What's next for Windows 11 in 2023

Windows 11 2022 Update and Future Plans

In 2022, Windows 11 had a relatively quiet year, highlighted by the launch of the Windows 11 2022 Update, which brought new features and improvements over its 2021 version. As the year ends, insights into future updates and features are emerging. Microsoft has initiated a new internal engineering project named “Moments” with Windows 11 version 22H2. This effort is designed to provide ongoing innovation to users throughout the OS’s lifecycle. Rather than relying on the annual fall feature update, Microsoft intends to roll out new features every few months through a series of updates called feature drops. The inaugural drop, Windows 11 Moment 2, was launched in October and introduced tabs in File Explorer. This approach aims to keep Windows 11 fresh and responsive to user needs, ensuring continuous enhancements and improvements without the long wait between major updates.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The next Windows 11 Moment update will likely release in February or March, bringing more features and updates for Windows 11 users. Here’s a rundown of the top new features expected to be included in the Moment 2 update for Windows 11:

Tablet-mode Taskbar: This feature brings over the minimised Taskbar interface introduced on Windows 10X. When Windows detects a touchscreen and no keyboard or mouse is connected, the Taskbar will now minimise, providing users with extra space for their running apps. Users can swipe up on the Taskbar to access pinned and running apps, with larger hitboxes for easier finger use.
System Tray Updates: The System Tray overflow menu underwent a rewrite from scratch using modern code, ensuring greater consistency with the rest of the Windows 11 interface. Additionally, users can disable the overflow button if it’s not needed.
Expanded Search Bar Options: Users will access a wider range of search bar options.
Energy Recommendations in Settings: Windows 11 Moment 2 will introduce energy recommendations within the Settings app.
Search in Task Manager: Users can now search within the Task Manager.
Full-screen Widgets Panel: A new full-screen widgets panel will appear.
Studio Effects in Quick Settings: Users will access Studio Effects in the Quick Settings app.
Voice Access Enhancements: Voice Access will receive enhancements.

Some of these features, particularly those related to the Taskbar and System Tray, are significant. Microsoft commits to delivering notable changes and updates to the Windows UI through these Moments, and the second Moment update for Windows 11 will likely be a major update for users running Windows 11 on tablets.

Microsoft also plans a third Moment update for Windows 11 in the late spring or early summer, likely in May or June. While it’s too early to know exactly what Moment 3 will include, I’ve heard that Microsoft works on preliminary improvements for foldable PCs, for both single-screen and dual-screen form factors.

I anticipate further changes to the Windows Search UI, updates to some in-box apps, and more. Microsoft plans to replace the Windows Mail and Calendar apps with the new Outlook web client, which I believe could begin in 2023 once the new client can integrate with third-party email services.

Another major focus for these Moment updates throughout 2023 will be updating legacy interfaces with modern designs consistent with the rest of Windows 11. Many older interfaces from Windows 8 and Windows 7, such as the USB Autoplay interface, recovery and device rename dialogues, Windows Firewall popups, and more, will likely receive new designs.

Windows 11 version 23H2

Despite ongoing Moment updates, Microsoft remains committed to delivering an annual feature update for Windows 11. This means there will be a Windows 11 version 23H2 in the fall, likely in September or October, which will include new features and an updated support lifecycle.

However, unlike previous Windows 11 feature updates, I believe the 23H2 feature update won’t be a major platform release. It will deliver similarly to a Moment update, rather than a full new release of Windows like the 22H2 feature update.

I’ve also heard that a Moment 4 update will likely occur around the same time, but I’m unsure if Moment 4 is simply the 23H2 release or a separate update coming shortly after 23H2 launches, similar to Moment 1 with the 22H2 release.

TL;DR

Here’s a rundown of the update milestones you can expect to see for Windows 11 in 2023:

Windows 11 22H2 Moment 2 will release in February or March, followed by Windows 11 22H2 Moment 3 in May or June. Windows 11 23H2 Moment 4 will release in September or October. This new continuous innovation schedule means users will receive new features and notable changes on a frequent basis, every few months throughout the year. This marks a significant change compared to previous Windows releases, which only saw new features ship once or twice a year.