Microsoft has announced that the Windows 11 23H2 update is now available. It includes new AI features such as Copilot and Cocreator in Paint, a modern Explorer, and more. The features in this Windows update were previously rolled out to Windows 11 Moment 4 users in phases and are now available to everyone.
Windows 11 version 23H2 comes as an “activation package” that includes features that are already present in the operating system but not yet functional. It will receive two years of active support with monthly updates and fixes.
Microsoft emphasizes that 23H2 does not change hardware requirements and works with existing applications, services and drivers. The update is optional for now, but Microsoft plans to roll it out automatically in the coming months. Currently, users can download it manually through Settings and Windows Update, and businesses can download it manually through Windows Update for Business. The update process is expected to take about 5-10 minutes.
As Neowin notes, version 23H2 has little to offer those who already installed Windows Moment 4. The biggest change that will be noticeable after installation is the absence of Cortana, as well as the old Mail application, which has been replaced by Outlook. Additionally, the Chat app is no longer pinned to the taskbar, and will now be replaced by Microsoft Teams.
For those upgrading to 23H2 from older versions of Windows 11 or Windows 10, 23H2 brings a host of new features: Windows Copilot, improved Photos and Paint, a new Windows Backup app, an updated volume mixer and taskbar, and more. Microsoft published the full list of features included in 23H2 in September.
Version 23H2 is expected to be the last major OS update before the release of Windows 12. Neowin reminds that the OS will not offer the update to those running 22H2 on unsupported PCs, but the new version is available for them too. Neowin forum member Mockingbird has posted installation instructions for 23H2 for unsupported PCs, and users can also download the 23H2 ISO image from the official Microsoft website and update using various workarounds.
Additionally, as noted by Neowin, the Media Creation Tool application has not been updated to version 23H2. Microsoft has not said what the reason is, but is already looking into the situation.
You can check whether the 23H2 update is installed on your computer by going to Settings > System and selecting About. If the “About” page shows version number 23H2, then it is installed. Another way to verify the installation is to use the Winver command.
If Windows 11 23H2 is not installed, you need to go to the “Windows Update” section and make sure that the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” option is enabled. You can request installation by clicking “Check for updates.”