Microsoft has begun formally rolling out the Windows 11 2023 Update (aka Windows 11 23H2) on Halloween with an sudden deal with: a redo of the “Chat” operate inside Windows 11.

Microsoft started rolling out “Moment 4” of Windows 11 this week, aka the Windows 11 2023 Update, with a comprehensive list of features that features Copilot’s AI chatbot. Microsoft formally introduced the rollout on Tuesday morning. Microsoft is describing this as a “cumulative” rollup replace, so that you’ll get all the options Microsoft has introduced beforehand.

There’s yet one more. Now, Windows has revamped the “Chat” operate on the Windows desktop with what Microsoft is looking “Microsoft Teams (free),” pulling a bland masks excessive of the identical horrible idea as earlier than. Now there’s a Halloween horror film for you!

Let’s be clear: I despise the Chat operate in Windows 11. My employer makes use of Teams as a company videoconferencing app, and I’ve no points utilizing it. The video chat is practical, chat works acceptably, and it seems to be pretty simple to share your display screen. But Teams works greatest as a enterprise instrument, and I draw the road at pulling a “Chat” masks excessive of it for private use. I have already got sufficient methods to contact and keep in contact with pals, and the very last thing I wish to do remind them of their workday through the use of Teams. While I don’t thoughts telling readers how to set up Teams Chat, I additionally need you to know how to remove it.

Mark Hachman / IDG

With that stated, Microsoft has admittedly made an effort to replace “Microsoft Teams (free),” even when it’s inexplicably chosen one of many weirder model names in expertise historical past. Two options stand out: a compact mini view that enables you progress the Teams window round your desktop, and an SMS integration along with your cellphone.

The latter places Teams nearer to Your Phone — one of many higher apps in Windows 11. Your Phone permits you to ship and obtain messages and cellphone calls from inside Windows, work together along with your cellphone’s apps and desktop, and extra — even when Intel’s Unison app does a lot of the identical factor, and with iPhones, as well. With Microsoft Teams (free), you’ll be capable to use the app to ship Teams messages or SMS chats, relying upon preferences and availability.

Mark Hachman / IDG

The new UI nonetheless retains a number of the numerous methods to speak to different individuals — Meet, Chat, and People — however places them in a denser, extra compact field which you could transfer round.

If you do handle to persuade a bunch of pals to maintain up with one another on Teams, you can begin a Community. Microsoft is including Channels to the Community function, so you possibly can sub-divide the knowledge that these members see and provide them specialised notifications.

Microsoft can also be tying Microsoft Teams (free) to different Windows parts, like a plug in to the Game Bar. The Teams “Play Together” widget on Game Bar means which you could see your pals gameplay as you play your individual recreation.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Will these new options change my thoughts about Teams’ integration into Windows? I doubt it. But kudos to Microsoft for investing the hassle into enhancements.