Windows 11 is already quite different to the version that launched two years ago, but lots more changes are on the way.
Microsoft will soon deliver the biggest Windows 11 update of 2023, and it’s stacked with new features.
Here’s everything you need to know about version 23H2, which will be available very soon.
When will Windows 11’s 23H2 update be released?
At Microsoft’s Surface and AI event on 21 September 2023, the firm revealed a release date for the next big Windows 11 update: version 23H2.
And there’s not long to wait, as it will arrive on 26 September 2023.
Will all existing Windows 11 devices be compatible with version 23H2?
Yes, provided you’re running version 22H2. In a July 2023 article, Microsoft confirmed that “you don’t need to worry about application or device compatibility between the versions”.
If you’re unsure, head to Settings > System > About and look for ‘Version’ under ‘Windows Specifications’.
Even if you’re running an older version of Windows 11, you’ll just need to install 22H2 first.
Microsoft introduced sweeping new hardware requirements when Windows 11 launched, but that won’t be repeated for the 23H2 update.
What new features will be available in the Windows 23H2 update?
As we already knew, Windows Copliot is the headline feature of the 23H2 update with the Bing Chat element now available directly from the Windows 11 desktop. It’s a timely addition for a virtual/digital assistant with Cortana officially killed last month.
With Copilot you can control the PC’s settings, launch apps or get queries answered. It’s integrated throughout Windows 11 so you can do things like navigate Outlook and write messages by pulling data from your calendar.
Microsoft Shopping Copilot is also on the way as a digital personal shopper of sorts. It can summarise reviews of a product as well as find you the lowest prices. Via a side panel in Edge, it will attempt to find discount codes/coupons and you can use an image to find similar products.
As is the case with many AI products/services, Copilot will get better over time, according to Microsoft and if you allow it more context – information from LinkedIn, for example – it will serve you better. You can even point Copilot at files and ask it to create a blog post from the data.
“We believe Copilot is going to fundamentally change how each of us interacts with technology,” says Mehdi, according to The Verge’s live blog of the event.
“The new Copilot experience will start to show up in the coming weeks and months.” said the firm. Copilot will also be available in Microsoft 365 in November.
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Of course, this big update isn’t just for Copilot and also adds a redesigned File Explorer, a new Ink Anywhere feature for stylus users, upgrades to Paint, native RAR and 7-zip file support, a new volume mixer and plenty more – over 150 new features in total.
File Explore is getting an overhaul, so that’s nice for anyone who is against digital assistants. The new user interface includes a more modern home panel featuring large thumbnails and a carousel that shows recent and favourited files.
As mentioned, Ink Anywhere is great news for stylus fans. It means you can write anywhere in Windows with the Surface Pen or another stylus and Windows 11 will convert your writing to text. You can also do things like hand draw complex formulas and it will work them out.
Microsoft has enhanced Paint with AI drawing and digital creation. The addition of background removal and layers as well as a preview of Cocreator makes it much more powerful than before.
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AI looks set to be a huge part of Windows for years to come, with a potential Windows 12 in 2024 expected to feature it heavily. There are plenty of ways artificial intelligence could upgrade Windows,, and we might see some new features in the 23H2 update, too.