For the past year or so, it has felt like every Windows update arrived with three new AI features bolted on. Some are genuinely useful. Some feel like they are there just because they can be.
So it is refreshing to see the recent Windows 11 preview updates take a different tone: less AI, more speed. You will soon be able to run a network speed test from the taskbar, resume from sleep faster, and get tidier handling of multiple windows. For a business, that quiet focus on reliability matters more than another headline feature.
Key takeaways
- Recent Windows 11 updates focus on speed and usability rather than adding more AI.
- A built-in network speed test from the taskbar makes it quick to check whether a slow machine is the connection or something else.
- Faster resume from sleep means fewer awkward pauses when you open the laptop in a meeting.
- Better taskbar handling of multiple windows, plus faster storage and update scans.
- More control over AI features, like manual pan and tilt for AI webcam framing.
A network speed test built into the taskbar
Let us start with something simple. You will soon be able to run a network speed test directly from the taskbar, without opening a browser and hunting for a speed test site.
For a small business, that is genuinely practical. If someone says “the system is crawling”, you can quickly see whether it is the internet connection or something on the machine itself. That one check saves a lot of guesswork.
Faster resume and a tidier taskbar
Microsoft has optimised how Windows resumes from sleep, the low-power state your PC drops into when you close the lid or leave it idle. If you have ever opened your laptop in a meeting and waited those uncomfortable few seconds for it to wake, this is aimed squarely at you.
There are also tweaks to how the taskbar handles multiple windows of the same app. If you have ever had several documents tucked awkwardly into an overflow area, it now makes better use of the space, so things feel less cluttered.
More control over AI, not more AI
There is a subtle shift here too. Instead of pushing AI everywhere, Microsoft is adding more control over it. For example, if your webcam uses automatic AI framing that zooms and follows your face on calls, you will get manual pan and tilt controls in settings.
If you have ever had the camera zoom in at the wrong moment, that is a welcome change, and a sign of a more sensible approach to AI features.
Small touches that add up
Other updates are less glamorous but still useful. The storage settings page scans faster when looking for temporary files, so freeing up space is quicker. The Windows Update page responds faster when you check for updates. You can even set modern image formats like webp as your desktop wallpaper. Small details, but they smooth out the day.
Why this matters for your business
For a small or medium business, reliability and responsiveness beat experimental features every time. A faster resume means fewer awkward pauses. A quick speed test means less guesswork. Across a whole team, those small delays you barely notice add up to real lost time.
Keeping machines fast, patched and current is part of what we do as part of managed IT support and Microsoft 365 for businesses across Lichfield and Staffordshire. It also pays to make sure your machines are on the right edition of Windows in the first place, which we cover in our guide to upgrading Windows Home to Pro. These updates roll out gradually through Windows Update, so you may not see everything at once.
Frequently asked questions
When will I see these updates?
They roll out gradually through Windows Update rather than all at once, so it may be a little while before everything appears on your machine. For managed clients, we keep an eye on update timing so nothing important is missed.
Do I need a new PC for these?
No. These are Windows 11 updates for machines you already have. That said, if your hardware is very old, a refresh may give you a bigger speed boost than any single update.
Should businesses install preview updates?
Generally no. Preview updates are for testing, and it is safer to wait for the stable rollout. We manage update timing for clients so you get improvements without the risk of early bugs.
Is it safe to turn off AI features I do not use?
Yes. These updates give you more control, so you can switch off features like AI webcam framing if they get in the way. Nothing breaks by turning them off.
Can you keep our PCs fast and up to date?
Yes. Patching, updates and performance management are part of our managed IT support. Give us a ring on 01543 524594 or get in touch.
– Andy Price, Founder & MD, Initial IT · 01543 524594 · hello@initialit.co.uk