• Windows 11 is getting two further sizeable changes with the interface
• One involves the introduction of an App Updates panel in Settings to help manage third-party software updates more effectively
• The other is an integration of Copilot AI functionality in the taskbar's search box, although this will be an opt-in only feature – however, some users remain cynical about Microsoft's motives here

Microsoft has already made some major changes to Windows 11's interface, and a couple more are now in the pipeline – a hub for managing app updates in Settings, and a more divisive change to bring Copilot functionality to the search box in the taskbar.

First off, the less controversial idea that's apparently being mulled. As discovered by Windows Latest, this is an App Updates panel which is in a recent preview build of the OS (and has been present in testing in the past, it should be noted).

This is in Settings and consists of a hub where third-party apps in Windows 11 can be managed, and you can see what needs updating at a glance – rather than getting individual notifications from apps bugging you at random times, or an update only being actioned when you open the software. (The problem in the latter case being that if you don't use something for ages, you might miss a crucial security fix for an app, leaving your system potentially vulnerable).

Essentially, this is about giving third-party apps the same level of support as software from the Microsoft Store in terms of staying on top of updates, and it's a useful piece of functionality.

If it makes the cut for the release version of Windows 11, that is, and note that developers need to register their app for inclusion – with no software having done so as yet (so this is still relatively early testing).

The other interface introduction that's inbound for Windows 11 as flagged by Windows Central is part of the major revamp for Windows search, and it brings Copilot into the mix. Specifically, Microsoft is going to integrate Copilot functionality with search – but only for those who want it present.

In other words, it will be off by default, and you will need to actively turn on the option to have Copilot AI functionality in the search box.

Windows Central highlighted a Microsoft blog post on 'hybrid intelligence' from last month which explained that: "We will also begin adding the option to integrate the new Copilot with Search on the taskbar, so you can get quick answers inline from Search, and if you want to have a richer conversation, you can jump from Search directly to the full Copilot app. This experience will be opt-in, and will first start rolling out to select markets later this year."

Analysis: Ask Copilot returns – but there are doubters as to Microsoft's intentions here

This Copilot experience rollout could start soon, then, and it will likely be very similar to the 'Ask Copilot' functionality that Microsoft has played around with in testing in the past, effectively acting as a replacement for the search box. Evidently, that felt like too radical a move – it was also an opt-in feature, mind, it's worth noting – so with the new tack, the search box remains, but Copilot can optionally be integrated.

Obviously, the Ask Copilot concept was a very visible addition of AI, and this way, Microsoft is keeping it a lot more low-profile. That's a sensible approach, of course, given that the company has previously promised to cut back on AI clutter in Windows 11 as part of the broad drive to fix the OS which has been happening throughout this year.

While the App Updates panel is certainly a welcome move, this Copilot integration has proved divisive. On the one hand, there's a good deal of predictably negative feeling towards any AI addition for Windows 11, even one that is opt-in only.

Part of the reasoning here is that people are generally suspicious of Microsoft's motives and what'll happen in the future. In other words, a feature gets introduced as opt-in only, but later becomes the default (requiring opting out) – and finally it's baked in as a concrete part of the interface (with no option toggle at all). Despite the 'fix Windows 11' initiative and that whole new leaf which is a genuine effort to improve the OS across many fronts, trust in Microsoft is so low with some folks that they can't help but think the worst of the company.

One Redditor warns: "Opt-in always becomes 'opt-out' later. Be wary of this folks. New search UI looks less trash than the old one though."

Another agrees: "Yup they love to make things mandatory after no one uses a feature."

On the other side of the fence, there are those who are pleased that Microsoft has taken the opt-in route with this functionality.

Another Redditor posts: "Microsoft letting consumers pick if they want Copilot or not is inspiring. Take note of this Apple, and let users delete Apple Intelligence models natively."

Personally, taking into account all the good work that has been done with Windows 11 this year, I think we need to give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt here – especially given those promises about not pushing AI features unduly in Windows 11.

That said, longer-term, who knows where Windows 11 is going with AI agents, and I don't for a minute believe that AI isn't the future of Microsoft's desktop OS – or at least that remains the current thinking of the execs, anyway.

