The Windows 11 Fall Update, now available in preview form, marks the transition of the Release Preview channel to version 23H2, which has been renamed as the Windows 11 2023 Update.

In the announcement post, the Windows Insider Program team states, “Today we are making Windows 11 version 23H2 Build 22631 (Windows 11 2023 Update) available in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insider Program for Business participants to validate on devices in their organizations. This update is delivered as an enablement package as we shared back in July and will be released in the fourth quarter of 2023. This new update will have the same servicing branch and code base as Windows 11, version 22H2, and will be cumulative with all the newly announced features including Copilot in Windows (in preview) plus [some] additional changes.”

The 23H2 update introduces certain changes when compared to the Fall Update. Notably, Microsoft Teams (free) is the sole new feature included in this update. Microsoft is replacing the Chat integration in the Windows 11 Taskbar with a shortcut to the renamed Microsoft Teams (free) app. This consumer version of Teams, present since the initial release of Windows 11, will offer a mini communications experience allowing users to chat, call, and meet with others in just a couple of clicks. Additionally, it will incorporate new features like Phone Link integration, a revamped People experience, and a Play Together widget for Widgets.

For commercial customers, the Windows 11 2023 Update (also referred to as the “Windows 11 23H2 feature update” in the post) can be obtained via Windows Update for Business, Windows Server Update Service (WSUS), or Azure Marketplace. Individuals who wish to install this build should first be in the Release Preview channel and then seek it in their Windows Update settings.

The information provided in the recent John Cable post, along with the Windows 11 Fall Update, has equipped me to update the Windows 11 Field Guide to encompass these new features. Stay tuned for my upcoming article on this topic.