Microsoft plans to roll out its December security update for Windows 11 on December 9, a Tuesday. This final Patch Tuesday of 2025 promises significant updates, with reports from Windows Central highlighting at least 16 additions, although their final inclusion in stable releases for consumer devices remains uncertain due to the preview stage of Windows 11 development.
The updates encompass visual tweaks to key interfaces like the Start menu, refinements to current capabilities, and entirely novel functionalities. Below is an overview of these upcoming changes.
The search bar in Windows now aligns better with the updated Start menu's proportions, reducing visual discrepancies. That said, the expansive coverage of the screen by the redesigned Start menu continues to affect numerous users, and future adjustments from Microsoft on this issue are pending.
Integration of Microsoft's Copilot artificial intelligence into Windows 11 extends to the taskbar, featuring a forthcoming 'Share with Copilot' choice. This will display a preview of the active application, enabling seamless initiation of chats through Copilot Vision. Furthermore, hovering the cursor over taskbar items will yield fluid transitions between applications.
Enhancements are coming to Windows Spotlight, which handles automatic desktop background rotations in Windows 11. Users can now access quicker background swaps via a right-click on the desktop. An added 'Explore background' selection offers detailed insights into the current image.
Easier toggling off of the Drag Tray feature is on the way from Microsoft. This tool typically lets users drag files upward to reveal instant sharing prompts, but it has irritated some. Post-update, deactivation will be available through Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
Dark mode enthusiasts will appreciate the refined dark theme in File Explorer, which now applies more consistently across dialog boxes for tasks like file transfers. Adaptation extends to confirmation prompts and various displays. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in certain components or momentary white flashes during File Explorer launch may persist, with Microsoft committed to ongoing refinements.
Accessing hardware details has been streamlined, as a dedicated 'Device information' tab now resides on the Settings app's main page, listing specs such as the processor, memory capacity, RAM, and graphics hardware of the PC.
The Settings app in Windows 11 gains a fresh section for managing mobile devices, allowing addition of new gadgets, configuration of linked phones or tablets, and account-based removal. The interface remains user-friendly and direct.
The information overview page undergoes a redesign in this update, limiting content to a small preview of the desktop wallpaper alongside a computer renaming tool. Certain areas will see title changes or expanded data sections.
Modifications hit the 'Advanced' area, introducing a 'Virtual Workspaces' page for overseeing virtualization tools including Windows Sandbox and secure host environments.
Post-patch, Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard will offer expanded choices for keyboard behavior and text input pointers, covering aspects like repeat speed, Copilot key remapping, and accessibility adjustments.
Since its September debut, Quick Machine Recovery has enabled rapid Windows 11 system restores for users. The December update refines its default behavior to enhance usability by conducting a single diagnostic scan and blocking redundant resolution attempts, avoiding endless loops and focusing on precise assistance.
A revamped widgets panel arrives in Windows 11 on Tuesday, boasting a unified aesthetic. Widgets now stand apart from the Discover feed without overlay interruptions, and alerts include icons indicating their originating panel.
For Windows 11 systems with touch capabilities, stylus interactions gain tactile feedback through device vibrations, triggered by actions like minimizing windows.
On Copilot-equipped PCs, a 'Click to execute' context menu emerges, organizing common operations such as launching, storing, duplicating, or distributing files. A dedicated input area also facilitates faster Copilot engagement.
Expanded availability comes to the Xbox Full Screen Mode, previously limited to devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, now extending to standard PCs for a console-like immersive view. Controller navigation improves in fluidity, while the mode cuts desktop resource use and frees up to 2GB of RAM. Enable it via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, followed by a system reboot.
Copilot PC owners can now apply Windows Studio Effects' AI-enhanced camera tools to additional sources, such as external USB cameras or built-in secondary lenses.
Beyond these innovations, the December Windows 11 patch addresses various bugs and seals security vulnerabilities, details of which will follow in dedicated coverage.