Microsoft has kicked off the roll-out of Windows 11 23H2, officially known as Windows 11 2023 Update, to Insiders enrolled in the Release Preview channel. The update will be available to the public in the fourth quarter of 2023, and it is distinguished by the Moment 4 package released for Windows 11 22H2 users, which also introduces several new features.
Windows 11 23H2 shares the same base code and maintenance branch as Windows 11 22H2 (or 2022 Update). The update from version 22H2 to 23H2 will occur through an enabling package, but many of the features are common between the two versions. Commercial Insiders part of the Windows Insider for Business program can obtain the update through Windows Update for Business, Windows Server Update Service, or Azure Marketplace. Installation ISOs are also available.
Windows 11 2023 Update available to Release Preview channel Insiders
The build 22631 of Windows 11 23H2 introduces several interesting new features, including those present in Moment 4 starting from the AI assistant Copilot (initially not available in Italy). Among the novelties are a new File Explorer, a new volume mixer, and a new Home for the Settings page. For the list of the main features of Windows 11 Moment 4, we refer you to our in-depth analysis. In addition to these, Microsoft has detailed further new features as follows:
- Chat is now Microsoft Teams (free). The app is added by default to the taskbar and can be removed like other apps. Windows Insider program participants who click to start Microsoft Teams will discover a mini communication experience that allows chatting, calling, and meeting colleagues with just one or two clicks. Not only does its compact size make it easy to position the window anywhere on the desktop, but you can passively keep an eye on your conversations with the option to make it visible while browsing the web or connecting with your communities. With Microsoft Teams, we are also introducing these new experiences:
- Users can also access the new Phone Link integration with Microsoft Teams. They can connect their Android phone to send, receive SMS messages, and share meeting links using their regular phone number.
- A new People experience allows you to easily find relevant people in Teams and access and connect with contacts synced from users.
- And a new Play Together widget in Windows 11 on the Game Bar with Microsoft Teams technology allows you to see your friends’ videos overlaid directly on top of the game. Friends can join for free from any device to connect, chat, and more while playing Starfield or other video games on this new widget.
Windows 11 2023 Update is available to Insider users enrolled in the Release Preview channel, and it can be downloaded and installed simply by selecting the button to check for new updates on the Windows Update screen in Settings.
