Microsoft has released Moment Update 2 (KB5022913) for Windows 11 version 22H2, bringing several notable enhancements to the operating system. This feature drop continues Microsoft's new approach of delivering significant updates between major annual releases.
What's New in Moment Update 2
The March 2023 update introduces several quality-of-life improvements and new capabilities:
- Taskbar Enhancements:
- Search box now supports light/dark mode theming
- Improved touch navigation for tablet-optimized devices
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New animation when opening the Start menu
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File Explorer Upgrades:
- Tabs now remember their state after restarting Explorer
- New keyboard shortcuts for tab management (Ctrl+T for new tab, Ctrl+W to close)
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Performance improvements when browsing network locations
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Accessibility Improvements:
- Voice Access now supports French, German, and Spanish
- Enhanced screen reader capabilities for UWP apps
- New system-wide live captions for 10 additional languages
Under-the-Hood Changes
Microsoft has made several technical improvements that aren't immediately visible:
- Security Enhancements:
- Improved Smart App Control for better malware prevention
- New virtualization-based security options for enterprise users
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Enhanced phishing protection in Microsoft Edge integration
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Performance Optimizations:
- Reduced memory usage for background processes
- Faster resume from hibernation on modern hardware
- Improved scheduling for hybrid (big.LITTLE) processors
How to Get the Update
The update is being rolled out gradually through Windows Update. To manually check:
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Click "Check for updates"
- If KB5022913 appears, select "Download and install"
For enterprise administrators, the update is also available through WSUS and the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Known Issues
Microsoft has documented several current limitations:
- Some third-party antivirus software may cause installation failures
- Certain VPN connections might drop after update installation
- Rare display flickering reported on some multi-monitor setups
Enterprise-Specific Features
For business users, Moment Update 2 includes:
- New Group Policy controls for managing tabs in File Explorer
- Enhanced Windows Autopilot deployment options
- Improved integration with Microsoft Endpoint Manager
What's Next for Windows 11
This update sets the stage for the upcoming Windows 11 23H2 release expected later in 2023. Microsoft has hinted at several major features in development, including:
- A redesigned Device Manager
- Expanded AI capabilities throughout the OS
- New developer tools for creating Windows widgets
User Reactions
Early feedback from the Windows community has been generally positive, with particular praise for:
- The more polished tabbed File Explorer experience
- Noticeable improvements in system responsiveness
- Better touch support for 2-in-1 devices
Some users have expressed disappointment that certain highly-requested features (like never combine taskbar mode) remain unavailable.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues after installing KB5022913:
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Check for updated drivers from your hardware manufacturer
- Consider performing a clean boot to identify software conflicts
- As a last resort, use the Update Rollback feature in Settings
Final Thoughts
Moment Update 2 represents Microsoft's commitment to continuous Windows 11 improvement. While not as substantial as a full feature update, these regular enhancements help keep the OS feeling fresh and address user feedback between major releases.