Microsoft Introduces New Features to Windows 11

Microsoft rolled out several updates to Windows 11 during the first quarter of 2026, introducing new features and improving existing tools to enhance everyday usability. The updates focus on better cross-device connectivity, improved system tools, and expanded hardware support.

Cross-Device Resume for Android Apps

One of the key additions is the Cross-Device Resume feature, which allows users to continue tasks from their Android phones directly on their Windows 11 computers.

Through the Taskbar, users can resume activities such as Spotify playback, continue working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, or pick up a browsing session.

The feature works through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps and can be enabled from the Taskbar settings.

Windows MIDI Services Improvements

Microsoft also introduced major improvements to Windows MIDI Services, enhancing support for MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. The update includes features such as shared MIDI ports across applications, custom port naming, loopback functionality, and app-to-app MIDI communication.

These improvements aim to provide a better experience for musicians and developers who rely on MIDI technology.

Built-in Network Speed Test

Windows 11 now includes a built-in network speed test that users can access from the Taskbar or Quick Settings. The feature opens a Bing webpage to measure internet speed and diagnose connectivity or performance issues.

Support for External Windows Hello Sensors

The update expands Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security to support external fingerprint readers. Previously, the feature worked only with built-in biometric sensors.

Users can now configure compatible external fingerprint devices from the Sign-in options page in the Settings app.

Device Information Card in Settings

The Settings Home page now features a new Device Info card that displays key hardware specifications, including the processor, memory, graphics, and storage.

The card also provides quick access to the “About” page, where users can view more detailed hardware information.

Quick Machine Recovery Expanded

Microsoft has expanded Quick Machine Recovery to Windows 11 Pro devices. The feature was previously enabled by default only on the Home edition but is now active on most Pro devices as well, helping systems recover automatically from startup issues.

Native Support for Sysmon

Windows 11 now includes Sysmon (System Monitor) as a native feature. Sysmon is a powerful tool used by system administrators to monitor system activity and enhance logging capabilities.

Users can install it directly from the Optional Features section in the Settings app.

WebP Wallpaper Support

Another small but useful addition is support for WebP image files as desktop wallpapers. Users can now set WebP images as backgrounds through the system settings or the “Set as background” option.

Camera Settings Enhancements

Microsoft has also added new pan and tilt controls in the camera settings page, giving users more control over supported webcams.

While the updates released in early 2026 do not introduce major changes, they focus on practical improvements. Features such as cross-device resume, built-in network diagnostics, and native system monitoring tools aim to make Windows 11 more efficient and convenient for everyday users.