Top new features to look forward to in the next big Windows 11 update

Windows 11 got its last major feature update last year when users were treated to the 22H2 update. Now, the operating system, used by over a billion users, is set to get its next major update sometime later this year. Ahead of the new Windows 11 23H2 update, here are all the new features you can expect, thanks to the Windows Insider Preview which hints at what’s to come.

New Windows File Explorer

A new File Manager is coming to Windows 11 yet again, and changes include a new position for the address bar, and the file and folder commands moved a notch down. A new Gallery view in the File Explorer will also allow users to check out media folders more efficiently. The ‘Details’ pane on the side is also set to get a new look and will show more information about files.

ALSO READ: Top Windows 11 tips and tricks

Taskbar ungrouping

Taskbar ungrouping, or the ability to see separate tabs of multiple windows of the same program, was one of the features Microsoft got rid of during the jump to Windows 11. This made a lot of users unhappy, as ungrouping made life easier when multitasking with a lot of browser windows, or multiple instances of a single program. Now, the feature is set to make a comeback in the new 23H2 update for Windows 11.

Native support for RAR and 7z files

Irrespective of whether you purchased a WinRAR subscription or not after all those years of freeloading, Microsoft may now permanently end the need for additional software to access .rar and .7z compressed files. With inbuilt support for the same, users will be able to open most archives and zip files directly from File Explorer.

Built-in RGB lighting controls

If you’re a gamer with a Windows-based laptop or desktop, you’re probably no stranger to third-party software to control your lighting like RGBFusion or AuraSync. However, Windows 11’s upcoming update is set to bring in built-in RGB controls. It remains to be seen if the native controls will be as full-fledged as third-party tools, but the addition is a good step regardless.

Dark Mode Paint

A big annoyance with Microsoft Paint was the large, blank, white canvas that glares at you every time you start a new project. The large white spaces can be painful to your eyes when working at night. While the rest of Windows 11 got dark mode support to combat this, Paint is yet to be invited to the party. That is set to change with the new update.

ALSO READ: How to use multiple desktops on Windows 11?

Windows Copilot

With Microsoft pushing out Cortana from Windows 11, a new AI-based assistant is set to come to the operating system. Windows Copilot, the new assistant, has similar abilities to Microsoft’s Bing Chat conversational AI. However, Copilot is also directly integrated into Windows, allowing more use cases. Copilot wasn’t part of Windows Insider Preview, so we’ll just have to wait and see what the new tool can do.

Other changes

Windows 11’s 23H2 update is also set to come with many more changes including new emoji support, a new spotlight page, smarter pen support and an improved backup and restore experience. The new Windows 11 update also comes with smaller changes like Windows suggesting you to disable notifications for frequently ignored apps or being able to see the password for your current Wi-Fi network.

While the Windows 11 23H2 update still has no official date, users can expect the update to come in the months to follow.