As expected, Microsoft today issued Cumulative Update KB5023706, which brings the so-called Moment 2 update to Windows 11 and advances the build number to 22621.1413. This release follows the preview version of the update, which was curiously released on Tuesday, February 28, just two weeks ago.

“Today, we take the next major step forward adding to the incredible breadth and ease of use of the Windows PC by implementing a typable Windows search box and the amazing capability of the new AI-powered Bing directly into the taskbar,” Microsoft chief product officer wrote (disingenuously) two weeks ago when the firm issued the preview update, “putting all your search needs for Windows in one easy to find location.”

Moment 2 does not add the AI-powered Bing directly into the Windows 11 taskbar, though it does spew Bing icons all over Search and lets you more easily access Bing on the web from Search. But this is still a major update, and it’s one that all Windows 11 users will want to check out. Key improvements in this update include:

• Search (Taskbar). This can now be configured to hide, icon only, icon and label (pill), or search box.
• Updated user experience for “show hidden items” in the notification area. This user interface has been rewritten and you once again arrange the icons.
• Touch-optimized Taskbar for 2-in-1s. This appears automatically when the keyboard is removed.
• File Explorer improvements. Search is much faster and there are recommended local and cloud files in Home.
• AI-powered recommended content (files) in Start. This feature is for managed organizations only.
• Full-screen widgets. The widget board can now be configured to take up the whole screen.
• Windows Studio Effects. Available only on PCs with a neural processing unit (NPU), this feature helps you find and quickly adjust AI-powered remote meetings video features like eye contact, background blur, voice focus, and automatic framing from the Taskbar.
• Energy use recommendations. A new interface in Settings lets you configure your PC to use less energy.
• New accessibility features. Moment 2 brings seamless switching between Narrator and other screen readers when using a braille display, and voice commands now work across apps and File Explorer.

To get Moment 2, just open Windows Update and search for updates.

To learn more, check out Hands On Windows episode 31, Windows 11 Moment 2, which is available for free to everyone.