Microsoft has recently announced the latest update for Windows 11, which brings the operating system up to version 23H2. This is a cumulative update that comes with some of the most exciting features already announced in September, including Copilot, and brings some changes to Teams, among other things. Here’s what’s new and how to get it on your PC.
When Microsoft first announced Copilot during its September event, many people thought it would be available immediately — and it was, but not widely. Now, with the 23H2 update, Copilot should be downloaded and toggled on by default, along with everything else that was announced during the Surface event. Some new things are also coming.
There aren’t a lot of things that Microsoft hasn’t previewed before, but there are a few things. For one, the chat function is now part of the free version of Microsoft Teams and will be pinned to your taskbar by default. Teams is the central hub for all things communication-related on Windows, including text chats, calls, meetings, and community chats. Additionally, you’ll be able to send and receive SMS messages through Teams – a feature from Skype that many will miss. Finally, with the new “People” experience you’ll be able to find people you know through Teams easier than ever.
Microsoft has also streamlined finding system components in the Start menu, making them easier to find in their own dedicated section.
Let’s also take a quick look at what we can expect from the update, and a lot of it may seem like a repeat of what we already know. However, Microsoft has been releasing these features gradually, and now, we should get all these features.
Microsoft’s Copilot is the biggest change. It is woven into the OS and can do many things, from organizing your files to writing blog posts. It’s essentially Bing Chat for Windows, and can also be controlled by voice. We have a guide on how to use Copilot to get you started.
Further updates include AI capabilities coming to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Photos. Paint now supports layers and seamless background removal, but also allows you to convert text prompts to images, supported by DALL-E 3 models. Video editing becomes easier with Microsoft Clipchamp, and the Snipping Tool will now let you record the screen with audio.
Microsoft is also making it easier to switch to a new PC using Windows Backup, allowing users to download their backed up data directly from the cloud by logging into their Microsoft accounts. Microsoft is also promoting Passkeys, a feature that could one day replace passwords, requiring you to simply smile at the screen to log on. There’s more — check out the full list of features rolling out in September in Microsoft’s blog post.
How to download Windows 11 23H2 update
As long as you’re already running the previous Windows 11 22H2 update, you’ll be able to download the new version by opting in. It appears the update won’t be mandatory for a while yet, but it is much more widely available now than before. To get it, go ahead Adjustment, Then Windows Update, choose check for updates And start receiving the latest updates as soon as they become available.
If you’re not in a rush to try out this new patch right away, it’ll probably be arriving to your PC sometime in the next few months. However, if you’re excited to try Copilot, you now have the chance to experience the evolution of AI in Windows firsthand.