Microsoft is going to install the latest version of its desktop operating system on your PC ...even if you haven’t asked for the update. Yes, the US company will force the installation of Windows 11 version 23H2, the update that rolled-out worldwide towards the end of last year, to all PCs globally.
In a statement, Microsoft confirmed that it would “automatically” upgrade all eligible Windows 11 devices in the coming weeks. It hopes to update everyone to 23H2 before the previous version of the operating system reaches its end-of-support deadline in October 2024.
After that date, if you're persisting with the previous version of Windows 11, you’ll stop receiving security updates, patches, or technical support from Microsoft. That could leave you open to ransomware, spyware, and other viruses.
The same fate awaits Windows 10 users who don’t — or can’t — upgrade to Windows 11 before the deadline in late 2025. However, Microsoft will offer some security updates for an extra fee.
With Windows 11, there’s no choice. If your PC is connected to the internet, Microsoft will kickstart the upgrade process at some point during the next seven months.
Microsoft says it uses machine learning to ensure the automatic update process starts at the best time for users around the world. The Redmond-based company received widespread criticism during the Windows 10 era for pushing automatic updates at the worst time for users — leaving laptops unusable just before boarding a long-haul flight, during an important presentation, or worse.
To find out whether you’ll be impacted by the forced update process, you’ll need to check what version of Windows you’re currently running. Microsoft is only ending support for Windows 11 version 22H2, which released in the second half of 2022. It’s worth noting that support for version 21H2 ended last year, so your PC should’ve updated since then.
If you haven’t already updated to 23H2, there are a few new tricks coming to your PC. The update, which became available in October 2023, bundled the AI-powered Windows Copilot assistant, an overhauled File Explorer, an improved volume mixer, and a reworked Windows Spotlight.
Speaking about the plan to upgrade Windows 11 machines worldwide, Microsoft said: "Windows 11, version 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, is now entering a new rollout phase.
“We are starting to update eligible Windows 11 devices automatically to version 23H2. This automatic update targets Windows 11 devices that have reached or are approaching end of servicing and it follows the machine learning-based (ML) training we have utilized so far.
“We will continue to train our intelligent ML model to safely roll out this new Windows version in phases to deliver a smooth update experience."
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Microsoft is gearing up to launch a blockbuster new version of Windows 11 later this year, known as 24H2. Despite reports that Microsoft would squeeze enough new features into the upcoming update that it’d be rebranded Windows 12, the US company has now confirmed that won’t be the case.
The forthcoming update to Windows 11 will purportedly focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Microsoft looking to anticipate your next request by analysing and learning your habits.
Search will also rely on natural language, those familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed, so instead of searching for the exact title of a Word document, you could search for a document that “was created last week and has a chart about Q4 revenue” or “PDF Matt sent on WhatsApp on Monday”.
Microsoft will also lean on AI to supercharge Live Caption, enabling translations to take place in real-time during a video call, livestream, or phone call.
