The next feature update for Windows 11, known as Moment 5, does indeed seem to be coming soon, as was recently rumored. A test build of the upgrade has just arrived in the Release Preview channel.
As you may know, this is the last test channel before the release version of Windows 11 (as the name suggests).
Preview build 22631 (patch KB5034848) for Windows 11 23H2 includes a number of improvements, but not nearly the same amount offered in a regular Moment update. This is a relatively minor issue.
Build 22631 includes a shift of the Copilot button, which moves it to the right side of the taskbar (the system tray area where the clock resides).
This preview also enhances the Snipping Tool, allowing you to edit photos taken with your Android phone on your desktop (for those who have their phone connected to Windows 11, of course).
There are also a number of bug fixes here, as well as other changes made in another February Windows Configuration Update (KB5035349) that will be delivered at the same time. (In fact, this is also installed at the same time for some users, namely those who have the “Get the latest updates” toggle turned on).
Complementary KB5035349 includes significant work on voice access that gains key accessibility features: the ability to implement custom commands, open apps, and interact with elements on the desktop. Additionally, users with multiple monitors can now use voice access across all of those displays, with improved support for additional languages.
Elsewhere, there are small tweaks to improve Nearby Share functionality, resulting in faster transfer speeds when using it. Additionally, the Windows Sharing Panel now lets you share via WhatsApp ([共有方法]via options).
Additionally, the Snap Layout feature now provides intelligent suggestions that provide quick and easy options for snapping windows. This is very useful for those who use that part of the Windows 11 interface.
Analysis: Bigger changes are coming, but they won't affect most people.
There's nothing really important here, and some previously rumored features (like being able to undock the co-pilot) don't seem to make the cut.
There are other big changes included in Moment 5, but the problem is that they're only available to users in Europe, not US users, or any other region for that matter.
Specifically, Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will receive extensive changes to some core functionality. These changes are all related to compliance with new regulations in the region (Digital Markets Law).
This includes the ability to completely remove the Edge browser from Windows 11 and remove Bing from the operating system search box on the taskbar. Option users in the US and elsewhere would no doubt want to benefit from that in some cases, but unfortunately they don't get that opportunity.
This represents the final testing phase of the Moment 5 update and coincides with the previously rumored late February (completed) release time.
Please note that this end of February update is an optional release (still officially in preview) and the full rollout won't begin until March (that month's cumulative update). As always, this will also be rolled out in stages as Microsoft monitors any issues that may occur with released software.
This year's big update for everyone around the world is, of course, Windows 11 24H2, which has now been confirmed by Microsoft (which means it's not Windows 12, as there were some rumors earlier) ).
Via Neowin
