New Windows 11 update moves Copilot button to a more inconvenient location

Published Feb 13, 2024

João has been covering the tech world for over 7 years, with a heavy focus on laptops and the Windows ecosystem. I also love all things tech and videogames, especially Nintendo, which he's always happy to talk about.

Prior to joining XDA in 2021, he worked at Neowin: https://www.neowin.net/news/poster/jo%C3%A3o-carrasqueira/

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Summary

Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer is getting an update that moves the Copilot button from the middle of the taskbar to the right side next to the notification center.
The update disables the "Show desktop" button in the bottom right corner of the screen, but it can be re-enabled in the settings.
Other versions of Windows, including Windows 10, are also receiving updates.

It's the second Tuesday of February, and that means it's that time again — Microsoft is rolling out its set of Patch Tuesday updates to Windows 11 users, as well as those running Windows 10. The more interesting updates are naturally headed to those running Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer, which are getting a notable change for the Copilot button.

Window with light shining through and Windows 11 text

Windows 11: Everything you need to know

Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, and it packs a ton of changes. Here's what you need to know.

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Copilot moves to the right

And it might cause you some frustration

Screenshot of the WIndows 11 Taskbar with the Copilot button on the far right

Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 are getting updated to build number 22621.3155 and 22631.3155, respectively, thanks to the update labelledKB5034765. You candownload this update manually here, and the highlight is that theCopilot button is moving from the middle of the taskbar to the right side, next to the notification center. This is where the icon already lived in Windows 10, and since the Copilot window also opens on the right side of the screen, this makes sense.

However, with this change, Microsoft is also disabling theShow desktop button that used to live in the bottom right corner of the screen. If you're hoping to get to your desktop quickly, this update will change that. Thankfully, you can enable the button again by going toSettings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and enabling the toggle labeledSelect the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.

Otherwise, this update is fairly light on features, though it does include numerous fixes. New with this update are some fixes for Narrator and the Windows shell. However, since there was an optional update in January, there are a lot more fixes in tow if you didn't install that one previously. You can find the full list of fixes in theJanuary optional update here. The new fixes in this update specifically are as follows:

This update addresses an issue that affects Narrator announcements. They are slow when you use Natural Voices.
This update addresses an issue that affectsexplorer.exe. It might stop responding. This occurs when you restart or shut down a PC that has a controller accessory attached to it.
This update addresses an issue that affects the download of device metadata. Downloads from the Windows Metadata and Internet Services (WMIS) over HTTPS are now more secure.

Including Windows 10

While Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 are the primary versions of Windows still getting updates, there are still updates in tow for users on previous versions of Windows. Most notably, Windows 10 version 22H2 is still fully supported, and is received the update labeledKB5034763, which is also available for certain editions of Windows 10 version 21H2. This update can bedownloaded manually here, and it includes the following fixes:

This update addresses an issue that affectsexplorer.exe. It might stop responding. This occurs when you restart or shut down a PC that has a controller accessory attached to it.
This update addresses an issue that affects the download of device metadata. Downloads from the Windows Metadata and Internet Services (WMIS) over HTTPS are now more secure.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Certificate Authority snap-in. You cannot select the "Delta CRL" option. This stops you from using the GUI to publish Delta CRLs.
This update addresses a known issue that might send you error 0xd0000034. This occurs when you try to upgrade some eligible devices to Windows 11 from Windows Update.

Otherwise, many versions of Windows are only supported in specific servicing channels, but they're also getting updates today. You can learn more about these updates below:

Windows version	Build number	Changelog	Supported editions	Manual Download
Windows 11 version 21H1	22000.2777	KB5034766	Enterprise and Education	Microsoft Update Catalog
Windows 10 version 1809	17763.5458	KB5034768	Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019	Microsoft Update Catalog
Windows 10 version 1607	14393.6709	KB5034767	Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016	Microsoft Update Catalog
Windows 10 version 1507	10240.20469	KB5034774	Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015	Microsoft Update Catalog

If you're running supported versions of Windows, you shouldn't need the manual download links above, though this can make it easier to manage when and how updates are installed on your PC. If you want the simplest experience, though, you can just check for updates within the Settings app. Otherwise, you can simply wait for updates to install automatically, since they're mandatory.