Microsoft announced a new update for Windows 11 which integrates one of the most anticipated functions. The latest version of the operating system, available to members of the Insider program, added Windows Studio Effects. The new feature uses AI to add special effects that improve the image in our video calls.
The Windows 11 build 26120.2200, available on the Dev Channelintegrates the support for Windows Studio Effects from the taskbar. Users can access quick settings from an icon located in the system tray. This function will be available for all applications that use the webcam or microphone.
The new Windows Studio Effects icon is activated when you use a supported app and when clicked will redirect you to the available effects page. If you hover over the icon, it will notify you which app can take advantage of AI and improve image quality.
What is Windows Studio Effects and how to activate it in Windows 11
Windows Studio Effects is a feature that uses AI to apply effects to the device’s camera. The user can blur the background, improve lighting or maintain eye contact during a video call. To achieve this, it is used in the neural processing unit (NPU), available in the Snapdragon X Elite processors.
Microsoft mentions on its help website that the effects are applied at the hardware level, so once it is activated in Windows Studio Effects, it will be reflected in any application that uses the webcam. These effects can be configured through the new icon in the taskbar or from the Settings menu. On this screen, users will be able to see a preview of the camera with the effects already applied
In the list of effects available to the user are:
- Background blur (standard and bokeh)
- Eye contact (to always look at the camera)
- Auto framing (keeps the person in the center of the camera)
- Portrait Lighting (improves the person’s lighting with the help of AI)
- Creative filters (the typical ones we see in mobile applications).
According to Microsoft, Windows Studio Effects uses AI models created by the company and optimized for devices with NPU. Although This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon, next year it will open to AMD and NVIDIA computers when the exclusivity contract with Qualcomm ends.
If you want to access the new feature from the Windows 11 taskbar, you will have to install build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) available in the Insider program. Otherwise you will have to wait a few weeks (or months) for it to land in the final version for consumers.
