Windows 11 is continuously evolving, receiving regular updates to enhance the user experience. The initial significant update, version 22H2, rolled out last year. Since then, smaller Moment updates have introduced new features and functionalities. The most recent of these updates, Moment 3, was released in June 2023. However, attention is already turning towards the future, with Windows 11 version 23H2 on the horizon.
Although Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 11 version 23H2, it’s reasonable to anticipate the next major annual update in the coming months, likely aligning with the anniversary of the original Windows 11 launch. With insights from the Windows Insider program, where early Windows 11 features are tested, and recent revelations from Build 2023, we can gain an understanding of what to expect when this update arrives. If you’re curious about what Windows 11 version 23H2 has in store, you’re in the right place.
Windows 11 version 23H2: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 version 23H2 release date
Microsoft has not officially disclosed the exact release date for Windows 11 version 23H2. However, it’s reasonable to anticipate its arrival in the autumn of 2023, possibly in September or October, coinciding with the launch of new Surface devices.
Since its introduction in 2021, Windows 11 has committed to receiving significant updates on an annual basis, and this schedule should remain consistent. For instance, version 22H2 was launched on September 20, just a few days prior to the one-year anniversary of Windows 11’s debut. It is likely that we can expect a similar timing for the release of this update.
Potential new features in Windows 11 version 23H2
WINDOWS AI COPILOT
The standout feature that Microsoft is actively developing for the release of version 23H2 is a new AI assistant named “Windows Copilot.” This AI assistant leverages the same technology that powers Bing Chat and the Microsoft 365 Copilot. Its primary aim is to enhance user productivity by comprehending intricate queries, commands, and context.
Windows Copilot is poised to take over the role previously held by Cortana and will provide assistance in various tasks such as adjusting PC settings, initiating playlists in Spotify, summarizing documents, texts, and webpages, and even executing functions like snap assist and other Windows operations. It will be conveniently accessible via a button on the Taskbar, which, when clicked, opens a sidebar containing a chat box and a history of your conversations with the Copilot.
NEW FILE EXPLORER
Microsoft is currently in the process of developing a substantial update for the File Explorer application in Windows 11. This update aims to introduce a more contemporary interface, including a redesigned “header UI” that closely resembles the layout commonly found in web browsers. At the top of the application, there will be tabs, and just below them, you’ll find navigation buttons like forward, back, and home, positioned beside the address bar and search box.
Beneath this, you can expect to see the familiar File Explorer commands such as copy, paste, and cut, among others. Microsoft is also planning to revamp the folder view, home page, and details pane with a modern design, aligning these elements with the overall Windows 11 aesthetic.
Furthermore, there’s an exciting addition on the horizon called the Gallery feature. This feature is designed to offer an immersive viewing experience for all the photos on your device, in OneDrive, and those synced with Phone Link. It incorporates a timeline feature, enabling quick navigation through your photo history. Additionally, there will be options to directly launch the Photos app for editing purposes.
WINDOWS BACKUP
Microsoft is introducing a cloud backup tool to Windows 11 as part of the version 23H2 release. This tool will simplify the process of backing up settings, files, and applications to your OneDrive storage, making it convenient for users to restore these elements when setting up a new PC for the first time.
When users log into their Microsoft account, they will receive prompts to initiate the restoration process from a previous PC. This process will enable them to effortlessly transfer all their settings and apps with just a few clicks.
It’s worth noting that for applications, the restoration process will be facilitated by the Microsoft Store. This means that only apps available in the Microsoft Store will be backed up and subsequently restored. In contrast, settings and files will continue to be backed up and restored as usual, utilizing your Microsoft account’s OneDrive storage to store this information.
TASKBAR UNGROUPING
In the upcoming version 23H2 release of Windows 11, a beloved Taskbar feature from earlier Windows versions is making a comeback in the form of app labels and ungrouping. This feature was present in Windows 7 through Windows 10 but was removed when Microsoft redesigned the Taskbar for Windows 11.
The return of app labels in Windows 11 comes with an exciting new capability: the option to display labels even on apps that are not currently running. In contrast, previous Windows versions like Windows 7, 8, and 10 only allowed users to show labels on running apps. Windows 11 is enhancing this by providing the ability to display labels on pinned apps that are not actively running, providing users with more flexibility and control over their Taskbar.