• Adobe for Startups enables new companies founded within the last five years to get its products for free
• Eligible companies will get 12 months of free access to Adobe’s AI-heavy tools
• Firefly Pro Plus, Acrobat Studio, and Semrush are available with the offer

Adobe is launching a new free suite of tools for new businesses, aiming to deliver easy solutions to founders that won’t break their startup budget.

Adobe for Startups will be open to eligible companies founded in the past five years, who will be able to use Firefly Pro Plus, Acrobat Studio including Adobe Express Premium, and Semrush completely free for 12 months.

Marketing the incentive as a way to build branding as early as possible, Adobe is inviting any business founded within the past five years and with under $15 million in funding to apply.

Creation, productivity, marketing

Approved applications to Adobe for Startups will get Adobe Firefly Pro Plus, its all-in-one creative AI studio, which lets you ideate into images, video, and audio. With Acrobat Studio, AI Assistant and Adobe Express Premium are provided for easy content creation and publishing.

Meanwhile, Semrush gives you access to search intelligence and marketing options, illustrating how you business is found online and how it can be optimized.

While program terms and criteria may differ depending on business location, Adobe for Startups offers a useful software platform for growth – and it will help ensure that startups are looking at Adobe's creative AI offering rather than those of competitors like Canva.

As workers look for more ways to be productive at home and in the office, wearable technology has often proved a useful tool, offering quite literally a new dimension for users.

Augmented Reality (AR) headsets have been around for a few years, with Microsoft, Meta and Apple all among the big players getting involved - but these headsets have often proved clunky and overbearing.

AR glasses have instead offered a new opportunity for those looking for some extra assistance in everyday life - I went to try out the new Snap Specs ahead of their UK launch.

First impressions

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first - tech-enabled glasses (specifically those made by Meta) are under the microscope somewhat at the current moment in time, with rulings over what they can and can’t do emerging in courts across the world.

Snap has explicitly looked to offer a whole new kind of experience, with the new sixth-generation Snap Specs much more obviously an accessory - it’s pretty obvious when wearing them that (unless you’ve gone full Nathan Barley) these aren’t a typical pair of glasses.

The smooth black material is nice to touch, and sits against your face with no issues. Configuring the glasses takes only a few seconds, with control of the device mainly in AR, with two buttons on the arms of the glasses helping with recording and resetting if needed.

Unlike other AR glasses, the big selling point of Snap Specs is that they don’t need to be tethered to a smartphone, so you can wear them wherever you want - with a portable charging pad helping to top up battery life when needed.

As the Snap Specs are still fairly new, a lot of the app showcases and demos I saw looked to show off how AR can help entertain or educate - but there were some work use cases too.

My glasses came loaded with Google Docs, with typing carried out on a virtual keyboard which could prove perfect if you need to write up some quick thoughts or emails when away from your desk. You might get a few odd looks while typing in mid-air, but when inspiration strikes, needs must - and it can also connect to a Bluetooth keyboard if you’d prefer.

The glasses are also able to capture video clips up to 30 seconds and still images, useful for creative workers across the spectrum - whether you’re getting a picture of a billboard idea, or seeing something in the wild that would be perfect for your next piece of artwork, you can quickly grab an image or video without needing to whip out your phone.

Snap Specs also features a built-in browser, which does everything you would hope - but also doubles as a media viewer, so whether you need to work on or review a new presentation or promotional video, or just want to catch up on some YouTube, the glasses can be a useful tool.

The voice AI assistant was also fast and effective when answering my questions (even if I doubted its accuracy on finding the nearest tube station to our location), and using Google Maps with a heads-up display was an absolute game-changer, although again it might depend on how you feel walking down the street wearing a £2,000 pair of glasses.

Perhaps the most striking demo was the translation tool - when looking at someone speaking in a foreign language, their speech would be instantly translated and shown in a speech bubble overlaying them - essentially like subtitles when watching a TV show. This could be an incredible tool for business meetings in foreign countries, and might well be the killer app for technology such as Snap Specs.

So will the £1,999 Snap Specs be the future of work? Given that the more fun demos I saw involved playing dominoes, improving my football skills, a drawing tutorial and enjoying an interactive Harry Potter experience involving a pet owl and the sorting hat, I’m not sure it’s there just yet - but I can’t wait to see where the technology goes next.

