Microsoft has announced a new wave of AI productivity features that are expected to debut on Windows 11 in early 2026. These new features are designed to make using Windows 11 easier and more productive, using AI to streamline the experience and make getting work done faster.
First up, Windows 11 is gaining the ability to generate or rewrite text universally across the OS. You'll be able to lean on AI to generate text in any text box, across any apps. On Copilot+ PCs, this feature will even lean on the on-board NPU, meaning it won't require an internet connection.
The built-in Outlook app is also gaining the ability to generate AI summaries within the app. This will provide a glanceable overview of your inbox, allowing you to prioritize what's most important first. Word is also gaining the ability to automatically generate alt-text for images, which is super handy.
Lastly, Windows 11 is gaining a feature called "fluid dictation," which is an AI-powered voice feature that is designed to turn speech into polished text. This text will have corrected grammar, punctuation, and remove any filler words or sounds on the fly. It sounds like this feature will make transcribing a breeze.
Here's the rundown of new features as depicted by Microsoft:
- Writing assistance (preview): Rewrite and compose capabilities for any text box in any app, plus offline support on Copilot+ PCs.
- Outlook summary (preview): AI-generated summaries in Outlook.
- Word auto alt-text (preview): Automatic alt-text for images in Office documents for accessibility.
- Fluid dictation (preview): AI-powered voice feature that turns speech into polished text, correcting grammar, punctuation, and filler words in real time.
Microsoft says all of these new AI features will be available on all Windows 11 PCs, regardless of if your PC is Copilot+ capable. That said, if you do have a Copilot+ PC, some of these features will work faster, as they'll lean on the on-board NPU to process requests instead of reaching out to the cloud. This means your PC will be able to use things like generate text in text boxes even when offline.
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