Microsoft is a little sneaky. Sure, theres just one big update for Windows 11 each year. But Microsofts Windows team is always working on something, and new Windows 11 features are arriving on PCs every month even outside of those high-profile updates.So as we arrive at the end of 2024, lets review the most interesting and useful new features that have shown up on Windows 11 in the past year. I bet youll find at least a few features you havent yet discovered!And be sure to sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter for even more useful knowledge. Ill keep you up to date on all the interesting new features you can find and explore as we get into the new year.New Windows 11 features #13: Phone integration powersUse an Android phone as a webcam, wirelesslyWindows now lets you use your Android phone as a webcam. It all happens entirely wirelessly, if you like no cables! The setup process is quick, and its particularly useful if youre not a big fan of your PCs on-board webcam quality.Get PC notifications when you take new photos or screenshots on AndroidWindows can now pop up a notification whenever you take a new photo or screenshot on your Android phone. Then you can click that notification to immediately transfer the photo and open it for viewing, editing, or sharing on your PC.Transfer files to and from Android phones, wirelesslyOnce youve connected your Android phone to your PC for the above wireless features, youll also see your phone pop up in File Explorer. You can transfer files to and from your Android phone right from File Explorer wirelessly!New Windows 11 features #45: Windows taming tricksWhy Widgets on Windows 11 are finally worth usingWindows 11s built-in Widgets menu got some big updates in 2024. Its worth giving it a second chance now that you can tweak various options to hide the viral article feed and customize it further.Remove stocks and sports from your PCs lock screenWindows now shows stock prices and sports updates alongside the weather on your lock screen its a recent update, too! (That said, many people wont be fans of this.)New Windows 11 features #68: New Microsoft appsTry the new Sticky Notes appOut with the old and in with the new! Windows has a new Sticky Notes app thats more closely integrated with OneNote.The ultimate Windows app launcherMicrosofts PowerToys package isnt included with Windows, but its an honorary part of the operating system as far as Im concerned. In 2024, Microsoft released an especially powerful application-launcher-and-arranger named PowerToys Workspaces. Its a big productivity upgrade for many people.Activate and use the PowerToys New+ menuSpeaking of PowerToys, Microsoft also launched an even more powerful and flexible New+ menu that lets you quickly create new files and folders from templates right in File Explorer. Im already putting this one to good use myself.New Windows 11 features #912: AI grab bagErase objects from photos with AI on your PCMicrosofts Photos app includes a new Generative Erase feature that works on all Windows 11 PCs and on Windows 10 PCs, too! You can select objects in photos and use this AI-powered erase to get rid of them.Microsoft wants Copilot to be your new AI best friendWindows got a brand-spanking-new Copilot app this year. Beyond productivity, Copilot now wants to be your best buddy!5 Copilot+ PC AI features you can use at launchSome of the newest PCs are branded Copilot+ PCs, and they have access to new AI-based Windows features. Again, these dont work on most Windows 11 PCs these need a new Copilot+ PC. Here are the AI features you can use on those PCs.Hands on with Microsofts Windows RecallRecall is the most controversial Windows feature of the year. Its still available only in testing form right now but Im experimenting with it, and you can see how it works.Bonus: More Windows AI features10 Windows 11 AI features you can use todayOkay technically this one is from December 2023, but whos counting? All Windows 11 PCs include AI features, even if they arent Copilot+ PCs. This guide reveals what you can use today on any Windows 11 PC.Stay tuned: 2025 promises to be even more of a busy year when it comes to Windows development. Well explore it all together, every step of the way.Dont wait for next years December review! Sign up for my free Windows Intelligence newsletter now, and Ill send you three new things to know and try every single Friday.