Windows 10: Windows 11 Update Brings Taskbar Changes, Lower Resource Use, and Less Copilot

Microsoft has confirmed plans to implement a series of updates to Windows 11 focused on system performance, reliability, and user experience. These updates will be rolled out in preview over the coming months.

The effort is internally codenamed Windows K2, according to sources, and has led to the postponement or cancellation of other planned Windows features to prioritize this development. Pavan Davuluri, EVP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, stated, "We are focusing on making Windows 11 more responsive and consistent, so performance feels smooth and reliable."

Windows 11 K2 Performance and Memory Upgrades


Microsoft is working to reduce baseline memory usage across Windows to increase available capacity for user applications. File Explorer is being optimized to improve latency in search, navigation, context menus, and file copy and move operations. Microsoft reports early improvements in app launch times.

A significant part of the performance enhancements involves migrating Windows experiences from React to the native WinUI 3 framework. The Start menu is among the components undergoing this transition. Microsoft states that this change will decrease interaction latency in the affected areas.

Windows Search is being upgraded to deliver faster and more accurate results, providing a more unified experience across the taskbar search pane, File Explorer, and Settings.

The Windows Subsystem for Linux is also being enhanced. Improvements include faster file performance between Linux and Windows environments, better network compatibility, a streamlined setup process, and stronger enterprise policy controls.

Reliability Improvements in the Windows 11 K2 Update


Microsoft is collaborating with OEM and driver vendors to enhance the quality standards for drivers delivered to devices. Reliability improvements include more stable Bluetooth connections, fewer USB-related crashes, improved printer discovery, more reliable camera and audio connections, and more consistent device wake behavior in docking scenarios.

Windows Hello is being updated to improve facial recognition reliability and fingerprint sign-in speed. These updates also aim to make secure sign-in easier on gaming handhelds such as the ROG Xbox Ally X.

How Windows 11 Updates Are Changing Restarts


Microsoft is altering the way Windows Update manages restarts, aiming to consolidate reboots into a single monthly restart. Users will have the ability to pause updates for any length of time and can shut down or restart their device without being required to install pending updates first. Microsoft has not announced a specific date for these changes.

Taskbar Repositioning Returns in Windows 11


Microsoft has confirmed that it is restoring the ability to move the Windows 11 taskbar. Users will be able to reposition it to the top or sides of the screen, a feature that was removed at launch. Smaller taskbar size options are also being added.

Ads and Copilot Reductions in Windows 11


Microsoft is reducing the number of locations where Copilot appears throughout the operating system. Confirmed removals include Notepad, Photos, Snipping Tool, and Widgets.

Ads in the Recommended section of the Start menu are being reduced, and users will have a direct option to disable them entirely from within Start settings. Widgets are also being made less intrusive, with simpler settings to disable the feed and reduce notifications.

When Windows 11 K2 Changes Will Roll Out


Microsoft says the majority of these changes will begin appearing in Windows Insider preview builds over the coming months, with no single consolidated release date confirmed for all improvements.

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Microsoft plans to bring Copilot to Windows 10

Read more: Exclusive: Microsoft will update Windows 10 with new AI Copilot soon | Windows Central See also: Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companion | Windows 11 Forum

 

How to disable copilot in Windows 11 23H2?

There is a solution to keep Copilot out of your eyesight, it does not permanently remove or uninstall Copilot from your Windows 11 environment. Microsoft is persistent and Copilot is inevitable, not to mention the latest computers are equipped with a dedicated Copilot Key in the keyboard. Hence, it is up to us to get used to this feature, and also the field of AI is exponentially increasing, so it is better to get used to it. However, the simple solution is to disable copilot via Taskbar as you mentioned that Policy Editor didn't help. The following are the steps.

• Go to Windows Settings.
  
• Click on Personalization.
  
• Under Taskbar, you can find Copilot (preview)
  
• Toggle the switch to Off.
  
• In this way, Copilot can be kept out of sight.
  

I hope the same works for you.

 

Copilot not displaying on taskbar after Windows 11 update KB5035853

After Windows 11 update KB5035853 (19 March 2023), Copilot icon refuses to display on Taskbar. (No problem before.) The problem persists after upgrading to 23H2 (from 22H2 on 20 March). I have clicked "ON" for Copilot in Taskbar Settings and restarted many times, with no effect. I can manually run Copilot in RUN with the command "microsoft-edge://?ux=copilot&tcp=1&source=taskbar". However, after switching tabs in Firefox or Edge, an open session of Copilot disappears and has to re-started manually again. How do I (1) fix this and (2) report the report the problems to Microsoft? Incidentally Copilot didn't offer any suggestion which worked .