Microsoft will release the next major Windows 11 update, 23H2, on September 26. The update will include AI-powered Windows Copilot functionality, a redesigned File Explorer, new InkAnywhere functionality for stylus users, major improvements to the Paint app, native RAR and 7-zip file support, a new volume mixer, and more.
Windows Copilot is a key feature of the Windows 1123H2 update, bringing the same Bing chat functionality directly to the Windows 11 desktop. It appears as a sidebar in Windows 11 and allows you to control settings on your PC, launch applications or just answer queries. It's integrated throughout the operating system, too: Microsoft executives demonstrated at the event how to use Copilot to compose text messages using data from your calendar, navigation options in Outlook, and more.
This is also Microsoft's latest attempt to provide a digital assistant in Windows after shutting down the Cortana app in Windows 11 last month. It's likely to be more successful this time around, especially since it's powered by the same technology behind BingChat, so you can ask real questions and get answers (which may not always be accurate) in return.
If you don't like the idea of an AI assistant, Microsoft still has a lot to offer with this update. File Explorer has a more modern look. The updated File Explorer user interface includes a modern home interface with large file thumbnails and a carousel interface that can display recent and favorite files. These changes make File Explorer fit better into the overall design of Windows 11.
Microsoft has also added native RAR and 7-zip support to Windows 11 with this update. This means you will be able to easily open files like tar, 7-zip, rar, gz, etc. using the libarchive open source project built into Windows 11. Microsoft also plans to provide support for creating these files in the 2024 format.
A new Windows volume mixer will also be rolled out with this update. The new volume mixer can be quickly accessed from the taskbar to switch audio output and control the volume of individual applications. It also looks a lot like EarTrumpet, a third-party audio app for Windows that I once dubbed "the Windows 10 volume control app Microsoft should have created."
Stylus users will get a big new feature called InkAnywhere, which allows you to use Surface Pen or other stylus to handwrite in any text box in Windows. The operating system converts your writing to text and uses it where applicable.
If you're a PC gamer, Microsoft has added an interesting feature in this update: native RGB lighting control. This Windows 11 feature, called Dynamic Lighting, will use the open HIDLampArray standard to control RGB lights. Acer, Asus, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly have all partnered with Microsoft to develop the Dynamic Lighting feature, which allows Windows apps to control devices as well as the Settings section of Windows 11.
If you have a mouse, keyboard, monitor, case fan, or any other piece of hardware with controllable RGB lighting, Microsoft's plan is that Windows will eventually be able to control it without third-party apps. This means users have less to fiddle with third-party apps to get the right color scheme.
Now, an improved Windows Backup app lets you back up your PC when you want to move to a new device. By backing up to the cloud, the tool automatically applies your existing settings to the new computer. Pinned apps on the Start menu and taskbar will also be transferred, and any apps in the Microsoft Store will be automatically restored.
Microsoft has also added app labeling and ungrouping capabilities to the Windows 11 taskbar. These were missing when Windows 11 was released, but Microsoft has been gradually improving the taskbar since rebuilding it for Windows 11. Microsoft Paint is also finally getting a dark mode, but you'll have to wait a little longer to see new Photoshop-like layer and transparency support.