• Windows 11 27H2 is underway and will be a "full OS swap" according to anonymous sources
• Microsoft will stop short of launching it as Windows 12 (but the report doesn't fully rule that idea out)
• Testing will begin a lot earlier with 27H2 next year, compared to the typical June timeframe when Microsoft kicked off previews with 26H2 and 25H2

The next major version of Windows 11 arriving next year will pack some big changes, and what will theoretically be the 27H2 update is set to be very different from the last couple of annual updates for Microsoft's OS, which have been very minor affairs.

The Verge reports that the usual anonymous sources claim that Microsoft is already preparing Windows 11 27H2, and it will be a "full OS swap" with significant upgrades in the same vein as the last major update for the operating system, which debuted in 2024 (and ushered in a new underlying platform for Windows 11).

We're told that there will be a "big focus on quality" with 27H2, and that despite what'll evidently be some sizeable changes, it won't be released as Windows 12.

To mark the big change, we'll be treated to a new default Windows 11 wallpaper (try to contain your excitement), moving away from the 'Bloom' background which has been in place since the OS first launched. Presumably the sequel won't be 'Wilt'. In all seriousness, The Verge shares a design, and the new take is in a similar vein, with blue ribbons amidst wispy clouds. (A hint of the future direction of Windows for consumers, perhaps?).

Microsoft also intends to start testing 27H2 a lot earlier than with the previous two annual releases, which of course only makes sense as with more work involved, it'll require more extensive vetting. Windows Insiders (testers) will get their hands on the first 27H2 build considerably earlier than June, which was when Microsoft kicked off testing with 26H2 and 25H2.

It's also worth noting that in theory, the foundations of 27H2 were laid right back at the start of the year, in moves which already suggested that it's a hefty piece of work.

Analysis: something still bugs me

The Verge report labels next year's big update as Windows 11 27H2, but doesn't completely rule out the idea that Microsoft might still consider a switch to call it Windows 12. It sounds like the naming hasn't been quite finalized at this point.

However, it doesn't seem likely, and going for Windows 12 would be too bold a move, I think, as Microsoft really needs to be seen to 'fix Windows 11' as it has promised before looking at the next-gen platform. I don't think the fixing work is nearly done at this point, although Microsoft has made a lot of commendable progress over the course of this year.

Yes, I'm going to bring up the subject of quality assurance (QA) once again, and regular readers of TechRadar will likely recall that I've gone on about this throughout 2026. It's especially relevant if 27H2 is going to be a big update, and you cast your mind back to remember what happened with the last major annual release.

I doubt you'd forget the 24H2 update because it was one of the worst Windows releases I can ever recall for bugginess. There were lots of significant changes – which, as already mentioned, included Germanium, a fresh underlying platform for the OS – and a nightmarish slew of bugs crept in as a result.

This absolutely must not happen with the 27H2 update. Microsoft is trying to reinvent Windows 11, and the reputation of the OS therein, so it's critical to ensure that it doesn't send users trudging into a quagmire of glitches and uncertainty, repeating the miserable march that 24H2 became.

Sadly, I think there's a clear danger that this scenario could come to pass. I still think Microsoft needs to revamp its QA and general testing processes, because even with breaking down Windows 11's feature additions into smaller, more drip-fed chunks, allowing for simple minor annual updates as has been the case in 2025 and 2026, we've still witnessed too much in the way of bugginess.

Stamping all this out should be a key part of the formula to fix Windows 11, alongside performance boosting and memory optimization, as Microsoft moves towards 27H2. It mystifies me that it isn't – and I presume that's the case because there's been no mention of changing QA procedures from Microsoft (only talk of consulting testers more regarding how to change Windows 11 – though of course that's still a great move in itself).

So, Microsoft, if 27H2 is going to be a big update, don't make it a perilous one – get your testing house in order. I do wonder if the hope is that AI advances are going to come to the rescue here, in which case, we could be looking at something doubly perilous, but hey – at least tell us you have a plan to fight back against the bugs, Microsoft. Don't you?