- Microsoft hints that Windows 11 22H2 will get a moment update in March 2023.
- The update will include Taskbar optimized for tablets, visual changes for System Tray and Search, and more.
- Also, the company announced that users can now opt out of Beta Channel gracefully.
- The update is available for seekers starting February 28, and everyone will get it on March 14.
UPDATED 2/28/2023: Microsoft suggests that the second feature drop for Windows 11 22H2 will occur on March 14, 2023, as the official preview of the Moment 2 upgrade appears on the Release Preview Channel.
Outside of the annual major releases (feature upgrades), these new updates allow the organization to distribute new features and enhancements as soon as they are ready. It can be compared to feature-drop updates for smartphones.
The initial version, which included features like File Explorer and Suggested Actions tabs, was made available in October 2022. A tablet-optimized revamp of the Taskbar and more visual adjustments to the Start menu and Taskbar are anticipated in the second moment. Along with many other enhancements, this update will bring new versions of the Notepad and Task Manager apps to the Settings app.
Windows 11 22H2 March update new features
The March 2023 update for Windows 11 22H2 includes the following new features and modifications:
-
Taskbar
Updated interface for tablets that will automatically transition to tablet mode when disconnecting or folding the keyboard on a convertible device. -
System Tray
Updated interface with a modern design for the flyout interface, and hovering over visible icons will show an updated tooltip. -
Search
Updated search box design and new settings for the Taskbar experience. -
Power settings
Add new Energy Recommendations with suggestions to configure features to save energy and lower your carbon footprint. -
About settings
New Trade-in or recycle your PC option with information on how to get rid of the device safely with links to pages to help you back up your data, remove your data, and more. -
File Explorer
Full search results page will update live without pressing the
Enter
key. -
Quick Settings
The flyout will now include quick access to the Windows Studio effects for devices with support for Neural Processing Unit (NPU). -
Windows Update
Commercial customers can configure the system to enable or disable feature drops outside of the annual feature update through the Windows Update for Business or on-premises with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
The update will also come with a number of fixes and enhancements for Windows Narrator, Braille, and Voice Access.
This release will also include a new version of Notepad that supports tabs, as well as modifications to the Task Manager software that include a new search function, graphic enhancements, and other changes.
It is anticipated that the second feature drop update for Windows 11 22h2 will be made available as part of the Patch Tuesday update on March 14, 2023. During the company’s monthly update schedules, the new updates will be released via Windows Update and other channels through the Microsoft Store.
It is also possible to opt out of the Windows Insider Program without having to reinstall your device if it is in the Beta Channel.
Update February 28, 2023: Although Microsoft formally declared the update will be available on February 28, eligible devices will begin receiving it automatically on March 14, 2023.