What's New in the Next Release: Windows 11 23H2 Update Unveiled
In anticipation of the upcoming release of Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft has worked on creating an array of groundbreaking features aimed at enhancing user experience, optimising workflows, and introducing cutting-edge functionalities.
Below, we delve into the exciting new features of Windows 11 23H2, ranging from dynamic lighting to advancements in Windows Copilot.
Windows Copilot
In its most recent Windows 11 23H2 update, Microsoft has introduced the Windows Copilot, marking a significant milestone as the first AI assistant seamlessly integrated into a PC platform.
The revolutionary Windows Copilot feature combines Bing Chat and other plugins to offer users seamless assistance through the Copilot sidebar, revolutionising PC usage in a new era of enhanced productivity.
Activating Windows Copilot is a simple task, conveniently accessible from the taskbar, and the sidebar remains present across all windows, programs, and apps, providing consistent and helpful guidance throughout various digital tasks.
The integrated AI assistant in Windows Copilot empowers users to streamline operations, interact with favourite applications, personalise settings, and carry out actions with greater intuitiveness.
Windows Copilot significantly enhances features like Snap Assist, copy/paste, Snipping Tool, and personalisation. It introduces a utility layer, allowing Copilot to rewrite, summarise, or explain content that users copy and paste.
With the integration of Bing Chat, this innovative feature becomes a versatile resource capable of answering a wide range of inquiries. From simple tasks like checking the local time in Cyprus to more complex ones such as planning a trip, including finding flights and accommodations, Windows Copilot is designed to assist with all.
Despite the promising combination of Bing and ChatGPT plugins in Windows Copilot, the initial preview has fallen short of expectations.
While Windows 11 boasts promising features, like the convenient switch to dark mode, the AI integration of Windows Copilot seems to resemble more of a web wrapper than a seamlessly native component of the operating system. Its performance feels akin to running Bing.com within Microsoft Edge rather than being fully integrated into the OS.
One significant issue lies in Windows Copilot's tendency to misinterpret the user's intentions. For instance, if asked to switch from light mode to dark mode while already in dark mode, Copilot would conduct a Bing.com search and offer instructions rather than grasping the user's actual request.
An updated file explorer experience
The File Explorer has undergone a significant makeover, utilising the Windows App SDK and designed with WinUI, resulting in a modern and updated home interface. One notable enhancement is the introduction of a carousel that showcases recommended files for Azure Active Directory (AAD) users, with thumbnail support set to arrive soon.
The WinUI-based overhaul extends to improve the appearance of Quick Access folders, Favourites, and Recent sections, giving them a refreshed and cohesive look.
The address bar has also been revamped, now intelligently differentiating between local and cloud folders, and it includes integrated status icons. For OneDrive users, there's added convenience as sync status and quota flyouts are readily visible right on the address bar.
In addition to the updates, Microsoft is introducing a redesigned details pane in File Explorer, conveniently accessible via ALT + Shift + P.
This new details pane is thoughtfully designed to present relevant file information and facilitate collaboration without having to open files. When users select a file and activate the pane, they will have access to a thumbnail preview, share status, activity history, related files, emails, and more. To enable or disable this feature, a simple toggle switch is available through the View menu and an accessible button on the command bar.
FEEDBACK: For feedback, please file it in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under the category "Files, Folders, and Online Storage" > "File Explorer."
An Illuminating Experience for Windows Users and Developers
Dynamic Lighting brings users and developers the ability to natively control lighting devices using the open HID LampArray standard. This transition towards an open standard is strategically aimed at enhancing the RGB device and software ecosystem by promoting greater interoperability between devices and applications. The feature encompasses APIs for Windows apps to exert control over devices from both the foreground and background, along with a personalised settings page for users.
Esteemed device manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have collaborated with Microsoft on this initiative. A comprehensive list of currently compatible devices can be accessed on the Dynamic Lighting Hardware MS Learn page.
To configure a HID LampArray device, users can conveniently navigate to the new Dynamic Lighting page located in Settings > Personalisation > Dynamic Lighting.
FEEDBACK: Feedback must be filed in the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under the category "Devices and Drivers" > "Lighting.
Volume mixer enhanced
Windows 11 23H2 brings forth an improved volume mixer in Quick Settings, granting users the convenience of swiftly customising audio settings on a per-app basis and seamlessly swapping between devices on the fly.
To further enhance accessibility, a new keyboard shortcut (WIN + CTRL + V) offers faster access to the volume mixer. Additionally, the volume mixer incorporates a quick access list featuring installed spatial sound technologies and suggests supplementary options such as Dolby and DTS from the Microsoft Store.
