Microsoft has officially announced the global availability of Windows 11 2023 Update. It is the most extensive update since the release of the reimagined operating system (also known as Windows 11 version 23H2). On October 31, more than a billion users worldwide can access the largest collection of advanced features simply by installing the cumulative package in just a few minutes. The update is deployed using optimized technology, ensuring a swift installation process.

Windows 11 2023 Update adds a universal home tab in settings, an enhanced volume mixer, native RGB lighting control, and gamer-friendly features. The home tab provides one-stop access to feature management, storage tracking, and recommended settings. The volume mixer allows users to adjust the volume of each application individually. Dynamic Lighting allows users to control the RGB lighting on compatible third-party accessories without proprietary utilities. Gamers can now select specific disks and folders for game installations, and the Microsoft Store introduces lightweight “Instant Games” that run on remote servers.

Key Innovations in Windows 11 2023 Update

• AI Assistant Copilot: The taskbar now features the Copilot icon (in preview), acting as a “second pilot” with Bing Chat chatbot integration built into Windows 11 at the system level, working seamlessly everywhere. Designed to speed up work tasks, provide personalized responses, assist with settings, and inspire users. It can summarize web page content into key points, connect new accessories via Bluetooth, enable a dark interface theme, and even generate images directly within Copilot.
• Start Menu and Taskbar Improvements: Microsoft has now added a “System” label to Windows 11 system components in the “All apps” section. Microsoft has also moved the management of these components to a separate page at “Settings” → “System” → “System components” (previously located under “Apps”). With the Windows 11 2023 Update, Microsoft has pinned the Microsoft Teams icon to the taskbar by default for quick access to corporate chats.
• Redesigned File Explorer: The Windows 11 file manager now has a fresher and more modern design, updated address bar, and search field. It provides information about contributors to files without the need to open the file. Additionally, File Explorer includes a built-in gallery feature for viewing all photos stored in the cloud and on the device.
• Universal Outlook: The email service has evolved into a hub that supports connecting accounts from Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, and many others. Special AI features from Copilot make it easier to write emails and send important documents, and photos from OneDrive.
• AI-Powered Paint: Microsoft has enhanced the built-in Windows photo editor with AI capabilities, approaching the functionality of Photoshop. The Cocreator feature can create backgrounds and elements for images based on textual descriptions. Microsoft has also implemented automatic background removal and layer support.
• AI-Enhanced “Scissors”: This utility allows users to extract specific text from images and send it to any third-party application. It also automatically hides confidential information on document photos. “Scissors” now supports audio content from the device’s screen, with complete audio capture, including from the microphone, for insertion into video editing.
• AI-Enhanced “Photos”: Artificial intelligence can now blur the background in photos with a single click. Microsoft has enhanced Gallery search to allow users to search by content or location, and it simultaneously searches in the OneDrive cloud storage.
• AI-Powered Video Editor Clipchamp: The new Auto Compose feature allows users to create videos with recommended scenes, edits, and storytelling styles based on their creative requests. Once users are finished, they can save their projects to cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive) or publish them directly to social media (YouTube, TikTok, and more).
• “Notepad”: The text editor now remembers the document state, eliminating concerns about text loss after closure or sudden shutdown. “Notepad” automatically restores open tabs, content, and recent changes on each tab.
• Built-in RAR Support: Windows 11 2023 Update introduces a system archive unpacker for RAR, 7z, GZ, TAR, and other formats.
• Windows Backup: Microsoft’s new service simplifies the transition to another Windows 11 PC. Windows Backup transfers most files, applications, and settings automatically. An extensive backup even preserves desktop folders and the user password database.

In the coming months, Microsoft will initiate the automatic update process to Windows 11 2023 Update. Initially, it will affect computers running the outdated Windows 11 version 21H1, whose support will end in December 2023.