Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Microsoft is rolling out five new Windows 11 features in July, with an optional June preview available for early adopters.
- Key updates include Point-in-Time Restore for automatic system recovery, the ability to pause updates for 35 days, and Screen Tint for reducing eye strain.
- These practical improvements focus on user control and system reliability, with enhanced Bluetooth connectivity and less intrusive taskbar widgets completing the update.
Microsoft recently rolled out some exciting new Windows 11 features (including a speed boost for older machines), and the company is already looking ahead to more big features next month.
According to Windows Latest, there are five new Windows 11 features coming in the July update, and the most significant of them will be the ability to (finally) pause Windows updates using a calendar view. You’ll be able to set a period of up to 35 days in the future, and you’ll be able to extend the pause by selecting a new end date. It’s a feature that’s been in testing since April, but now is rolling out to all users.
Another new feature will be Point-in-Time Restore (PITR). Once enabled, this new recovery function will have Windows automatically create restore points for your entire system, including all apps, settings, and personal files. The main difference between this and the current System Restore feature is that PITR even allows you to restore local files and applications. Windows stores PITR restore points for up to 72 hours (although you can adjust this timeframe). Should you encounter serious problems with your Windows system within this period, you can use the PITR restore point to revert your system.
Another new feature called Screen Tint is designed to relieve eye strain. You can choose from a selection of predefined colors, then apply the selected color as a “full-screen color overlay” across the desktop. This is intended to make the display easier on the eyes. The difference compared to the existing Night Light feature, which only adjusts the color temperature between warm and cool tones, is that with Screen Tint you can control the actual color and intensity yourself.
In addition, Bluetooth will work more reliably in Windows 11, like when muting Bluetooth headsets. AirPods will appear in pairing mode more quickly, and the microphones on Beats Studio Pro headphones will work more reliably. Bluetooth LE audio streaming will re-establish connections more reliably after a dropout and start audio playback more quickly when the microphone is in use at the same time.
Furthermore, widgets in the taskbar will no longer expand immediately upon hovering over them with the cursor. This reduces distractions and prevents you from being interrupted by accidentally hovering over them. Microsoft is also changing the behavior of notification icons in the taskbar and minimizing the number of notifications. Furthermore, the colors of icons will be adapted to your Windows accent color.
How to get the new features
The new features described above will be available on all Windows 11 PCs, either after installing the optional update that comes at the end of June or the mandatory update that will come in July.
For the optional update, you’ll have to manually search Windows Update and install it once it’s available (typically during the last week of the month). Otherwise, on Patch Tuesday in July 2026, Microsoft will then roll out these new features to all Windows 11 users automatically, without the need for any action on your part.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.