With the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is offering the latest version of their current operating system for free. Every Windows 11 user can install it directly through the Windows Update feature. When updating from an older version of Windows 11, all data, programs, and settings are retained.
Microsoft is transitioning the Windows kernel from the C language to the Rust programming language. This is aimed at enhancing security. Therefore, the update will represent a complete overhaul of the Windows operating system after a long period. Additionally, several programs and features, such as Wordpad, will also be removed from Windows 11.
In terms of security, Microsoft wants to automatically activate disk encryption and Bitlocker for new installations in the future when reinstalling Windows 11 24H2 completely on the computer.
Other urgent annual update news for Windows 11 that you need to know:
AI Recall function is no longer included
The most important new feature planned for Windows 11 24H2 was the AI Recall service. However, this feature has been canceled without a replacement and is currently under review.
Recall takes screenshots of the screen content at one-second intervals, allowing users to search using AI based on these screenshots. For example, you can use the function’s search field to ask about the time you saw a pizza on a website you want to order or bake.
For data protection reasons, and due to the existence of tools that can already decrypt Recall data before the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft withdrew the feature and is currently further developing it before retesting this fall.
Older devices are being excluded permanently
The least welcomed innovation in Windows 11 24H2 is that you can no longer install Windows 11 even though your computer does not meet the requirements. So if your computer does not meet the requirements of Windows 11, you will not be able to update to 24H2, even if Windows 11 was already installed using tricks.
If you are using a computer with an Arm processor, you need at least version 8.1 of Arm for 24H2. You cannot update to 24H2 on older computers.
AI functions are being toned down: Copilot as an app
Microsoft originally wanted to integrate their AI assistant directly into the Windows 11 24H2 operating system – but this has not been accomplished. The AI assistant is now available as an app through the Microsoft Store. However, this version cannot customize system settings in Windows 11 like the originally planned integration into Windows 11.
However, Microsoft continues to work on more tightly integrating their AI services with the Windows 11 operating system.
Innovations in the user interface and smartphone connectivity
Microsoft has also modified the user interface of Windows 11. The date no longer includes the year (although this may not remain the case indefinitely) and the quick access menu has been revised, which is opened to connect to WLAN networks, for example, and provided with new navigation buttons.
You can once again install apps directly on the taskbar using drag and drop. If you use the integrated backup version of Windows, you can now also sync sound settings between computers.
If you connect your smartphone to Windows 11, you can access the new sidebar instead of using all the information in a separate window. Therefore, the app no longer needs to be used separately.
Starting in 24H2, you can once again move files and copy them in Windows Explorer through the address bar using drag and drop. Microsoft has also revised the context menu. The icons at the top are now categorized, making them easier to use.
You can now change the mouse scroll direction in settings and streamline VPN configuration. The lock screen can display more information in Windows 11 24H2, such as traffic and financial news. In general, the lock screen can be more flexibly customized.
In the future, it will be possible to use your smartphone camera as a wireless webcam for Windows 11 24H2. Here’s a guide on how to do that.
Computers with HDR displays can now use new HDR images in Windows 11. If you use Copilot on your computer, you will get dynamic images that interact with inputs and mouse movements. Windows 11 also comes with a new wallpaper that you can download without 24H2, for example, from X (formerly Twitter).
ZIP and TAR with Windows 11 and a better Teams client
Windows 11 has been able to extract ZIP and TAR files for some time. As of 24H2, you can also create archives using ZIP and TAR through the file and directory context menu and make more settings.
The built-in Teams client in Windows 11 24H2 can now provide private chats and work in parallel with Microsoft Teams, for example via Microsoft 365.
Sudo, Wi-Fi 7, and better printing
The familiar Linux “sudo” command, which allows users to execute commands in the administrator context without fully logging in as an administrator, is part of Windows 11 24H2. However, Sudo activation is disabled by default. You must first activate the function in the developer settings.
The settings for that can be found under System > For developers. Microsoft explains how to use Sudo in Windows 11 documentation.
Windows 11 24H2 supports the new and fast Wi-Fi 7 standard. However, this is useful only if the computer is also connected to a Wi-Fi router compatible with Wi-Fi 7 via Wi-Fi. An example of this is Zyxel BE11000.
By using Protected Printing mode for Windows, Windows works better with printers without needing to install drivers. To do this, the printers must support Mopria.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and has been translated and localized from German.
