Windows 11 2023 Update available

Windows 11, version 23H2 – also referred to as the Windows 11 2023 Update – has reached general availability (GA). This is the second feature update for Windows 11, offering the features announced in September as part of continuous innovation plus a scoped set of new enhancements to the Start menu, taskbar, and chat experience, which is now Microsoft Teams (free). 

We recommend that you begin a targeted deployment to validate that your apps, devices, and infrastructure work as expected with the new release. For details on the overall rollout strategy for this release, see How to get the Windows 11 2023 Update. For more information on ways to get the update, watch this video.

 

When will this happen:   

For commercial organizations, availability of Windows 11, version 23H2 begins today through familiar channels, such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). It is also available for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, and via Visual Studio Subscriptions. 

 

How this will affect your organization:   

Today, October 31, 2023, marks the start of 36 months of servicing support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 23H2.  

 

You can prepare for and deploy Windows 11, version 23H2 using the same processes, policies, and management solutions you use for the original release of Windows 11 or Windows 10. Popular tools, such as the security baseline, administrative templates (ADMX), and Group Policy settings reference have been updated for version 23H2. For information on features and improvements for commercial organizations, and links to the latest deployment tools and onboarding kits, see What’s new for IT pros in Windows 11, version 23H2. 

 

What you need to do to prepare:   

If you are updating devices that are already running Windows 11, version 22H2, you can use an enablement package for a fast, easy installation experience.  

You can also use Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Intune, or your preferred endpoint management solution. Endpoints managed by Windows Update for Business will not be automatically updated to version 23H2 unless you explicitly set it up. To do this, configure a Target Version via the TargetReleaseVersion setting using a Windows CSP, a feature update profile in Microsoft Intune, or the Select the target Feature Update version setting in Group Policy. 

Additional information: 

A list of currently supported Windows versions by servicing option – along with release dates, build numbers, end of service dates, and release history – is available on the Windows 11 release information page. Information on Windows 11, version 23H2 known issues (and resolutions) has been added to Windows release health in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Dedicated pages for known and resolved issues will be added with the first servicing release for Windows 11, version 23H2. 

 

If you need help with your deployment, or are looking for tips and best practices, join Windows Office Hours every third Thursday on the Windows Tech Community. This monthly chat-based Q&A on the Tech Community is supported by the Windows, Intune, and Windows 365 product teams. Questions can be posted in advance, or anytime during the hour.