Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, is getting ready for its next big update later this year. The update, codenamed 23H2, will bring several new features and improvements to Windows 11 users, including a new AI assistant, a revamped File Explorer, and more. Here are the top three new features that you can expect from Windows 11 23H2.
Windows Copilot: A New AI Assistant for Windows 11
One of the most exciting features of Windows 11 23H2 is the introduction of Windows Copilot, a new AI assistant that will replace Cortana and help users with various tasks and queries. Windows Copilot will use the same technology that powers Bing Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to understand complex commands, queries, and context.
Windows Copilot will be able to help users with changing settings on their PC, launching playlists in Spotify, summarizing documents, texts, and webpages, and even initiating snap assist and other Windows functions. Windows Copilot will also be able to integrate with third-party plugins to provide more functionality and customization.
Windows Copilot will exist as a button on the Taskbar that will open a sidebar when clicked. The sidebar will feature a chat box and a conversation history between the user and the Copilot. Users will be able to type or speak their requests to the Copilot and get instant responses and actions.
Windows Copilot is expected to be one of the headline features of Windows 11 23H2 and will bring a new level of intelligence and productivity to Windows 11 users.
New File Explorer Interface: A Modern and Simplified Experience
Another major feature of Windows 11 23H2 is the new File Explorer interface that will replace the old ribbon-based design. The new File Explorer interface will have a modern and simplified look that will match the overall aesthetic of Windows 11.
The new File Explorer interface will have a single toolbar at the top that will show only the most relevant commands and options for each folder or file. Users will be able to customize the toolbar by adding or removing buttons according to their preferences. The toolbar will also have a search box that will allow users to quickly find files and folders.
The new File Explorer interface will also have a new context menu that will show only the most common actions for each item. Users will be able to access more options by clicking on the “Show more options” button at the bottom of the menu. The context menu will also have icons for each action to make it easier to identify them.
The new File Explorer interface will also support native RAR, 7-zip, TAR, and GZ compression formats, allowing users to extract or compress files without using third-party software. The new File Explorer interface will also have improved performance and reliability, making it faster and smoother to use.
The new File Explorer interface is designed to provide a modern and simplified experience for Windows 11 users who want to manage their files and folders with ease.
Taskbar Upgrades: More Flexibility and Customization
The third major feature of Windows 11 23H2 is the taskbar upgrades that will bring back some of the most requested features from previous versions of Windows. The taskbar upgrades will include:
- Never combine mode and show labels: Users will be able to ungroup their taskbar icons and show labels for each open window, making it easier to switch between them.
- New volume mixer: Users will be able to adjust the volume of each app individually from the taskbar, without opening the Settings app.
- RGB support: Users will be able to customize the color of their taskbar icons with RGB values, creating unique and personalized themes.
- Dark mode in Paint: Users who prefer dark mode will be able to use Paint in dark mode from the taskbar, without changing their system settings.
The taskbar upgrades are aimed at providing more flexibility and customization for Windows 11 users who want to personalize their taskbar according to their needs and preferences.
Windows 11 23H2: Release Date and Availability
Windows 11 23H2 does not have an official release date yet, but Microsoft has confirmed that it will be released in the fourth quarter of 2023. The update will be free for all Windows 11 users who are running version 22H2. The update process will be simple and fast, as it will apply like a monthly security update.
Windows 11 users who want to test some of the new features ahead of time can join the Windows Insider Program and opt for the Dev or Beta channels. However, they should be aware that these preview builds may have bugs and issues that could affect their system stability and performance.
Windows 11 23H2 is expected to be the next big update for Windows 11 that will bring several new features and improvements to the operating system. Windows 11 users can look forward to a new AI assistant, a new File Explorer interface, and more taskbar upgrades that will enhance their experience and productivity.
