Windows users, get ready to be excited because a brand-new update has just dropped! While it's not the highly-anticipated 23H2 update, this one, known as the "Moment 4" update, comes packed with a host of new features and improvements. In this article, we'll delve into the significant highlights and even some lesser-known gems of this update.
How to Get the Moment 4 Update
Before we dive into the details, let's address the first question on your mind: How do you get this new update? Unlike automatic installations, you'll need to take a proactive approach. Here's what you need to do:
1. Access Windows Update: Head to your Windows Update settings.
2. Enable "Get the Latest Updates": In Windows Update settings, ensure that you've enabled the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option.
3. Or Download the "2023-09 Cumulative Update Preview": Alternatively, you might spot the "2023-09 Cumulative Update Preview." Download and install this, and it should bring you the Moment 4 update.
The Highlight: Copilot
One of the most talked-about features in the Moment 4 update is Copilot. This feature is being heavily promoted by Microsoft. Copilot is essentially an AI-powered assistant similar to Bing Chat. When you click on the Copilot icon in the taskbar, you can interact with it, ask questions, and request various tasks. It operates on GPT-4 technology and can perform tasks like changing to dark mode, among others. It also offers integration into certain apps like Outlook, assisting with email summarization.
More Archive Support
Finally, native support for a variety of file archives has arrived. Windows now supports not only zip files but also 7-zip files, RAR files, tar.gz, and tarball files. Extracting these files is now straightforward within Windows.
Notepad Session Retention
Notepad users, rejoice! With the Moment 4 update, Notepad now retains your session even if you close it. This means that if you have multiple Notepad tabs open and close the application, it will remember your tabs and reopen them the next time you use Notepad.
Paint Gets an Upgrade
Microsoft Paint gets a significant upgrade in the Moment 4 update. It now supports transparency and introduces the concept of layers. This means you can work on an image without altering the original, making it a more versatile tool for image editing. Additionally, Paint can automatically remove the background from images using AI, although it might not always produce perfect results.
Snipping Tool Text Extraction
The Snipping Tool has gained a text extraction feature. When you take a screenshot that includes text, you can use the Text Actions button to select and copy the text from the image. It even offers a "Quick Redact" option to automatically cover sensitive information like phone numbers and email addresses.
Photos App Background Blur
The Photos app now includes a background blur feature. When editing an image, you can click to blur the background. It uses AI to analyze and provide a preview, allowing you to adjust the blur intensity. A brush tool also enables you to fine-tune the areas to be blurred or unblurred.
File Explorer Improvements
File Explorer has been modernized and includes a Gallery option for recent photos. One noteworthy addition is the ability to drag tabs from one File Explorer window to another, streamlining your workflow.
Windows Backup App
A new Windows Backup app has been introduced for transferring files and apps when moving to a new PC. While it doesn't back up the installation files of apps, it records a list of installed programs and their settings for easy restoration on a new computer.
Narrator with Natural Voices
The Narrator feature has received a boost with more natural voices. These AI neural voices provide a more human-like narration experience.
Volume Mixer Enhancements
The volume mixer has seen improvements, displaying all sound devices and currently running programs with individual volume control. It also introduces an option for spatial audio, enhancing sound quality with certain headphones.
Auto Dimming
For devices equipped with presence sensors, such as laptops and tablets, the Moment 4 update introduces an auto-dimming feature. When you step away, the screen dims to save energy and brightens when you return.
Outlook for Windows
Microsoft has released a free version of Outlook for Windows, offering features similar to the Windows Mail app and bridging the gap towards full Microsoft 365 Outlook functionality.
New Settings
The Settings interface has been refreshed with a more user-friendly layout, including recent and suggested settings. Additionally, a new "End Task" option is available when right-clicking a program on the taskbar, allowing for quick closure of unresponsive apps.
Passkeys Menu
A new menu for Passkeys, a replacement for passwords, has been introduced. It provides convenient management of passkeys saved in Windows Hello.
RGB Light Control
For those with RGB lighting in their computers, the Moment 4 update now supports dynamic lighting customization. You can set it to match your Windows accent color, use different lighting effects, and look forward to support for a wide range of devices.
Taskbar Improvements
Customization options for the taskbar have expanded. You can choose whether or not to display the date and time and opt to never combine objects in the taskbar. Notifications now feature a filled bell icon when active.
Other Notable Changes
Fluent Emojis: Windows now uses the Fluent Emojis, providing a more three-dimensional and appealing appearance to emojis.
Uninstall Cortana: Cortana can now be uninstalled more easily from the apps list.
Business Features: The update includes several business-oriented features, such as passwordless login for business accounts, direct boot into Windows 365 PCs, and improved cloud PC switching.
In conclusion, the "Moment 4" Windows update brings a variety of exciting new features and improvements aimed at enhancing your computer usage experience. Whether you're an enthusiast, a creative professional, or a business user, there's something for everyone in this update. Remember to check for compatibility with your specific hardware and enjoy the new and improved Windows experience.
FAQs
Is the Moment 4 update available for all Windows versions?
The Moment 4 update is primarily intended for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Ensure your system is up to date to receive this update.
Can I revert to the previous Windows version if I encounter issues with the update?
Yes, you can roll back to the previous Windows version within a specific time frame after updating. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery to find this option.
When can I expect the Moment 4 update to be available on my computer?
The availability of the update may vary based on your region and hardware. Microsoft typically rolls out updates gradually, so it might take some time for it to reach all users.
Do I need a compatible device for the dynamic RGB lighting feature?
Yes, you'll need a device that supports RGB lighting for the dynamic lighting customization feature to work. Check with your hardware manufacturer.
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