Windows: 5 Hidden Features to Boost Your Efficiency in 2025

Key insights

• Snipping Tool – Now equipped with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and screen recording features, allowing users to extract text from screenshots and record screens with audio.


• Notepad – Enhanced with AI-powered writing assistance for rephrasing text, adjusting tone, and modifying content length. It also includes an auto-save feature to prevent data loss.


• Microsoft Paint – Upgraded with layers and support for transparent PNG files. AI-driven features like "Generative Fill" allow for seamless addition or removal of image elements.


• Clipboard History – Provides a smarter copy-paste experience by keeping a history of copied items, improving workflow efficiency by allowing easy access to past clips.


• Microsoft Edge – Expanded PDF editing capabilities enable users to annotate, highlight, and fill out forms directly in the browser without additional software.


• Bonus Tip – Improve PC startup speed by managing background apps through Task Manager, reducing boot times significantly.

Introduction to Hidden Windows Features in 2025

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying updated with the latest software features can significantly enhance productivity and user experience. In a recent YouTube video, Kevin Stratvert unveils five hidden Windows features that are set to revolutionize how users interact with their computers in 2025. These updates, packed with AI enhancements and improved functionalities, aim to streamline workflows and boost efficiency. The video covers a range of tools from the Snipping Tool to Microsoft Edge, each offering unique capabilities that many users might not be aware of.

Snipping Tool – OCR & Screen Recording

One of the standout features discussed by Kevin Stratvert is the upgraded Snipping Tool. This tool now includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which allows users to extract text directly from screenshots. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently need to capture and utilize text from images, as it eliminates the need for manual typing. Furthermore, the Snipping Tool now supports screen recording, complete with audio capture from both the system and microphone. This enhancement is ideal for creating tutorials and presentations, offering a seamless way to share information visually and audibly. Balancing the need for simplicity and functionality, the Snipping Tool's new features cater to both novice users and professionals. However, integrating OCR and screen recording into a single tool presents challenges, such as ensuring the interface remains user-friendly while accommodating advanced features. Microsoft has managed to strike a balance, providing a powerful yet accessible tool for all users.

Notepad – AI Writing & Auto-Save

Notepad, a staple application for Windows users, has also seen significant improvements. The introduction of an AI-powered "Rewrite" feature marks a new era for this simple text editor. Users can now rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify content length with ease. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for writers and editors looking to refine their work efficiently. Additionally, the auto-save function ensures that progress is never lost, addressing a common frustration among users who forget to save their work manually. The challenge here lies in maintaining Notepad's simplicity while integrating sophisticated AI capabilities. Microsoft has successfully enhanced Notepad without overwhelming users with complexity, making it a versatile tool for both casual and professional use.

Microsoft Paint – AI Image Creator & Layers

Microsoft Paint, traditionally viewed as a basic image editing tool, has undergone a transformation with the addition of layers and AI-driven features. Users can now work with transparent PNG files and utilize tools like "Generative Fill" and "Generative Erase" to add or remove elements in images seamlessly. These updates bring Paint closer to professional image editing software, making complex editing tasks more accessible to a broader audience. However, integrating advanced features into a tool known for its simplicity poses a challenge. Microsoft has managed to enhance Paint's capabilities while preserving its user-friendly nature, allowing users of all skill levels to benefit from its new functionalities.

Clipboard History – Copy and Paste Smarter

The Clipboard History feature has been enhanced to provide a more intuitive and efficient copy-paste experience. Users can now access a history of copied items, including text and images, and paste them as needed. This improvement is particularly beneficial for those who engage in repetitive copying and pasting tasks, as it streamlines workflows and boosts productivity. While the enhanced Clipboard History feature offers significant benefits, it also raises concerns about privacy and data security. Microsoft must ensure that user data is protected, especially when storing a history of copied items. Balancing functionality with security is crucial in maintaining user trust.

Microsoft Edge – Edit PDFs Easily

Microsoft Edge has expanded its PDF editing capabilities, allowing users to annotate, highlight, and fill out PDF forms directly within the browser. This eliminates the need for additional software, providing a convenient solution for managing PDF documents. Users can now perform a range of tasks without leaving the browser, enhancing productivity and simplifying workflows. The integration of PDF editing into Microsoft Edge offers a seamless user experience, but it also presents challenges in terms of performance and compatibility. Ensuring that the browser remains fast and responsive while handling complex PDF tasks is essential for maintaining user satisfaction.

Bonus Tip – Speed Up PC Startup

In addition to the main features discussed, Kevin Stratvert offers a bonus tip for speeding up PC startup. By managing startup programs through the Task Manager, users can disable unnecessary applications from launching at startup. This simple yet effective tip can significantly reduce boot times and improve overall system responsiveness, enhancing the user experience. Managing startup programs is a straightforward process, but it requires users to identify which applications are necessary and which can be disabled. This involves a tradeoff between convenience and performance, as some programs may be useful but not essential at startup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hidden Windows features revealed by Kevin Stratvert offer a glimpse into the future of computing, where AI and enhanced functionalities play a crucial role in improving productivity and user experience. From the OCR capabilities of the Snipping Tool to the AI-driven enhancements in Notepad and Paint, these updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to innovation and user-centric design. While challenges remain in balancing functionality, simplicity, and security, these features represent a significant step forward in making technology more accessible and efficient for all users.

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