Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2024 Update (Version 24H2): What’s New and Improved

Microsoft has announced the release of the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is also known as Windows 11 version 24H2. This major feature update enhances user experience with refined performance, new tools, and a range of quality-of-life upgrades.

What’s new in the Windows 11 2024 Update

The Windows 11 2024 Update first started rolling out to new Copilot+ PCs back in June. It brings several key improvements, including an enhanced battery saver, upgrades to File Explorer, and support for Wi-Fi 7. Below is a summary of the main new features included in this release:

Energy Saver

Microsoft has introduced an enhanced Energy Saver mode that is designed to reduce power consumption even when Windows 11 devices are plugged in. The goal is to make PCs more energy efficient and reduce carbon footprint. Once enabled, users will see a new energy-saver icon in the system tray.

Microsoft has also added more power settings to the Power and battery section in the new Settings app. Users can now adjust the settings for the lid and power button, and also set a specific time for their PC to enter hibernate mode.

Wi-Fi 7 support

Microsoft highlighted that Wi-Fi 7 support is one of the biggest additions for networking in Windows 11 version 24H2. This new standard offers several enhancements over previous versions, including higher speeds and reduced latency. Wi-Fi 7 can deliver speed over 40 Gbps, which is more than four times faster than Wi-Fi 6. This feature requires computers to have a compatible Wi-Fi 7 adapter and supported hardware.

File Explorer improvements

Microsoft has rolled out some enhancements to the File Explorer app in Windows 11. In addition to ZIP files, users can now create 7Zip and TAR compressed archive files. Microsoft has also merged the Recent, Favorite, and Shared section into a dedicated section, allowing users to quickly switch between them with tabs.

Additionally, Microsoft has updated the File Explorer context menu with labels for the most common actions like copy, paste, and cut. Users can now use the breadcrumbs in the address bar to drag files between directories.

Quick Settings enhancements

Windows 11 version 24H2 also brings improvements to the Quick Settings panel on the taskbar. Users can now see quick actions in pages that help to quickly scroll through all the quick actions available on their PCs. There is also a new split toggle that lets users turn VPN on/off with a single click.

Microsoft mentioned that the Quick Settings panel now opens faster after a reboot, thanks to performance improvements. The company has also removed the bell icon, AM/PM indicator, and year from the System Tray to make it more streamlined and less cluttered.

General improvements

Microsoft has added a new Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar that allows users to quickly diagnose Internet connectivity issues. There is also a new Wi-Fi icon animation that appears when connecting to a network and a redesigned Task Manager icon.

Windows 11 version 24H2 brings a new “Windows protected print mode” that removes support for printers that aren’t Mopria certified. Moreover, the latest version brings official support for USB4 version 2.0, or USB4 80Gbps.

“We are taking a phased approach with the 2024 Update rollout, based on when data shows your device is ready and you will have a great experience. The first phase will start over the coming weeks. We will begin with eligible devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and 23H22 for those who have previously opted in to be amongst the first to experience new enhancements,” Microsoft explained.

How to get the Windows 11 2024 Update today?

If your PC is running Windows 11 version 22H2, you can download the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) by going to Settings > Windows Update. Now, turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available,” and click the “Check for updates” button.

As always, Microsoft will place a safeguard hold on Windows 11 devices with issues like application incompatibility. The company will take into account reliability metrics, hardware eligibility, and other factors that affect the update experience to gradually expand the availability of the Windows 11 2024 update to all eligible devices.

The Windows 11 2024 Update maintains the yearly schedule for feature updates, with new features being introduced in the second half of each year. This approach helps keep the operating system up-to-date with new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements without overwhelming users with frequent updates.

Microsoft says that this new update will reset the support cycle with 24 months of support for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. The company will also offer 36 months of support to enterprise and education customers.

What’s new for IT Pros?

For IT Pros, the Windows 11 2024 Update is available through Windows Server Update Services, Windows Update for Business, and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Microsoft advises administrators to start gradually rolling out the new update to a select group of users within their organizations. It should help to ensure that all apps, devices, and infrastructure components function correctly with the new update before a full-scale deployment.

Microsoft has also announced the release of Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. The next Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release is designed for mission-critical systems and devices that require minimal updates and changes. Microsoft will provide support for Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 for five years. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 is also available for commercial customers, and will be supported for 10 years.