Microsoft’s Windows 11: What to Expect From February 2024 Moment 5 Update

Microsoft's Windows 11 is gearing up for its next feature drop in early 2024, with the introduction of the fifth 'Moment' update.

Moments, smaller feature updates released independently of the annual major upgrades, play a crucial role in refining the Windows 11 experience.

Windows Central's Zac Bowden reports that Moment 5 is scheduled for a preview release in late February, with the full version expected to roll out on March 12, adhering to Microsoft's typical cumulative update release cadence, as per a TechRadar article.

Enhancing Windows Experience

While Moment 5 may not usher in groundbreaking changes, it promises an array of tweaks and additions designed to enhance various facets of the operating system.

Stylus users, in particular, can look forward to the capability of writing directly into text fields using their pens, a feature set to eventually become an OS-wide capability in Windows.

Voice Access is also in the limelight, receiving notable attention with added support for multiple monitors and powerful new voice shortcuts. These shortcuts are customizable commands facilitating tasks such as opening files, navigating folders, or pasting boilerplate text sections, and they can be chained together for efficiency.

Microsoft's focus on improving the user experience extends to several minor tweaks, including providing Notepad with a character count feature. Users will also gain the ability to rename devices with the Nearby Share feature, enhancing identification at a glance.

However, some Moment 5 adjustments are made to comply with European regulations. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will now have the option to uninstall the Edge browser from Windows 11 and replace Bing in the taskbar search box with alternative search engines like Google, according to Neowin.

A significant change comes in the form of the Windows Spotlight feature, which will be set as the default wallpaper setting with the Moment 5 update, provided users opt for built-in Windows wallpapers.

Copilot, Widget Upgrades

After the Copilot launch, the update brings noteworthy improvements to the feature. Copilot can now be "undocked," allowing apps to exist underneath the Copilot sidebar, offering a more flexible interface.

According to Windows Central, the Copilot interface will also be accessible in the Windows ALT+TAB menu for seamless switching between tasks. Additionally, Copilot will extend its functionality across multiple displays, providing users with increased convenience.

Minor changes to the casting menu in the Quick Settings panel aim to provide better descriptions for new users and suggest the Cast feature during multitasking scenarios.

Moment 5 also introduces widget improvements, delivering the long-awaited option to hide the newsfeed.

Accessibility and sharing see enhancements; new features are added for Windows 365 integration; and updates for inbox apps, including a character counter for Notepad and a dedicated section for the Microsoft Store.

While Moment 5 may not introduce a multitude of new features, users can already experience some of its highlights by installing the updated Widgets Board and turning off the news.

Those eager to explore upcoming changes can enroll their computers in the Windows Insider Program, specifically the Beta Channel, for an early hands-on experience.

It's crucial to note that, as with any unconfirmed information, plans may change, and official details are likely to emerge closer to the anticipated release date.