Microsoft has officially commenced the widespread deployment of Windows 11, version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, to all compatible PCs not under safeguard holds. This significant update brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, performance, and security.
“We have reached the last phase of the gradual rollout for version 24H2 via Windows Update on Settings. If your device is ready for the update, you’ll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 24H2. Note that some devices temporarily may not show the update to version 24H2 if we detect an incompatibility,” Microsoft stated in its Learn document over the weekend.
“Devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the update to version 24H2 automatically. You can choose the time to restart your device or postpone the update.”
Key Features and Improvements
1. AI-Powered Start Menu and Applications
The new, smarter AI Start menu has been redesigned to include a larger, more user-friendly layout with scrollable access to all apps, suggested actions, and new category organization.
A notable addition is the Phone Link panel, providing quick access to messages, calls, and battery status from synced smartphones in the Start menu.
Besides this, AI capabilities have been integrated across various apps, including Paint, Photos, Notepad, File Explorer, and the Snipping Tool.
These enhancements allow users to perform tasks such as layers, background removal, and AI-based image editing, content-aware adjustments, text extraction and redaction, and smart cropping directly within the apps.
2. System and Performance Improvements
The update introduces several system-level enhancements:
- Energy Saver Mode: A new feature aimed at extending the lifespan and reducing energy use on portable devices.
- Content-Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC): Dynamically adjusts screen brightness based on displayed content to save energy.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: For devices with compatible hardware, offering ultra-fast, low-latency wireless connectivity and the ability to join and share Wi-Fi networks using QR codes.
- Improved Update Process: Monthly updates now install up to 45% faster and use up to 25% less CPU during updates, with restart times up to 40% quicker on some systems.
- Bluetooth Low Energy Audio: Improved power efficiency and multi-stream audio.
3. Developer and Power User Tools
Developers and advanced users benefit from the inclusion of the native Linux-style ‘sudo’ command, allowing for elevated command-line (CLI) tasks. Additionally, the update unifies the Microsoft Teams app and replaces legacy Mail and Calendar apps with a new Outlook App client.
Rollout and Compatibility
The Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update) is being rolled out gradually, with Microsoft offering the update to all devices that haven’t been set to delay feature updates. Devices currently under safeguard hold due to compatibility issues will receive the update once those issues are addressed.
To check if your Windows 10 or 11 device is eligible for this update, go to Settings > Windows Update and then click Check for updates to download and install it on your PC.
