The latest annual update for Windows 11, known as the Windows 11 2023 Update or Windows 11 23H2, is now being rolled out to the general public by Microsoft. In a blog post, John Cable, the Vice President of Microsoft Windows Servicing and Delivery, describes this update as “scoped,” “cumulative,” and “streamlined,” indicating that it primarily focuses on rolling over the version number without introducing significant changes. Most of the major new features, such as the Copilot AI assistant, were released a month ago with Windows 11 22H2. However, with the 23H2 update, you can be certain that any PC running it will have these features, whereas older versions of 22H2 may not.
John Cable also highlights a few additions specific to 23H2. The Chat app from previous Windows 11 releases has been replaced by Microsoft Teams (free), which is now pinned to the taskbar by default, just like Chat used to be. In the Start menu’s “All apps” view, built-in system apps now have a new “system” label, and they are managed separately from other apps in the Settings app under System > System Components.
Although these version number changes may seem insignificant, they determine whether your PC is eligible for Windows security updates. While “Windows 11” as a whole will likely receive updates for years to come, each yearly release only receives updates for two years, at least for home users. This means that the initial Windows 11 release, 21H2, is no longer receiving updates, and 22H2 will stop receiving updates in about a year.
Due to its minor nature, the 23H2 update should cause minimal disruption for those already using Windows 11 22H2. Both versions share the same code base and servicing branch, so the installation process should be as quick as a typical monthly security update and should not break any existing functionality.
The 23H2 update is designed to have minimal impact on users who are already running Windows 11 22H2. Both versions share the same code base and servicing branch, ensuring a smooth installation process similar to a regular monthly security update. Rest assured, this update should not cause any disruptions to your current system functionality. However, if there are any known compatibility issues with specific components of your system, Microsoft will prevent the update from installing until the problem is resolved. To obtain the 23H2 update, you can simply use the Windows Update feature. In the event that it is not available through Windows Update, you have alternative options. You can utilize the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, which will guide you through the update process. Alternatively, you can download the installation media using Microsoft’s Media Creation tool or a Microsoft-provided ISO disk image. All of these tools can be accessed from the provided link.
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