Microsoft is currently working on Windows 11's fourth update, also known as Windows 11 23H2 or Moment 4 Update. However, contrary to the excitement generated by the previous Moment updates, Moment 4 is projected to be more of a modest cumulative update, prompting minimal anticipation from the user community.
Simplifying Updates, Lowering Expectations
While the exact release date for Moment 4 is still uncertain, the update is set to launch in the second half of 2023, likely in October. Traditionally, Moment updates have been platforms for introducing new features, like tabs in Explorer. However, information gleaned from Microsoft insider PhantomOfEarth on Twitter suggests that Windows 11 23H2 may be less exciting in terms of novel features.
22631.1825 – KB5026440 (internal)
22631 enablement package: KB5027397
Could 23H2 be a servicing style/enablement package update after all?
For those who want the velocity feature, it'll *likely* be MTestUx15, 42105254 https://t.co/pTz3eaXUZP
— PhantomOcean3 💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) May 18, 2023
Tech analyst Zac Bowden, commenting on the news, confirmed that Windows 11 version 23H2 will be a Cumulative Update (CU) release rather than a full build upgrade, as it's based on the same platform release as version 22H2.
This pretty much confirms that Windows 11 version 23H2 coming later this year will be a CU release, not a full build upgrade, as 23H2 is based on the same platform release as version 22H2.
Next major version of the Windows platform is still on track to launch in the second half… https://t.co/6yrkbNqEsL
— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) May 18, 2023
According to reports, Windows 11 version 23H2 will install similarly to the operating system's cumulative updates, making it the first feature update for Windows 11 to install this way. An internal build recently released by Microsoft with a new build number, based on Windows 11 version 22H2, and its own enablement package (KB5027397), support these assertions.
Although this approach is beneficial for system administrators due to reduced update complexity, it means users should not anticipate major new features or differences in the new version of Windows 11.
Looking Toward the Future: Windows 12?
Despite the muted expectation around Moment 4, Microsoft is on track to release a major version of the Windows platform in the second half of 2024. Speculation is rife whether this could indeed be the much-anticipated Windows 12.
Earlier, Microsoft announced a return to a three-year release cycle for its Windows platform, which implies the release of the next major Windows version in October 2024. The new release will require at least the same system specifications as Windows 11, possibly disappointing Windows 10 users whose devices fail to meet these requirements.
Reports suggest that the next major Windows release could focus on AI-based capabilities, stirring anticipation among tech enthusiasts. The somewhat underwhelming response to Windows 11's “Moment” updates is expected to give way to a buzz of excitement as the tech community looks forward to the next-gen Windows version set to replace Windows 11.
Last Updated on May 25, 2023 10:52 am CEST
