Microsoft to force update to 23H2

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https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23H2

Current status as of February 20, 2024

Windows 11, version 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, is now entering a new rollout phase. We are starting to update eligible Windows 11 devices automatically to version 23H2.

This automatic update targets Windows 11 devices that have reached or are approaching end of servicing and it follows the machine learning-based (ML) training we have utilized so far. We will continue to train our intelligent ML model to safely roll out this new Windows version in phases to deliver a smooth update experience…

* Users can use GPEdit, InControl.. to block 23H2

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Alex5723 wrote:

* Users can use GPEdit, InControl.. to block 23H2

* Limited-time offer:
In about six months 24H2 will become the version to fear and 23H2 will magically be acceptable even though nothing about it will have changed.

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Alex5723

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Every month is a time to fear with MS updates!

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Cybertooth

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There are those here that do not fear the monthly updates. I’ve been updating regularly since the Vista days on a variety of hardware at home and work without issue. My updates also included a 5 year period when I was running the Dev channel release as my primary OS on my primary PC. Now, because Microsoft changed the DEV channel to not represent any particular version and even features that may not be released I run the DEV channel in a VM without any problems so far.

--Joe

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bbearren

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@joep517 I get what you’re saying. My major gripe is the frivolous stuff. I use Office 2021 and they changed the grey theme to BLACK with an update. I despise it and white is too bright so forced to restore and disable updates forever. Really has me thinking hard about ditching Office and use it in a vm only when I get a stubborn file from a client that Libre won’t work with. Looking at Thunderbird which I haven’t played with in years to replace Outlook.

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Cybertooth

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FWIW. I have used Windows since pre GUI Win 3.0. Have learned just enough since 1987 to manage my PC and home wifi. With the zombie update while I was away, there is now a new empty documents folder and no obvious way to the c:\users\ etc. I am mind boggled this happened and I can’t find anything on how to navigate this mess, what is now the smart way to get to my documents. Basically “You figure it out.”

So far I’ve had to invest 2 hrs of my personal time trying to figure out how to easily access my documents and it looks like a new desktop shortcut is the only answer. These 2 hours is  time Microsoft has stolen from me that can’t be replaced and at 66 I resent the heck out of it. Who at Microsoft thinks these “improvements” are both so good and easy they can’t even post a simple “Look here to see what we did.” I can’t help but wonder if they treat Bill Gates the same way.  So I am glad these updates have worked for you, but for some of us, they are simply evil.

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windbg

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There’s nothing magical about this. The decision to accept feature releases is based on stability and on support windows. 22H2 is coming up to it’s end of life.

But here’s the thing B, tell me what’s compelling about 23H2?  If the answer is Copilot it can be had without 23H2 if you really want it.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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What’s unstable about 23H2?

How will it be more stable in six month’s time?

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In a business environment during tax season, where I have yet to formalize our AI policy, for the firm it brings Copilot to the taskbar, removes the show desktop (for which I have yet to find any group policy or registry key to proactively keep that in place).

I put policies in place before technology.

Also I don’t install feature releases during the months November through April as we’re doing tax planning, gearing up for busy season and then busy season hits.

You didn’t answer my question – what is compelling about 23H2? Quite honestly 23H2 didn’t really have any features that I HAD to have.

Soooooo. what’s compelling about 23H2?

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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exjnb2ny, Cybertooth

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Nothing compelling, just nice-to-haves like File Explorer Gallery, 7Zip/RAR etc.

(Although I do find Copilot very useful.)

But will it be any different when you recommend it in September?

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I also review bios and video drivers. So it’s a maintenance window decision.  If there’s nothing compelling other than the upcoming end of support …that’s the exact recommendation for moving to it closer to it’s drop dead date.

I don’t update just to update.

and btw found this to keep the show desktop in place (yea! will have to build a reg key)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced 

TaskbarSd DWORD 32-bit value:

• TaskbarSd =0 hide the button(default)
• TaskbarSd =1 show the button.

