Microsoft has finally rolled out another major Windows 11 update dubbed the Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2.
Windows 11 23H2 – Microsoft has finally rolled out another major Windows 11 update dubbed the Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2. Compared to its previous updates, the 23H2 does not bring much to the table— or at least one that general users can see at a glance.
Instead, this release focuses on a major integration of AI into several features across the operating system. Bing Copilot, for example, has now made its way to finally be integrated with the OS where previously it was only limited to Edge browser and perhaps Microsoft Office and 365.
The Cortana that should have been meant to be
Essentially the new Copilot integration exists to replace the now discontinued virtual assistant Microsoft Cortana. The Microsoft Copilot, while it might serve a similar purpose to its predecessor, is actually being powered using a GPT-based chatbot that not just gathers information through a web search, but can also be made to do a variety of OS-level functions— making everything easier and quicker once you get the hang of it.
As stated by Microsoft themselves:
“New for Windows 11, Copilot in Windows is an AI-powered intelligent assistant that helps you get answers and inspirations from across the web, supports creativity and collaboration, and helps you focus on the task at hand.
Copilot in Windows helps you stay focused while it performs the tasks you need to get done. From adjusting your PC’s settings to organising your windows with Snap Assist, Copilot saves you time and helps you be more efficient.
Start your next creative project with ideas and information that spark your ingenuity. Copilot in Windows gets you relevant answers fast, lets you ask follow-up questions, and can generate images from your ideas.”
Unfortunately, Microsoft Copilot itself is still “available now as a preview”, however, “more features will continue to roll out.” Many are positive that it will officially launch this fall.
Retouched File Explorer
The first thing that might feel similar yet so different in Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 is that when opening the File Explorer, you may fail to notice that Microsoft has actually made some significant changes on this part. With 23H2, Microsoft is delivering a significant update that brings the overall File Explorer experience to feel more modern and compact.
Looking closely at its header UI, it somewhat shares a resemblance to a web browser where you can open up a “new tab”, a button to go backward then forward then back to home, an “address bar” then a search box. What you may not expect, however, the “address bar” in File Explorer can actually be used to open up a website link if you wish to do so.
Below the header, Microsoft has also implemented several quick access commands that are commonly used by users such as making a new folder, copying, pasting, cutting and others which can be really helpful to save some time once you get used to it.
Going back to the old days with Taskbar Ungrouping
The classic Taskbar feature has finally made a return with Microsoft Windows 23H2 as it now lets us ungroup the taskbar buttons and keep the icon labels. It used to exist back in Windows 7 however for some reason it was absent right after that.
Combined with the previous Taskbar alignment feature from previous updates, you may now be able to recreate the classic Windows experience.
New Volume Mixer and 7 ZIP and RAR native support
Remember the time when you need to right-click and open the volume mixer to adjust the audio sound individually for each application? With 23H2 Microsoft has integrated the mixer feature into the sound menu in the quick settings panel.
Now with only 2 clicks, you can easily adjust each audio level on each of the active applications. Really saves the hassle!
On top of that, one of the most notable features in this update is the ability for File Explorer to now natively support .rar and .7z extensions as well as other open-source archive formats. This makes the unzipping experience far more convenient as you no longer need to install any 3rd party software to do this task.
With all that goodies, know how to install Windows 11 23H2
So far, Microsoft has yet to change the specific procedure to receive Windows 11 updates. Therefore, simply go to Start > Settings > then proceed to Windows Update.
If you don’t see any 23H2 updates, just click “Check for updates”, and wait for a while, you should see the option to download the said update. Once it’s done downloading and applying, you can restart your device to fully implement the update.
Bottom line
Another major update for Windows 11 has finally been released under the dub version 23H2. This update focuses on Copilot AI integration into the operating system. However, there are several other interesting quality-of-life updates that Microsoft brings this time such as the retouched File Explorer, a Taskbar ungrouping, a New Volume Mixer and 7 ZIP and RAR native support.
To update your Windows, simply go to Start > Settings > then click Windows Update. If you don’t see the said update notification, be sure to click “Check for updates” and you should see the option to download the 23H2 update.
