updating: Microsoft says the upcoming release is an “update to 22H2”, not version 23H2. Original article below.

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During its special event in New York, Microsoft announced the next feature update for its operating system. It will be available as a free update to all users on September 26, 2023.

The upcoming update will bring plenty of changes and new features, with the biggest upgrade focusing on AI and the recently announced Copilot. Like the update itself, the Copilot will exit its preview phase on September 26, 2023. Additional AI-powered features include background removal in Paint (also layers, transparency and PNG support, and more), optical character recognition in the Snipping Tool , background blur in the photos app and more.

Customers can also look for important and expected upgrades to the taskbar, such as the ability to display labels and remove icons. Users will also be able to use their stylus to enter handwritten text into any field throughout the operating system. File Explorer will receive major upgrades, allowing you to work with more archives without installing third-party applications. You can see how it compares to dedicated archiving software in our separate article.

A redesigned volume mixer with source swapping and much-improved volume sliders is also part of the update, along with the new Windows Backup app to help you transfer apps, settings, data, passwords, and other information from your old PC to a new one. . As for gamers and other users with RGB peripherals, note the ability to control lightning, color and effects from the Settings app without relying on third-party software.

While there’s been no official word from Microsoft on the hardware requirements (as of this writing), anyone with a Windows 11-compatible PC should get the update via Windows Update for free on September 26, 2023. Later, we’ll publish a guide detailing how to upgrade your Windows 11 PC to the latest version. In the meantime, check out our roundup detailing all the new features coming to Windows 11 on September 26.