the Context Menu key, depending on user preference.

The change is part of Microsoft’s effort to refine its AI integration while keeping traditional keyboard usability intact. The feature will be available directly in Windows Settings in a future update.

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Windows 11 updates get user-friendly makeover

Microsoft is making Windows 11 updates less disruptive by giving users more control over when updates are installed and when their computers restart.

The changes come after years of complaints from users who said forced updates often interrupted work, meetings, gaming sessions and important tasks.

Under the new system, users will be able to pause updates for longer periods and extend those pauses when needed. This means people can choose a more convenient time to install updates instead of being pushed into immediate downloads.

Microsoft is also improving restart options. Even when updates are waiting, users will be able to shut down or restart their computers without being forced to install updates right away.

Another useful change is during the setup of a new PC. Users will now have the option to skip updates during the initial setup process and complete them later, helping them start using the device faster.

The company is also working on smarter update delivery so multiple updates can be combined, reducing the number of restarts required.

Microsoft said the changes are based on customer feedback and are designed to make Windows smoother to use while still keeping devices secure and up to date.

The features are currently being tested with Windows Insider users and are expected to roll out to more users in upcoming Windows 11 updates.

Tech experts said the move reflects a more user-friendly approach from Microsoft. Instead of forcing updates at inconvenient times, the company now appears focused on giving people flexibility while maintaining system security.

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Windows 11 updates paint and notepad with AI

Microsoft adds creative AI tools to Paint and smarter writing features to Notepad for a more modern Windows 11 experience.

Microsoft is refreshing two of its most familiar Windows apps, Paint and Notepad, with new AI-driven features and usability upgrades in Windows 11. The updates are currently being rolled out to users enrolled in the Windows Insider programme, giving them early access before a wider public release.

In Paint, the standout addition is an AI-powered colouring book feature. Users can simply type a description, such as an animal, object or scene, and Paint will generate a clean outline that can be coloured digitally or printed. The tool is aimed at making creativity more accessible, especially for children, casual users and educators. It is available through the Copilot menu and works on Copilot+ PCs with a Microsoft account.

Paint has also become more precise with the introduction of a fill tolerance control. This allows users to decide how much area the Fill tool should cover, making it easier to colour detailed images accurately or experiment with artistic effects.

Notepad, traditionally known for plain text editing, is also seeing meaningful improvements. Microsoft has expanded Markdown support, adding features like strikethrough text and nested lists. These options can be used through shortcuts, a toolbar or Markdown syntax, helping users format content quickly without switching to heavier applications.

In addition, Notepad’s AI writing tools, including Write, Rewrite and Summarise, now respond faster by showing text as it is being generated. Microsoft says these updates reflect its effort to modernise core Windows apps while keeping them simple and lightweight. The features are expected to reach all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks through app updates.

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Microsoft speeds up Windows encryption

Microsoft has rolled out a major upgrade to BitLocker, its built-in drive encryption tool for Windows, promising faster performance and better efficiency for users. The new feature, called hardware-accelerated BitLocker, is being introduced with the latest Windows 11 updates and is designed to make encryption less demanding on the system.

Traditionally, BitLocker relied mainly on the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) to encrypt and decrypt data stored on a device. While secure, this software-based approach could slow down performance, especially on laptops or systems handling large amounts of data. With the new update, Microsoft is shifting much of this work to specialised cryptographic hardware built directly into modern processors.

By using dedicated hardware for encryption, Windows can now secure data more quickly and with far less strain on the CPU. According to Microsoft, this change can deliver significantly faster read and write speeds on encrypted drives, bringing performance closer to that of unencrypted storage. It also reduces overall power consumption, which can help improve battery life on portable devices.

The hardware-accelerated BitLocker feature will automatically turn on for devices that meet the required hardware standards. These include newer processors and system-on-chips (SoCs) that support built-in encryption engines. Systems without compatible hardware will continue using the existing software-based BitLocker, ensuring no loss of functionality or security.

Security remains a key focus of the update. By handling encryption keys at the hardware level, the new approach adds an extra layer of protection. This reduces the risk of certain attacks that target encryption keys stored in system memory, complementing existing safeguards such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

The rollout has begun with Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, including upcoming versions like 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is expected to make the feature more widely available as part of future stable releases, with support gradually expanding across more devices and hardware platforms.

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