Windows 11 25H2 feature update: First optional preview update with new AI features and emojis

According to Microsoft, update KB5065789 is available in the Release Preview Channel. It's a preview update, allowing interested users to try out new features of the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 version before its official release. In addition to numerous bug fixes, Microsoft has announced enhanced AI-powered actions, additional emojis and improvements to File Explorer and the desktop. The stable version of the feature update is expected to be available to all users in October 2025.

Click to Do

This update expands the features of Click to Do, which can now recognize tables and export, copy or share selected content directly to Excel. Certain actions, such as converting to Excel files, require a Microsoft 365 subscription. New action tags in the context menu highlight frequently used functions. The summary function now delivers shorter and more precise results, making working with AI-powered tools more efficient.

More convenience on the desktop and in Explorer

Users can now freely move system popups such as volume, brightness or airplane mode. Apps can now be pinned to the taskbar without restarting Explorer. File Explorer will receive AI-powered actions such as editing or summarizing documents, although these are currently not available in the European Economic Area. Apps can also be pinned to the Share dialog, and additional settings for time, language and keyboard have been migrated from the old Control Panel to the modern Windows Settings.

Improvements to Narrator and Accessibility

Narrator now offers smoother reading in Word and makes it easier to navigate tables and lists, which is intended to make the viewing of text documents noticeably more pleasant. This is complemented by a Braille Viewer, which significantly improves accessibility for visually impaired users. The tool enables screen content to be displayed in Braille, making even complex documents more accessible.

Gaming and Auto Super Resolution

Gamers benefit from performance improvements in the Game Bar and multi-monitor setups. On Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chips, the update enables Auto Super Resolution, which improves the image quality of supported games. Xbox controller controls have been optimized, and new actions are available with a short or long press of the Xbox button.

New Emojis and security settings

Emoji support now extends to version 16.0 and includes new icons such as a face with dark circles under the eyes, a fingerprint, a bare tree and a harp. The advanced settings page has been restructured so that developer options are grouped more clearly. Microsoft has also deepened the integration of passkeys and introduced a plugin manager to simplify management. Also new is administrator protection, which grants elevated rights only on a "just-in-time" basis.

Summary of the most important new features:

• Click to Do recognizes tables, export to Excel is possible
• Action tags in the context menu and more precise summaries
• Popups for volume, brightness, and airplane mode can be freely moved
• New guidelines for pinning apps to the taskbar
• AI actions in File Explorer (currently excluding the EEA)
• Improved Narrator and Braille Viewer for accessibility
• Gaming: Auto Super Resolution, multi-monitor optimizations, Xbox controller updates
• Emoji 16.0 with new icons
• Advanced settings with passkey integration and plugin manager
• Just-in-time administrator protection integration

Early insight into upcoming features

The Windows 11 25H2 Preview Update KB5065789 offers an early insight into planned features and improvements. It is primarily aimed at users who want to try out upcoming features in advance. However, Microsoft recommends the stable version, which is expected to be generally available from October 2025, for productive use.