Windows 11's July 14 update finally adds a proper system restore feature, and none of it needs AI

[EventHorizon55]

Microsoft's July 2026 Security Update rolls out July 14 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, and the headline feature is Point in Time Restore, an automatic recovery tool that rolls a device back to a previous working state using Volume Shadow Copy Service

Point in Time Restore is enabled by default on Home and Pro editions, but there is a real catch, the system needs at least 200GB of free storage for it to work, which could quietly exclude a lot of smaller SSDs still in common use

Windows Update is also finally getting a proper calendar based pause control, letting users pick a specific end date and pause updates for up to 35 days rather than being stuck with the old limited pause options, addressing one of the most requested changes in years

A new Screen Tint accessibility feature adds an adjustable colour overlay across the display to help with readability and reduce visual discomfort, distinct from Night Light which only reduces blue light rather than applying a broader tint

Beyond the headline features, this update also brings faster File Explorer launch times, clearer location privacy settings, default printer installation through Windows Ready Print where supported, and a round of Bluetooth reliability fixes covering microphone sync and connection stability

Here are 5 Windows 11 features coming in July. None of them require AIwww.pcworld.com

[Anthony_51]

The 200GB storage requirement for Point in Time Restore is going to be a real problem for anyone still running a smaller budget SSD, that is a lot of free space to permanently set aside

[2026]

Finally getting a proper calendar pause for updates instead of the old limited options is genuinely one of the most requested Windows features in years, glad to see it land

[Sam]

Screen Tint sounds like a small addition but as someone sensitive to screen glare this is exactly the kind of accessibility feature that quietly makes a big daily difference

[Sharon79]

Refreshing to see a Windows update focused on unglamorous reliability fixes instead of another AI feature nobody asked for crammed into the Start menu

[Southern Jay]

Bluetooth reliability fixes are long overdue, my headphones randomly disconnecting mid call has been a Windows 11 complaint of mine for over a year now

[Thor]

File Explorer launching faster sounds minor but that is genuinely one of the most used parts of the whole OS, small speed gains there add up over a full day of use

[Richard_36]

Point in Time Restore being on by default for Home and Pro editions is a smart move, most casual users would never bother enabling a recovery feature manually

[Kieran_44]

I appreciate Microsoft leaning into practical unglamorous fixes this cycle, the last few updates felt like they were chasing headlines more than actually fixing daily annoyances

[RheaRipley]

Curious how many people will actually have that spare 200GB free, feels like the storage requirement alone will limit how many devices get this feature working