- The Moment 5 update for Windows 11 is expected to arrive in February as a preview and as an optional install in March 2024.
- The update will focus on rolling out changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
- These changes include options to uninstall Edge, change the search provider for Windows Search, and improve file sharing.
UPDATED 1/11/2024: Microsoft is reportedly planning to release another feature drop for Windows 11 in February 2024, which is currently known as the “Moment 5” update (and internally as “February 2024 Moment”). According to a recent report from Windows Central, the software giant is preparing an update with various changes and new features, focusing more specifically on modifying the operating system to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU), which must be done by March 6, 2024.
The upcoming Moment 5 update is expected to be a minor release compared to Windows 11 23H2 (and the Copilot update for version 22H2) regarding new features and improvements. Also, it’s important to note that since Microsoft is being forced to comply with the DMA, some changes will only apply to users located in the European Union.
Windows 11 February 2024 update new features
These are the new features and improvements expected to arrive with the Moment 5 update for Windows 11:
New option uninstall Microsoft Edge and other apps
As part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes affecting users in the European Union (EU), the company plans to release an option to uninstall Microsoft Edge, which will only be available for those users in the EU. However, it will be possible for users outside the EU to remove the browser, but this will require some additional steps.
In addition to removing the default web browser, the company will add the option to remove many other inbox apps, such as Photos and Camera.
New option to remove Bing from Windows Search
Also, the company plans to make changes to the Windows Search experience to allow users to ditch Bing in favor of other search providers, such as Google. However, again, this will only be available for those users governed by the Digital Markets Act.
Copilot undock for Windows 11
The Copilot interface is expected to include a new option to “undock” the chatbot. While undocked, the interface will appear above or below other apps, maintaining its fixed position on the desktop. In addition, this update makes it possible to resize the flyout by clicking and dragging the edge of the panel to adjust the width.
Nearby Sharing enhancements
The Windows 11 Moment 5 update will also focus on improving existing features. For example, Nearby Sharing will improve the transfer speeds of files between devices, make it easier to set up the feature by automatically turning on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when turning on the file sharing feature, and you will be able to change the computer name from the “Nearby Sharing” settings to make it easier to find the device in the network. (The rename option is not different than the ones in the About and Home pages of the Settings app.)
New Ink Anywhere feature for touch-enabled devices
Microsoft plans to introduce the Ink Anywhere feature to allow users to use the digital pen to write in the text boxes.
New option to remove newsfeed from Widgets
Other changes include disabling the newsfeed from the Widgets board and allowing other companies to build plugins for users to plug in other news sources.
Windows 365 integration into Windows 11
Microsoft will further integrate its Windows 365 service into the operating system, and Windows 365 Boot will enable users to boot straight into a Cloud PC.
The company is working on a new personal mode feature for Windows 365 Boot. This feature lets users set up devices to boot into their Windows 365 Cloud PC directly. Additionally, within the Windows 365 Boot experience, organizations will have the flexibility to modify the “Windows 365 Boot” logo and name. Furthermore, a new fail-fast system has been introduced, enabling users to promptly identify network issues without waiting for a login failure.
Moreover, this update makes it easier to access and manage sound, display, and other device-specific settings on your local PC directly through your Cloud PC under the Windows 365 Boot setting.
During transitions between different computers, users will notice labels such as “Cloud PC” and “Local PC” on the desktop indicator. Additionally, the Cloud PC interface will now provide real-time updates regarding connection status and display a connection timeout indicator on the connection screen.
Furthermore, Microsoft has enhanced the Windows 365 Switch feature to streamline the disconnection process from the Task View context menu.
Notepad improvements
Additionally, Notepad will get a character counter. (The new context menu entry on File Explorer to open text files directly with the text editor is already available). Users will also get an updated version of the Microsoft Store with a new section for arcade games and more.
The features and changes I’m mentioning in these articles are partially already available in the latest operating system preview through the Windows Insider Program.
Voice Access new enhancements
In the Moment 5 update, Voice Access will support more languages, such as French (France), French (Canada), German, Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Mexico).
The feature now supports multiple displays. As part of the support, you can also switch to another display quickly and use the drag-and-drop feature. The company is also enabling the “mouse grid” command to move the mouse pointer to a specific section on one of the monitors.
Finally, it’s now possible to create custom voice commands. You can start by clicking the “Voice shortcuts” tab from the left panel in the Voice Access interface. (Currently only English.)
Windows Narrator new enhancements
Also, Windows Narrator will introduce natural voice previews with the February 2024 update, which allows users to listen to natural voices before downloading the voice model on the computer. The previews are available in Chinese, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico), Japanese, English (UK), French, Portuguese, English (India), German and Korean.
Windows 11 Moment 5 update rollout details
Microsoft is expected to finalize the Moment 5 update for Windows 11 sometime in early February, with a preview becoming available the same month and a final release at the end of the month or early March.
If the company ends up following this schedule, the update will be available through Windows Update as an optional install for devices already running version 23H2, and later on, the feature drop is expected to become a mandatory update.
If you’re still using a computer with version 22H2, you will have to upgrade to version 23H2 before the device can receive the new update.
The update will install a regular monthly update, meaning full reinstallation won’t be required. Since this is a small update, you need to download the Media Creation Tool or Installation Assistant to upgrade. Again, it’s not necessary.
If you want to download and install the “February 2024 Moment” on your computer, open Settings > Windows Update, turn on the “Get the latest update as soon as they’re available” toggle switch, and click the “Check for updates” button once the update becomes available as a preview through the stable channel.
Since Microsoft must comply with the Digital Markets Act by March 6, 2024, the exact schedule for the update is still unclear. Also, the company has to be compliant not only with Windows 11 but also with Windows 10.
Finally, it’s important to note that this information is not official, meaning you should take it with a grain of salt, and even if this is true, the final plan can also change. Also, this is expected to be the first and last “moment” update in 2024, as the next version of the operating system (likely to be called Windows 12 or Windows 11 24H2) will launch during the second half of the year.
Update January 11, 2024: The content has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect new changes.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.