Microsoft released two major versions of Windows 11 that are in development this week. The main one, since it is a version for the stable channel, is Windows 11 Moments 4. These are oa cumulative update o Windows 11 22H2, which promises up to 150 new features. Like the previous update, it is free for PCs with a valid Windows 11 license and also for migration from Windows 10. It is now available for installation from Windows Update or through the Microsoft Catalog.

In parallel with the launch of the fourth edition of “Moments” (something similar to the Service Packs that were used with previous Windows, but lighter) the company deployed another version, Windows 11 23H2 in Preview for Insiders channel testers. The stable version is expected by the end of the year, will replace Windows 11 22H2 and may be the “last Windows 11” if Microsoft confirms Windows 12 definitively.

Windows 11 Moments 4, news

The Artificial Intelligence is central to this update. As we saw last week in Copilot’s launch announcement, the company has incorporated AI into many applications to make it easier to perform various tasks and access information. You already know that Microsoft is paying OpenAI a significant amount of money and intends to make the investment profitable.

With that in mind and keep stressing it This is not a new version, but an update, the company is talking about 150 new features. To say that Microsoft, immersed in a Windows development engineering plan that can confuse anyone, has now released some features and is testing more in the Insider channel for the launch of Windows 11 stable version 23H2. We will briefly repeat the main ones, since we have already explained them to you in this article.

Co-pilot

The new AI-powered assistant is now integrated directly into Windows 11, allowing you to use artificial intelligence to perform various tasks within the operating system and its supported applications. You can change system settings, analyze documents and web pages, schedule meetings, or get help writing an email. Copilot will replace Cortana, which Microsoft announced will be retired at the end of the year. If you live in Spain, you won’t be able to use Copilot (officially) because European Union regulations don’t allow it. For now.

Microsoft Paint

Microsoft Paint has received a major update with new artificial intelligence features and support for layers that bring the app closer to everything you need to edit photos and images. New AI features in Microsoft Paint include a new background removal tool and a new Co-creator feature that generates images based on text descriptions. In addition to the AI-powered features, Microsoft has also introduced layers and transparency, making it possible to use Paint as an almost full-fledged image editor.

OCR in crop tool

Screenshot Tool Cut out tool adds new features such as the ability to extract text from an image for use in other applications. It will also allow you to capture audio, creating a video with audio from what is displayed on the screen. In addition, it also has tools to enable actions such as text masking once captured.

Access keys

An important feature for the future of Windows security. Microsoft has added support for passcodes in Windows 11, allowing you to securely log in to websites without passwords. Access codes are unique codes linked to your devices that allow you to use biometric checks or security keys to log in to websites. Access codes and web credentials (FIDO credentials) are expected to be the standard approach for all providers to access accounts without passwords .

Main panel

Microsoft has finally added the “Never Merge” feature to the Windows 11 taskbar, allowing you to view all running instances of an app. It’s another feature that has been inexplicably unavailable and has actually been one of the most requested changes since launch. It’s a detail, but problems like this have been and continue to be the sum total of most of us still using Windows 10.

Windows Backup

The new backup app for Windows 11 (and extended to Windows 10) lets you save files, folders, apps, encrypted credentials, and settings. Microsoft is linking it to its own OneDrive cloud service, though we expect more output devices to be added later.

File browser

File Explorer was already thoroughly revamped in the previous version of Windows 11, with features like desired tabs, a new start page, and more. A new Gallery view has now been added to simplify access to photo collections and other minor improvements.

File formats

Microsoft has added native support for handling other archive formats such as RAR and other archives such as tar, 7-Zip or gz. The company used the libarchive project and from there could add other formats like bzip2, lha, cab, xar or cpio that are supported on Linux systems in the future. It must be said that RAR support in Windows 11 is limited and many of us will continue to use dedicated external applications.

Clipchamp with automatic composition

Clipchamp now uses artificial intelligence to automatically create videos from the photos and videos you add to the program. “Simply upload your photos and videos, choose a video style and let our AI create a professional looking video. Turn memories of life events, trips or vacations into videos that stand out on social media »explains Microsoft.

View

Microsoft is now launching a new Outlook email client app that will replace the Mail, Calendar, and People apps in Windows 11. This new app features a more modern email interface with new artificial intelligence features to help organize your inbox and write e-mails. -mails. It will be included by default starting with Windows 11 23H2.

We summarize here, but there are many other features, always of a minor nature, because we insist that Windows 11 Moments 4 is a cumulative update that awaits the launch of Windows 11 23H2 at the end of the year. In addition, some of the mentioned functions (we assume that there was no time to finish them) have been postponed for the next version and are being tested in the preview.

Installing Windows 11 Moments 4 or Windows 11 23H2

Windows 11 Moments 4 is now available for free to update computers that have valid Windows 11 licenses. Installing it is as simple as going to Settings > Windows Update, clicking the “Check for updates” button, and starting an automatic process that keeps files, apps, data, and configurations present. on the device. If you want more control, you already know that another way to update computers is through the Microsoft Update catalog.

We expect that Microsoft will update the ISO image listed on the download page shortly and that it can be used for “clean” installations or loaded into virtual machines. OEMs are expected to wait for version 23H2 to update the version they include pre-installed on new computers.

As for Windows 11 23H2, it is also available, but in this case v “preview” phase on the Insiders test channel. The stable version will be released before the end of 2023. If you need it, you can check our installation guide for Windows 11 22H2, because the process is the same in both cases, except that you need to register for the 23H2 Insiders channel in advance. And then? In 2024, I would touch Windows 12…