Windows 11 23H2 Update: What's New?

Since the initial release of Windows 11, Microsoft has been improving its latest OS by adding more features and fixing bugs. The company has announced the new feature update Windows 11 23H2, expected to arrive in October 2023.

Although we are some months away from its official release, we have some gist of what's new in Windows 11 23H2.

What's New on Windows 11 23H2?

The new Windows 11 23H2 brings amazing new features to enhance the user experience and provide more accessibility. These features will help you increase your productivity and achieve more with less effort.

Here is the demonstration of each feature to be released in Windows 11 version 23H2:

Windows Copilot Powered by AI

The most exciting feature Microsoft releases with Windows 11 version 23H2 is Windows AI Copilot. A powerful AI assistant tool that will assist you in managing your system and answering complex questions. You can use it to rephrase, summarize or generate content.

It works like ChaptGPT and Bing Chat AI. It appears as a sidebar docker on the right side of your screen when you click the 'Copilot button' in Taskbar or press the 'Windows + C' keys.

It can also access all Windows settings and help customize your system. For instance, you can ask it to change your desktop background, take screenshots, summarize some content, etc.

Windows AI Copilot uses the Microsoft Account (MSA) or Azure Active Directory (AAD), and the developers can integrate it into their applications using Bing Chat plugins.

New File Explorer Interface

In Windows 11 23H2 update, the File Manager interface will be redesigned using XAML programming and Windows App SDK (WASDK). Although it will look similar to the current interface, there will be three major visual changes:

1. Redesigned Home tab
2. Inclusion of Gallery tab
3. Improved header interface

The Home tab interface will be updated using Windows UI Library Framework but will have the same look and feel. The other quick-access folders are also being updated accordingly. For Azure Active Directory (AAD) powered devices, the file recommendations are shown as a carousel with thumbnails.

The new Gallery tab in the side navigation lets you view and manage images better. It displays the images like the Photos app except for the rounded corners, hidden file names, larger thumbnails, and time-based sorting. By default, the page only shows images from the Pictures folder but has options to include more locations.

The Add Phone Photos command bar feature lets you access your phone photos. It shows a bar code that could be scanned to connect your phone.

The Address bar and the Search bar have rounded corners. The former displays the spinning animation while loading files and sync status for OneDrive files. The chevron icon displays a new flyout design when clicked.

Moreover, a new Details pane is designed to display more information and actions for files, folders, and drives.

Lastly, you can drag a tab out the window to open a new File Explorer Window.

New Format Support

The Windows 11 23H2 will also have native support for RAR, 7-zip, and gz archival formats. You can open and extract these file formats as you do for zip files with File Explorer.

New Volume Mixer

In Quick Settings, the Volume Mixer is a new addition. It allows quick audio customizations and enhanced control to switch devices. You can also access it with the keyboard shortcut: Windows + CTRL + V. Moreover, the quick access list of new sound technology helps you quickly enable and disable Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos experience.

Snap Layouts

To open multiple apps together, the new OS suggests different snap layouts. It launches when you hover over the Minimize and Maximize buttons or press Windows + Z keys.

One-click Taskbar App Ungrouping

Here is what's new in the Taskbar:

Combine taskbar buttons and show/hide labels.

End Task option in Taskbar context menu to close applications without opening Task Manager (Enabled from 'For Developers' page).

The Network icon context menu includes Diagnose network problems option.

Chat app renamed to 'Microsoft Teams – Free' and pinned to Taskbar by default.

Windows Backup App

A Backup app is being introduced in the upcoming update to enhance the current backup and restore system. This app backs up your folders, settings, and credentials.

RGB Lighting Controls

In the Settings app, you will find a new Dynamic Lighting page where you can manage lighted accessories without any third-party tools.

Passkey Support

The Passkey experience is also getting improved in the Windows 11 update. You can now create passkeys with Windows Hello and sign in using fingerprint, faceID, and PIN.

Upgrades in MS Paint

Here are a few upgrades being introduced in MS Paint:

• Dark mode support

• Finger granulaity zoom

• New visuals for Image Properties dialog

Virtual Drives

Under Storage Settings, you can create and manage Virtual Drives like VHD, VHDX, Dev Drives, etc, after installing Windows 11 23H2.

Microsoft Store AI Hub

Microsoft is adding an AI Hub in Microsoft Store app to improve user experience by suggesting search tags for apps using AI. You can also summarize thousands of reviews for apps using this technology.

Widget Updates

The Windows 11 version 23H2 is incomplete without added Widget Board customization options. It includes new layouts, allowing widgets to be separated or mixed with news feeds.

Other Updates

• Options to hide date and time in Taskbar
• New Dev Home page for developers
• Separate Tablet user interface
• System-wide dark mode

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>FAQs

How to upgrade to 22H2 Windows 11?

You can download Windows 11 22H2 from Microsoft's official website or the Settings app.

How to download Windows 11 22H2 from Microsoft?

Go to Microsoft's official website and download Windows 11 22H2 iso file.

Final Words

Windows 11 23H2 update is expected in October 2023. This update will bring lots of amazing features along with bug fixes. In this article, you have learned about all the new apps and features available in this Windows version. Conclusively, we suggest the best Windows repair tool, i.e., PassFab FixUWin.

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