Feedback: For feedback, it can be filed in the feedback hub (WIN+F) under Desktop Environment>Quick Settings.
Spotlight experience retuned
The upgraded Windows Spotlight offers a more immersive experience with preview images, full-screen views, and multiple opportunities to learn more about each image.
Users can activate it by right clicking the Spotlight icon on the desktop or by choosing the new Spotlight theme in the "Personalise your background" dropdown in Settings > Personalisation > Background.
FEEDBACK: For feedback, file in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Desktop Environment > Windows Spotlight.
A passwordless future
Microsoft is committed to eliminating the need for traditional passwords. The company is rolling out improved passkey experiences, enabling users to create and sign in using passkeys through the Windows Hello native experience for any app or website that supports them.
Windows 11 also empowers users to manage passkeys saved on their devices, giving them full control to view and delete any passkey as needed.
FEEDBACK: For feedback, head to the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under "Security and Privacy" > "Passkey."
Warnings for Unsafe Password Copy and Paste
In Windows 11, version 22H2, Enhanced Phishing Protection in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen provides added security for school or work passwords against phishing attempts and unsafe usage on websites and applications.
For users who have enabled warning options in Windows Security, a notification will now alert them when performing an unsafe password copy and paste operation.
FEEDBACK: Feedback goes through the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under "Security and Privacy" > "Microsoft."
Narrator Natural Voices
The latest update introduces brand-new natural voices for Narrator users in various languages, including Chinese, Spanish (Spain and Mexico), Japanese, and English (United Kingdom). These modern, on-device text-to-speech natural voices offer a seamless and user-friendly browsing, reading, and writing experience.
The best part is that once downloaded, these voices are available offline, ensuring uninterrupted accessibility.
To utilise these natural voices:
Access Narrator Settings by pressing WIN + Ctrl + N.
Click on the Add button located next to "Add natural voices" under Narrator's voice.
Choose the desired voice for installation. You can install all voices if needed, but it's recommended to do so one at a time.
For Chinese, available options include Microsoft Xiaoxiao (Female) and Microsoft Yunxi (Male). Spanish (Spain) offers Microsoft Elvira (Female) and Microsoft Alvaro (Male), while Spanish (Mexico) provides Microsoft Dalia (Female) and Microsoft Jorge (Male). Japanese users can select Microsoft Nanami (Female) and Microsoft Keita (Male), and English (United Kingdom) offers Microsoft Sonia (Female) and Microsoft Ryan (Male).
Click the Install button to begin the downloading process. The new voice should be ready for use within a few minutes, depending on your internet download speed.
Once downloaded, choose your preferred voice from the drop-down menu in Narrator settings under Narrator's voice > Choose a voice.
If your display language doesn't match any of the listed languages in step 3, you'll need to select "Choose a different language" first.
Feel free to provide any feedback by submitting it under Accessibility > Narrator in the Feedback Hub (Win + F).
Enhanced Local File Sharing
Windows introduces significant improvements to local file sharing, enhancing both the Windows share window and nearby sharing features. The updates include:
A redesigned Windows share window that aligns with the sleek design principles of Windows 11.
Integration of an Outlook option, allowing seamless emailing of files directly from the Windows share window. This convenient feature can be found under the "Share using" section.
A handy search box within the Windows share window, facilitating the search for contacts across Outlook.
The inclusion of up to 10 suggested contacts for quick and efficient file sharing.
An easily accessible new button to activate nearby sharing.
Personal PCs are given priority, appearing at the top of the list under "Nearby Share."
Windows introduces faster file sharing capabilities between PCs using Wi-Fi Direct. These improved experiences extend to sharing local files from various apps that utilise the built-in Windows share window.
Changes and Improvements in Windows 11 23H2
Alerts for detected camera streaming issues, with recommendations to launch the Get Help troubleshooter.
Important or urgent notifications display a "view notification" button for privacy when using full-screen apps.
Never combined mode for the taskbar in Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviours (not fully functional yet). With this new feature, you can turn off never combined and see labels for apps.
Task ending option when right-clicking an app on the taskbar, managed under Settings > System > For developers.
Introduction of Unicode Emoji 15 to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. This update includes new hearts, animals, and a smiley face.
Labels and sliding animations when switching between desktops in Task View.
Accessibility flyout on the Lock screen.
Energy-saving recommendation for adjusting refresh rate in Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations.
Updated design for lists under Settings > Apps > Startup Apps and Settings > Apps > Advanced App Settings > App Execution Alias.
Windows 11 23H2 Update Release: The Windows 11 23H2 update is scheduled for release in the fall. Microsoft has confirmed that it will be a small enablement package, allowing for a quick installation for users already running 22H2.