Microsoft just rolled out Moment 3 in Cumulative Update KB5028185 for Windows 11. This brings lots of improvements such as copying 2FA codes, widget improvements, seconds on taskbar clock but not that. We take stock.
Previously, Microsoft released a major update once a year (like with Windows 11 version 22H2). But the new features are now split into several smaller updates offered throughout the year. Moment 3 is thus the third of these upgrades, succeeding Moment 2 rolled out last March.
You can already retrieve it through the Windows Update menu, Moment 3 being included in the cumulative update KB5028185 deployed in July which also includes security fixes. Here’s what’s new:
Contents
- 1 Copy two-factor authentication codes from notifications
- 2 Showing seconds on the taskbar clock
- 3 Live subtitles in multiple languages
- 4 The Print key. screen opens Snipping Tool by default
- 5 USB4 Hubs and Peripherals Page
- 6 Privacy settings for presence detection
- 7 New setting for touch keyboard
- 8 Mains-powered adaptive brightness control
- 9 Other changes and improvements
Copy two-factor authentication codes from notifications
This update makes it possible to copy the two-factor authentication codes from the notifications that you receive on your computer. If you receive these codes by email using the Mail app, for example, there will now be a button in the notification allowing you to quickly copy the code so you can paste it where you need it. This also works for notifications synced from your phone using the Mobile app. However, this feature only works in English for now.
Microsoft is going to make significant changes to widgets. First, the widget dashboard itself is redesigned with a three-column layout, with one column used for widgets and the other two for Microsoft Start-powered news articles.
Microsoft is working on a new experience for pinning new widgets to the dashboard. You will now be able to preview the appearance of the widget before adding it, so you don’t have to add it and then remove it if you don’t like it.
Showing seconds on the taskbar clock
Microsoft has finally answered a common request for Windows 11. After removing the ability to see the time in seconds on the taskbar clock, this update re-enables that feature. It is disabled by default, but you can enable it by going to settings.
Live subtitles in multiple languages
Live subtitles are coming in several new languages, including Chinese, French, and Portuguese, as well as more English dialects. Here is the full list of supported languages:
- Chinese (simplified and traditional)
- French (France, Canada)
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal)
- Spanish
- Danish
- English (Ireland, other English dialects)
- Korean
The Print key. screen opens Snipping Tool by default
Another noticeable change with this update is when you press the Print key. screen from your keyboard, instead of copying a screenshot of your screen to the clipboard, Windows 11 automatically launches the Snipping Tool. If you wish to disable this feature, you can do so in the Accessibility > Keyboard page.
USB4 Hubs and Peripherals Page
The Settings app has some notable changes in this update, including the addition of a new dedicated page for USB4 hubs and devices. This page, located in the Bluetooth and Devices section, allows you to view information about connected USB4 (or Thunderbolt) hubs, as well as their capabilities and the devices connected to them.
Privacy settings for presence detection
Another new page in the Settings app is the presence sensors available on some high-end laptops. You can now manage which apps are allowed to use presence sensors on your laptop. This is an important feature in terms of privacy and security, as it allows you to prevent applications from detecting your use of the computer.
New setting for touch keyboard
Starting with this update, it will be easier to show the touch keyboard even when a physical keyboard is connected. A new option in the Settings app lets you choose when the touch keyboard should automatically appear when you select a text input field, with options Never, When no keyboard is connected, or Always. Previously, only a simple toggle was available to switch between the first two options.
Windows 11 File Explorer comes with a new context menu that aims to simplify things, but also removed some functionality, including access keys. These are now making a return, meaning that when you open a context menu in File Explorer, you can press a key on your keyboard associated with a specific option on that menu.
Access keys are displayed next to the corresponding action when the context menu is opened using the keyboard (either with the Menu key or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + F10).
Mains-powered adaptive brightness control
Windows 11 has a feature that adjusts screen brightness based on the content being displayed, which helps laptops save battery power. With this update, Microsoft makes it possible to enable this feature even when the laptop is plugged in, allowing you to save power even when connected to a charger.
Other changes and improvements
In addition to these important changes, the Moment 3 update for Windows 11 also includes other new features. Here is a brief overview of the other changes :
- This update adds a multi-app kiosk mode for IT managers and public devices. Kiosk mode allows organizations to lock down apps and features to force users to stay in a secure, locked down environment with only certain apps allowed.
- Only the 20 Microsoft Edge tabs will be displayed in Task View when the corresponding option is enabled in the Multitasking page of settings.
- The network icon on the taskbar now displays a shield icon when using a VPN.
- The taskbar search box now displays in a lighter color when using a dark system mode combined with a light application mode.
- The Accounts section of the Settings app now shows the total amount of cloud storage available across different OneDrive subscriptions.
