September 2023 Windows Update: Minor Enhancements, Underwhelming Features

As we step into the final days of September, it's time to take a closer look at the latest update previews from Microsoft. On September 26, four days after the initial update for Windows 10, Microsoft unveiled additional insights for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Unfortunately, for those hoping for thrilling new features, the latest updates offer only a handful of modest improvements.

Key Updates for Windows 10 and 11​

Insight into the Knowledgebase Entries​

Microsoft's knowledgebase entries—specifically KB5043145 for Windows 11 and KB5043131 for Windows 10—provide the meager details of what’s new.

• Windows 11 Enhancements:
• Local File Sharing: Users can now share local files directly from search results by querying from the taskbar. However, there's a catch: the search function has been removed from the share dialog, which could hinder users who rely on it.
• Playback Controls: If you enjoy a media session, playback controls are now gracefully positioned at the center bottom of the lock screen. It’s a nice touch, enhancing user experience while you multitask.
• User Logout Process: Log out options have had a face-lift; users must now click on their profile in the Start menu followed by the icon bearing three dots for a log out. Is this streamlined or just an extra step? Time will tell.

These changes roll out gradually—Microsoft aims to ensure users receive updates smoothly over time. Notably, the new “Copilot” feature under “Settings” can be activated for testing, promising a sleeker way to handle your Microsoft experience across apps like Outlook.

• Windows 10 Updates:
• The aftereffects of updates bring about changes in the layout and appearance. Users might notice that their profile picture’s placement shifts on the Start menu, which may cause a ripple on users’ established UI familiarity.
• Additionally, the left menu background color will receive an update, but the details remain elusive. Users have also reported intermittent issues with Microsoft Edge hanging in Internet Explorer mode. The overall system stability might be in focus here, but specifics regarding the fix elude us.

A Quick Dive into Changes in Media Playback​

Interestingly, Windows 10 users can experience their media playback being interrupted, particularly with specific, unspecified surround sound setups. This could be quite the buzzkill when you're settling in for a good movie or track. It’s yet another reminder of how intricately sound tech interplays with our computing experience.

The AMD Bonus​

It’s worth mentioning that August's updates were notably more generous, especially for AMD users. Many experienced significant performance enhancements thanks to optimizations in processor architecture. Now, with these minor adjustments rolling out for September, AMD supporters may have to hold their excitement a bit longer.

Conclusion: An Underwhelming Month​

Overall, as we dissect the September updates from Microsoft, it’s hard to shake off the underwhelming vibe. Sure, local file sharing and a few UI tweaks may seem appealing on the surface, but they fall short of expectations set by previous, more substantial updates. As we forge ahead, let’s hope upcoming releases bring forth more significant changes that reignite users' enthusiasm.
For those who depend on their machines for work or leisure, keeping an eye on things is essential. After all, in the world of technology, being updated matters more than just a new coat of paint!
If you're pondering whether to dive into these updates, keep these changes in mind and weigh your options; perhaps a little patience might pay off for a more substantial update down the line. Happy updating!
Source: heise online Windows update preview: Only a few changes in September