Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2023 Update (23H2)

Microsoft is announcing today the general availability of the Windows 11 2023 update, which is the name of the version 23H2 of the OS. As Microsoft previously explained, the Windows 11 2023 Update is available as an enablement package, and it includes Copilot in Windows alongside over 150 new features that Microsoft released as an optional update on September 26.

The Copilot in Windows preview, the modernized File Explorer, and other features from the September 26 update were also included in the optional “D” release for Windows 11 version 22H2 that Microsoft released last week on October 26. However, the Windows 11 2023 update that’s available starting today adds three additional changes:

Microsoft Teams (free): The “Chat” app that shipped with the original version of Windows 11 is being replaced by Microsoft Teams (free), and this app is pinned to the taskbar by default.

New “system” label in Start Menu: Windows 11 system components such as File Explorer, Microsoft Store, Settings, or Windows Tools now show a “system” label in the ‘All apps’ view of the Start Menu.

New Systems Components page in Settings: Windows 11 users can now manage system components by going to Settings > System > System Components.

If the Windows 11 2023 update shares the same codebase as Windows 11 version 22H2, this new update will reboot the support cycle with 24 months of support for Home and Pro users and 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education users. The shared codebase also means that the update process should be really seamless for organizations, with a fast installation experience instead of a full OS upgrade.

If your PC is already running Windows 11 version 22H2, you can download the Windows 11 2023 update (version 23H2) today by going to Settings > Windows Update, turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available,” and selecting “Check
for updates.”

“If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we may put a safeguard hold in place and not offer the update until that issue is resolved,” explained John Cable, Vice President, Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery. “We will begin the auto-updating rollout process in the coming months and share more information on the Windows release health hub.”

For IT Pros, the Windows 11 2023 Update is also available through Windows Server Update Services, Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Note that Copilot in Windows is enabled by default in markets where it’s available (only North America, some parts of Asia, and South America), but it can still be disabled with a policy.