16 genuinely useful changes in Windows 11’s big December update
Today, Microsoft will release the December monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday of 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no less than 16 new features included in the update.
These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a look at all the new features at a glance.
1. Windows Search Visual Improvement
The Windows search box has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, the problem persists: the new Start menu covers a large part of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern in the future.
2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar
Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its debut in Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. Additionally, transitioning between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over it.
3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for Desktop
Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background faster. There is also the “Explore Background” option, which provides more information about the background.
4. Option to disable Drag Tray
Microsoft introduces the ability to more easily deactivate the Drag Tray. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to view direct sharing options. However, many users found it annoying. After updating you can disable Drag Tray under Settings > System > Nearby sharing .
5. Better Dark Mode in File Explorer
There is also something to please fans of dark modes. File Explorer’s dark mode has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialog windows, for example for copying or moving. Confirmation dialogs and other views are also being adapted. However, it’s still possible that some items won’t match the new design or that File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this.
Windows Central
6. New Device Info Card in Boot Settings
If you’re looking for information about your device, you no longer need to click through menus. Indeed, a new tab called “Device Information” appears directly on the settings start page, which displays, among other things, information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card.
7. Settings for mobile devices in Settings
A new settings menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings for connected mobile devices, or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward.
8. Redesign of the information page
Microsoft is also changing the appearance of the information page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or given new entries with additional information.
9. Advanced Settings with Virtual Workspaces
Changes are also made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization features such as Windows Sandbox or protected hosts.
10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors
Below Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard You’ll find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, keyboard repeat rate, co-pilot key reassignment, or accessibility.
11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery
Since September, users can use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use.
The new configuration only checks for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a sort of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help.
12. Redesign of the widget table
On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new array of widgets with a more consistent design. New widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover table and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board they belong to.
Windows Central
13. Haptic feedback for digital pens
Windows 11 devices with touch functionality receive haptic feedback when using the pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows.
14. New “Click to Run” Action Menu
Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to Run”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are organized in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly.
15. Xbox Full Screen Mode for More Handheld Devices
The new Xbox Full Screen mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs.
Navigation should be much simpler and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces desktop resource consumption and saves up to 2 GB of memory.
You can activate the mode under Settings > Games > Full Screen Experience then apply the change by restarting.
16. Windows Studio Effects for External Cameras
If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend Windows Studio Effects’ AI-powered camera capabilities to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras.
In addition to the new features, the Windows 11 December patch will also contain some bug fixes and security vulnerabilities. As always, we will talk about this in a separate article.
