On September 9, 2025, Microsoft is rolling out its September Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11. This update, like most monthly releases, delivers the usual security fixes and performance improvements—but it also comes packed with fresh features, design changes, and app updates.
While not everyone will see all the new features immediately—since Microsoft rolls them out gradually—there’s plenty to look forward to. Some enhancements also depend on hardware or region, so availability may vary. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest changes coming with this month’s update.
1. Redesigned Homepage for the Recall App
The Recall app now has a brand-new homepage that makes it easier to jump back into your recent activities and top content. A new navigation page, similar to the Microsoft Store, lets you quickly access your timeline, interact with snapshots, and use the Click to Do feature.
2. Click to Do Gets an Interactive Tutorial
If you’re new to Click to Do, you’ll now be greeted with a helpful interactive tutorial complete with text and images. It appears automatically the first time you launch the app but can also be found in the app menu for later reference.
3. Clock with Seconds in Notification Center
A throwback to Windows 10: Windows 11’s Notification Center can now display the clock with seconds. This option isn’t enabled by default, but you can turn it on under:
Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
4. Search Improvements: Grid View for Photos
Windows Search now displays photo results in a grid view, making it easier to browse through images. If indexing isn’t complete, you’ll also see a notification explaining why your search results may be limited.
5. Redesigned Widgets Board and Lock Screen Controls
The Widgets board is getting a cleaner design, with a new left-hand pane for easier navigation. Microsoft is also rolling out support for multiple dashboards via the Microsoft Store—though for now, this is only available in Europe.
Other changes include:
- A “Discover” feed with Copilot-curated stories, customizable in Personalization settings.
- Expanded widget controls for the Lock Screen, available worldwide. Users can toggle widgets on or off, customize them, or let Windows automatically suggest four random widgets.
6. Windows Hello Redesign
Windows Hello, the authentication feature, has received a visual overhaul. Expect new elements, animations, and icons that better indicate the type of login method you’re using—whether it’s a passkey, Recall, or Microsoft Store login.
7. Settings App Upgrades
The Settings app continues to evolve with a few big updates:
- AI Agent Expansion: Previously limited to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, the AI agent in Settings now works on Intel and AMD AI processors. It helps you quickly find and change system settings using natural language.
- New Dialog Designs: Activation and expiration dialogs now match the Windows 11 style. Privacy-related permission prompts (camera, mic, location, etc.) now dim the background to emphasize importance.
8. Task Manager with Improved CPU Metrics
Task Manager now reports processor usage using industry-standard CPU metrics. For those who prefer the older metrics, the “CPU Utility” column can be enabled in the Details tab.
9. Windows Backup for Organizations
Commercial customers are now getting Windows Backup for Organizations—the enterprise-grade version of the consumer app—offering seamless backup and restore across devices.
10. File Explorer Refinements
Small but noticeable improvements arrive for File Explorer, including:
- Dividers in context menus for better organization.
- A people icon in the “Activity” and “Recommended” sections on the Home page. Hovering over the icon shows a Microsoft 365 Live Personal Card if signed in with a work or school account.
What Didn’t Make It This Month
While this update is packed, Microsoft also confirmed that some features were delayed:
- A new “Your Device Info” card in Settings Home that shows system specs.
- More Control Panel migrations to Settings, including additional clocks, time servers, and date/time format options.
Other features, such as regional format updates, Unicode UTF-8 support, and copying user settings, are still in preview and may appear in upcoming cumulative updates.
Final Thoughts
The September 2025 Patch Tuesday update isn’t just about fixing vulnerabilities—it brings a fresh coat of paint and new functionality to Windows 11. From a more intuitive Recall app to improved Windows Hello visuals and expanded AI integration in Settings, this release shows Microsoft’s ongoing push to refine the user experience.
If you don’t see these changes right away, don’t worry—Microsoft’s gradual rollout means it may take a few weeks before they land on your device.
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