Microsoft’s upcoming feature update for Windows 11, expected to arrive later this year, may not bring significant advancements to the operating system. According to recent information from Microsoft’s Windows client roadmap, the update will be delivered as an enablement package.
In simpler terms, this means that the update, known as Windows 11, version 23H2, will share the same servicing branch and code base as its predecessor, Windows 11, version 22H2. For users running version 22H2, the transition to version 23H2 will be a straightforward process through a small enablement package.
Enablement packages have been utilized by Microsoft in previous Windows 10 feature updates. Essentially, they preload the upgrade onto the PC, allowing for a quick and seamless installation by merely downloading the enablement package. Consequently, the 23H2 update for Windows 11 is expected to be a relatively minor update without major fundamental changes.
This aligns with the typical nature of enablement packages, as they are often minor updates that share the same code base. Similar approaches have been observed with Windows 10 upgrades delivered through the enablement route.
Analysis: Copilot’s Arrival in 2023 Uncertain
Considering this announcement from Microsoft, expectations for the next Windows 11 update should not be set too high, confirming previous speculations in the rumor mill. Despite some anticipated changes, such as a significant File Explorer revamp, the introduction of Microsoft’s Copilot AI might not be among them.
The potential absence of Copilot in the 23H2 update gains credibility from this enablement news. Speculation regarding its inclusion had circulated, but looking at the current early version of Copilot in testing, it appears to be quite basic and limited in its functionality within the Windows environment. At this stage, it functions more like an integrated Bing chatbot in a side panel on the desktop.
Based on this information, it is highly likely that Copilot will not be part of the Windows 11 23H2 update. Microsoft would likely prioritize taking additional time to refine and improve the AI assistant, ensuring it is done right. A rushed release could risk negative reception and potentially harm Microsoft’s reputation, much like what happened with Cortana or Clippy in the past.
Considering these factors, it seems prudent for Microsoft to reserve Copilot as a “game-changing” feature for Windows 12 or any subsequent next-generation Windows iteration set to debut in 2024.