Will have to test that this remains after a feature release install from 22H2 to 23H2.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Cybertooth

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Actually from what I can find about 24h2, it’s gonna be optional. and those that do want it will have to perform something called an OS swap to use it.

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But this thread is about 23H2.

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As long as one has a solid backup/ restoration plan in force, there’s NOTHING to fear with patches nor feature updates.
Not that it affects W10 anyway, yet..
It’s also wise to have preventative measures in place before the redmond snake strikes!
Do your research here on askwoody.

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

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I’ve declined MS offers to update to W11 22H2. Plenty of time left on W10. No rush.
On a restart. full splash/landing screen at boot-up, W11. I gave in, and gently pressed, not too sure, download/install. After an hour, it all comes up, OK. I gave it a commissioning workout, OK. I don’t like the graphics; for me, they need to be bolder. I used my own graphics, looks a bit like W10 now. Following day, 23H2 available, download/install, did just that, OK. Other than personal choice tweaks, nothing to do, seamless.
When W10 reaches EOL, I’ve a machine, good-2-go. That’ll do.

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b wrote:

How will it be more stable in six month’s time?

Windows updates, patches, fixes, Moments…

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The only mentioned “instabilities” of 23H2 are the existence of Copilot and the non-existence of show desktop on the toolbar. Neither of those will change, so what extra “stability” will be provided?

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It is an inconvenience but you can restore “show desktop” by going to Settings | Personalization | Taskbar | Taskbar behaviors. Then check “Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop”.

--Joe

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Endora

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Yep:

b wrote:

If it ever gets eliminated in general release versions that could be reversed in Taskbar Settings with a “Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop” option:

b wrote:

Show desktop sliver can be re-enabled at Settings, Personalization, Taskbar behaviours, Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.

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https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/6000017-registry-keys-to-re-enable-show-desktop-in-windows-11/

And via a registry key that I need to test to see if it works through a feature release or I have to deploy after the fact.

You should see poor Jen from Microsoft having to post on social media how to turn that back on.

Again what is the compelling reason to set aside time during busy season to install a feature release that doesn’t bring much to the table especially if one is NOT into copilot given that their data is stored on a local drive and not in the cloud and if one hasn’t purchased the Microsoft 365 copilot license (up front annual price tag $300 per user).

If one really wants copilot just to use it, one can launch edge.  I don’t really need it in my taskbar.

A feature release that doesn’t bring anything other than a maintenance window is not a compelling reason to upgrade.

Right now “end of support” is the reason to not only upgrade from 10 but to upgrade to 23H2.

My users don’t use 7zip and those that did (like me) already had a license.

Copilot brings more to a firm IF (and only IF) everything is saved in the Microsoft 365 cloud because it relies on the Graph API for its ability to review what you are looking at/what it’s able to slurp in.  So far summarization of Outlook threads/summarization of teams conversations are probably the ones most compelling for a firm that is all in to the cloud.  IF you are not, guess what, it has less value.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Cybertooth

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Just so I’m aware, if I have InControl active, it’ll stay on 22h2 and not be forced?

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Okay so how does one prepare for microsoft trying to force 23H2 onto our pcs? How do we know via by windows update or you can hide the update? I need to know how to prepare so I can save stuff on my usb drive just in case.

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Give the InControl utility from Steve Gibson a try. It’s completely free and fairly simple to use. Details are on the web page below. InControl will allow you to stay on 22H2 until you choose otherwise, even after 22H2 goes completely out of support.

https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm

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Bob99 wrote:

InControl will allow you to stay on 22H2 until you choose otherwise, even after 22H2 goes completely out of support.

Which from a security standpoint, is not advisable.

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OldNavyGuy wrote:

Which from a security standpoint, is not advisable.

Correct, but it’s an example used by Steve on his page for InControl.

Note that InControl will hold your Windows right where it is, even after the current version and feature release has gone out of support. You will see a complaint about the current version of Windows requiring an update. But your system will not be updated while you are InControl.

 

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I just moved In Control from 22H2 to 23H2 and nothing happened. I went to setting/windows update and clicked check for updates – nothing. Is this expected behavior? When will I update?

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