Microsoft has recently announced its plans to enforce the activation of the Windows 11 Moment 3 update feature in July 2023. This update is part of Microsoft’s new approach to enhancing its operating systems by introducing new features through a series of “Moments,” rather than solely focusing on bug fixes and security patches.
The Moment 3 update, being the third in this series for Windows 11, brings forth numerous highly anticipated features to the operating system. Here is an overview of Microsoft’s strategy to enforce the Windows 11 Moment 3 update feature in July 2023.
What is the Windows 11 Moment 3 update?
The Windows 11 Moment 3 update is the third installment in Microsoft’s Moments for Windows 11. It introduces several enhancements to various components of the operating system, including the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center. Moreover, it provides upgrades to touch, voice, and pen input functionality. The update also brings improvements to the Settings app, File Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.
For users unfamiliar with the concept of Moment updates, here’s a brief introduction. Windows 11’s update strategy differs from its predecessor, Windows 10. The objective is to consistently deliver “creative updates” to users, and these frequent feature updates are referred to as “Moments” internally within Microsoft. Each Moment update presents distinct advancements, separate from the regular yearly and security-focused updates.
The initial Moment update for Windows 11, known as 22H2, introduced features like tabs for File Explorer, suggested actions for Edge and other applications, and various other useful enhancements. Subsequent updates in Moment 2 brought additional conveniences to the system tray, such as drag and drop support. In the case of “Moment 3,” Microsoft introduces a new type of notification that enables users to quickly copy authentication (2FA) codes without having to open incoming messages, emails, or other types of notifications.
When will the Windows 11 Moment 3 update be released?
The Windows 11 Moment 3 update was initially released on May 24, 2023, as an optional preview update for Windows 11. It will be automatically enabled in Windows 11’s June 2023 optional update. However, starting in July, the update will be automatically downloaded and installed as part of the July 2023 Patch update.
How to install the Windows 11 Moment 3 update?
For those who do not wish to wait for the automatic update in July, here are the steps to manually enable the new Moment 3 features in Windows 11:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click on “Check for updates.”
- Locate the optional Moment 3 update and click on the download and install button.
- Restart your device.
- Navigate to Settings > System > About, and ensure that your build number version is 22621.1778 / 22H2 or higher.
- Return to the Windows Update page.
It is important to note that the Moment 3 features will be enabled by default in Windows 11’s June 2023 optional update. However, the July 2023 Patch update will automatically download and install the Moment 3 update. This update introduces new accessibility features, upgrades the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and incorporates new security enhancements.
What are the new features of the Windows 11 Moment 3 update?
The Windows 11 Moment 3 update brings numerous new features to the system. In addition to the aforementioned enhancements, here are some additional features included in the Windows 11 Moment 3 update:
- Improvements to the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center.
- New features for touch, voice, and pen input.
- Enhancements to the Settings app, File Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.
- New accessibility features, including improved high contrast mode and support for braille displays.
- Improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
- New security features, including improvements to Windows Hello and Windows Defender.
- Taskbar System Tray and notifications.
- Start menu badge.
- New Widgets layout.
- Kiosk multi.
- Task Manager troubleshooting.
- New wallpapers in shades of pink, magenta, and purple.
How do the privacy settings in the Moment 3 update for Windows 11 work?
The Moment 3 update for Windows 11 introduces new privacy settings aimed at safeguarding users’ personal information. One of the notable additions is the presence sensor privacy setting, which can be found in the Settings menu under Privacy & security > Presence sensing. If your device is equipped with compatible presence sensors, you now have the ability to choose which apps can access these sensors. Likewise, you can also specify which apps should not have access. It’s important to note that Microsoft does not collect images or metadata. Instead, your device’s hardware processes the information locally to prioritize your privacy.
Alongside the presence sensor privacy setting, the Moment 3 update includes enhancements to the App Privacy Report. In the Settings menu, a dedicated section displays the frequency at which your location, photos, camera, microphone, and contacts have been accessed within the last seven days. Additionally, it reveals the domains that apps have contacted. This, combined with Privacy Nutrition Labels, offers a comprehensive overview of how the apps you utilize handle your privacy.
Why is Microsoft enforcing the Windows 11 Moment 3 update feature?
Microsoft is enforcing the Windows 11 Moment 3 update feature to ensure that all Windows 11 users can benefit from the latest features and improvements. This update aligns with Microsoft’s new approach to updating operating systems, which involves introducing new features through a series of “Moments” rather than solely delivering bug fixes and security patches. By enforcing the update, Microsoft can ensure that all Windows 11 users are on the same version, enabling them to access and enjoy the latest features and enhancements.
Currently, there is no unanimous expert consensus regarding Microsoft’s enforcement of the Windows 11 Moment 3 update feature. However, the company would face significant criticism if the update were to introduce any system issues or complications.
Source: Gizchina