by Windows is now offering a new feature preview update, Windows 11 KB5022913, which Microsoft calls Windows 11 “Moment 2”, and it is available for eligible PCs currently running the previous feature version, Windows 11 22H2.
This update is optional, and its features will be included in Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update next month (the Is mandatory), so you can just wait for it if you don’t want to mess around with Windows Update, or if you’re understandably wary of installing Windows updates as soon as they launch in case of widespread problems.
However, it does have some fascinating features like adding Bing Chat to the Windows 11 taskbar, the ability to link your iPhone to your Windows device, a task manager that’s searchable and easier to navigate, and more.
If you’re wondering whether or not to install this optional update, read on for my pick of the best new features.
1. ChatGPT appears in the system tray
This update follows directly on the great excitement created by Microsoft’s announcements regarding the integration of ChatGPT with Bing. Therefore, the main attraction of this update is arguably the new Bing search box in the Windows taskbar, equipped with ChatGPT.
This tray Bing chat can return answers to your questions as you type, making it easier to do things like generate content and start chat conversations right from the Windows 11 search box.
This is clearly a push to make the Windows search box the entry point for Bing, but you can then continue your search with Bing in the browser. There’s also search bar customization, including the ability to revert to the previous version of the search bar if you don’t like the new one.
There is speculation that the expanded customization options may be part of a broader effort to develop an AI-powered personal assistant mode that has already been tested (though not with immediate success).
However, adding Bing to the Windows 11 taskbar has already proved somewhat controversial, and there are some reports to suggest that Microsoft is now removing the feature, which would be a shame.
2. Control your iPhone via Windows 11
Another new feature is Phone Link for iOS, which allows iPhone users to access their messages and make or receive calls from their Windows device directly from Windows 11.
This is similar to this existing feature for Android users on Windows devices and iPhone users on iOS devices and is especially welcome for those using both.
3. Better touchscreen controls
Additionally, this update also focuses on tablet optimization with features like touch optimization for 2-in-1 devices and an optimized tablet taskbar. Microsoft has been working on tablet optimization for some time, dating back to the unloved Windows 8, and this update refines taskbar optimization for tablets (as well as PCs – at the same time) to make tablet use more comfortable and intuitive.
This version of the taskbar has two modes – “expanded” and “collapsed” – and it’s easy to switch between these two modes by swiping up and down respectively on the bottom of the screen. There are also additional functions for the touch keyboard and the virtual touchpad in the taskbar for touch optimization.
Other new features include the addition of a tabbed Notepad interface, a modified task manager with new search, filter and other features, a new built-in screen recorder via the Snipping Tool, improvements to voice control and access, and an expanded widgets view and skills and more.
How to get these new features
As I mentioned earlier, you can simply wait until the mandatory Windows update in March, when your PC will automatically download and install these new features.
However, if you want to install this update right away, there are a number of ways to do so as there are some new appealing features to try out.
First, you can go Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. This should detect the availability of the new update and allow it to download and install.
Second, you can open the Microsoft storeopen libraries, and select get updates.
Alternatively, you can install it manually by downloading it from Microsoft Update Catalog – Windows’ cumulative update library (opens in new tab).