NEW VOLUME MIXER
Microsoft is enhancing the volume mixer functionality in Windows 11 with the upcoming version 23H2 release. Users will gain the ability to manually adjust audio levels for individual apps that are currently producing sound through the Windows 11 quick settings panel.
This update means that you’ll have the convenience of fine-tuning audio levels directly from the modern Windows 11 quick settings panel. For instance, you can lower the volume for an application like Spotify while simultaneously increasing the volume for a video calling app, enabling precise control over audio mixing for different apps.
7ZIP AND RAR SUPPORT
Microsoft is introducing native support for 7zip and RAR file formats in Windows 11. This means that users will no longer need to download third-party tools to handle these types of archives. Windows 11 will have the capability to seamlessly unzip and zip 7zip and RAR files, as well as other open-source archive formats like .tar.
This functionality will be available wherever Windows displays files, including File Explorer, the desktop, and the file picker interface, making it more convenient for users to work with various archive formats without the need for additional software.
IN-BOX RGB PERIPHERAL CUSTOMIZATION
Gamers will have reason to celebrate as Microsoft is integrating RGB peripheral controls directly into the Windows 11 Settings app. This means that users will have the ability to customize RGB settings for keyboards, mice, monitors, and various other devices and accessories without the need to download third-party software.
This feature, named “Dynamic Lighting” by Microsoft, is particularly beneficial for devices from manufacturers like Razer that currently require users to install extensive third-party tools for customizing their products. With this integration, users can conveniently change the lighting colors through Windows 11’s native Settings app, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for additional software.
DARK MODE IN PAINT
After 37 years on the market, Microsoft is finally introducing a dark mode for Paint, an application that made its debut with Windows 1.0. Although Windows itself only adopted dark mode in 2015, it’s now a welcome addition to see Paint joining the dark mode trend.
Microsoft initially showcased the dark mode for Paint alongside the original launch of Windows 11 in 2021 but has only now made it available for use. Additionally, the app is receiving an updated zooming functionality, featuring a more incremental drop-down menu with customizable percentages and smooth zooming.
Currently, this updated Paint app is in preview with Insiders and is expected to be officially rolled out in the fall with version 23H2 of Windows 11.
Widgets Board updates
With each Windows 11 feature update, changes are typically made to the Windows Widgets Board, and the version 23H2 release is no exception. It is anticipated to offer users more customization options for the board, including new layouts that provide the flexibility to choose between having widgets separated from the news feed, combining widgets with the news feed, or even having no news feed at all.
This means that with the release of Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft is expected to grant users the ability to disable the MSN feed in the Widgets Board, giving them greater control over their Widgets experience. This update aims to cater to a wider range of user preferences and needs when it comes to the Widgets feature.
Windows Dev Drive / Dev Home
For developers, Windows 11 is set to become more developer-friendly with the version 22H2 release. It will introduce a new Dev Home app designed to streamline the process of setting up a new development machine while also providing a comprehensive overview of your system, GitHub projects, and more.
The Dev Home app will have the capability to connect to your GitHub account and retrieve the latest changes and requests related to your projects. Additionally, it will come with a selection of system-monitoring widgets that can be incorporated into the Dev Home app or the Widgets Board. These widgets will cover key performance metrics, including CPU, GPU, Memory, and Network, giving developers real-time insights into their system’s performance.
In conjunction with Dev Home, there’s also the introduction of a new feature called Dev Drive. This feature allows developers to create a dedicated system partition specifically tailored for software development. The Dev Drive partition will be formatted in ReFS, offering improved performance, particularly for projects with a high volume of files, such as games or complex applications. This enhancement aims to optimize the development experience for Windows 11 users.
Also read: How to install Google Chrome on Steam Deck
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows 11 is continually evolving with each feature update, and the upcoming version 23H2 release is poised to bring a range of exciting enhancements and new features. These include the introduction of Windows Copilot, a powerful AI assistant replacing Cortana, native support for 7zip and RAR archive formats, customizable RGB peripheral controls within the Settings app for gamers, a long-awaited dark mode for Paint, and improved customization options for the Widgets Board.
Overall, these updates and features aim to enhance the user experience, improve productivity, and cater to the diverse needs of both general users and developers when Windows 11 version 23H2 is released later this year.
