The Windows 11 update includes RAR support, Copilot AI, a faster Explorer, a significantly improved Paint app and much more.

Traditionally, Microsoft distributes a major Windows 11 update to all users at the end of the year, in addition to the numerous smaller updates throughout the year. Starting September 26th, Windows 11 23H2 will be systematically rolled out to all users.

Throughout the year, Microsoft tests various Windows 11 updates with Windows Insiders (beta testers) in order to identify errors in new functions at an early stage. All “news” have already been communicated to these testers at some point. From September 26th, the remaining Windows 11 users can get started. We’ll go through the most important elements.

Copilot AI on Windows

The biggest innovation in Windows 11 23H2 is undoubtedly the integration of Copilot, the AI ​​assistant that can help you find settings in Windows 11 or answer your question via Bing Chat.

Copilot is located behind the Win+C keyboard shortcut and can interact with the open windows on your computer. Microsoft has created a handy video with some options for which you can enlist Copilot’s help.

Paint, Explorer and the Snipping Tool

It has been known for a long time that Paint is getting a major upgrade in order to become relevant again as a photo program. In Windows 11 23H2, you can take advantage of the AI ​​capabilities of the latest Dall-E 3 and now edit photos in layers. The software can now also automatically remove a background.

File Explorer gets a makeover in this update with an improved address bar, search, and a new media gallery view. Microsoft is also adding compatibility for RAR files for the first time. This means you no longer need to install WinRAR on your PC.

The snipping tool becomes much smarter with the new update. The software can now recognize the text in a selection window, allowing you to copy its contents into a word processing program. You can now even create videos with sound while your screen is recorded. For example, you can easily show and explain a new function or program to someone in a video

Outlook for Windows

The mail app in Windows 11 is sent into the eternal hunt: from now on we’ll only talk about Outlook. The version integrated into the operating system is called Outlook for Windows and is available to everyone free of charge.

The mail tool supports many accounts, including Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud and of course Microsoft’s own addresses. You can easily add photos and documents to Onedrive without leaving the app.

Smarter editor and better backups

Even Notepad is getting some love from Microsoft in the Windows 11 23H2 update. As soon as you open Notepad, Windows 11 immediately saves everything you do in it. If you close the app without saving, the text will simply appear when you start the app. If you’re a Notepad fan, you can work in tabs to take quick notes.

Finally, Microsoft emphasizes that Windows Backup works better than ever with the new update. This now makes migrating to a new Windows 11 PC easier. Everything from files, apps and settings are automatically transferred to the new device.

Update quickly… or not?

According to Microsoft, this is the biggest Windows 11 update yet with more than 150 new features and improvements. All of these goodies will be available starting September 26th, when Windows 11 23H2 is released to the general public as a major update.

Even if many beta testers (Windows Insiders) have already tested most of the functions in detail, it is often worth having a little patience. It wouldn’t be the first time that many bugs appeared in the news in the following weeks after a major update.

If you find it difficult to wait, we always recommend backing up your system when joining this early. You never know…