Download Now (Update)

The highly anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update brings many new features and improvements to Microsoft’s latest operating system. It is now generally available.
There are 3 available options for installing or creating Windows 11 Media. Click here to download at Microsoft.

Featurelist (Update)

Windows 11, version 24H2 includes all the features and capabilities delivered as part of continuous innovation to Windows 11, now enabled by default. These include:

  • Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) policy improvements and new automatic account management feature
  • Personal Data Encryption (PDE) so that known Windows folders (Documents, Desktop, and Pictures) are protected using user authenticated encryption
  • App Control for Business (formerly Windows Defender Application Control) to better protect your digital property from malicious code
  • Windows-protected print mode, eliminating the need to rely on third-party software installers for Mopria-certified printers
  • Local Security Authority (LSA) protection to help protect against the theft of secrets and credentials used for logon
  • Support for Wi-Fi 7
  • Bluetooth® LE audio support for assistive devices
  • New controls to help manage which apps have access to the list of Wi-Fi networks around you
  • Rust in the Windows kernel
  • SHA-3 support

Microsoft also introduced numerous changes to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. These include firewall rule changes, support for blocking NTLM, dialect management, alternative network port connections, SMB over QUIC (an alternative to TCP and RDMA), and changes to SMB signing and encryption.

This scoped release also features enhancements designed to improve your overall experience with Windows 11, such as:

  • A scrollable list (vs. single pane) of Quick Settings in the system tray that can be arranged in a way that makes sense for how you work best
  • Text labels for the cut, copy, rename, share, and delete actions are available at the top of the File Explorer context menu
  • Support for creating 7-zip and TAR archives
  • Energy saver, an easy way to extend battery life and reduce energy use that can be configured to run automatically or toggled on and off manually via Quick Settings
  • Extended adaptive brightness control on laptops and 2-in-1s even when they are plugged in
  • Expanded availability of Voice Clarity, which cancels echo, suppresses background noise, and reduces reverberation in real-time

Some key Features of Windows 11 24H2

  1. Enhanced Start Menu: It gets a fresh look and you can pin more apps and group them into folders.
    Windows 11 24H2 Enhanced Start Menu
  2. HDR Background Support: Users can now enjoy high dynamic range (HDR) backgrounds, providing richer colors and better contrast.
  3. Energy Saver Mode: This feature helps extend battery life by optimizing system performance and reducing power consumption.
  4. Sudo for Windows: Inspired by Linux, this feature allows users to execute commands with elevated privileges, enhancing security and control.
    Windows 11 24H2 Sudo
  5. Windows Protected Print Mode: This new universal driver allows setting up printers without installing third-party software. Restricted to Mopria certified printers
    Windows 11 24H2 Windows Protect Print Mode
  6. Rust in the Windows Kernel: Integration of the Rust programming language into the Windows kernel aims to improve security and performance.
  7. Wi-Fi 7 Support: The update supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be EHT), offering faster and more reliable wireless connections.
    Windows 11 24H2 Wifi 7
  8. Voice Clarity: Enhanced voice clarity features make communication clearer and more effective.
  9. Windows Recall: Launching later this year. It runs in the background, capturing snapshots of your PC activity, allowing you to search everything you’ve done using natural language. This feature can be disabled via the privacy settings.
    Windows 11 24H2 Recall

Improvements in Windows 11 24H2

  • Scrollable Quick Settings: The quick settings flyout from the taskbar is now scrollable, making it easier to access various settings.
  • File Explorer Enhancements: Users can now create 7-zip and TAR archives directly from File Explorer, in addition to ZIP files.
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio: Improved support for Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio devices ensures better connectivity and audio quality.

Release Date and Availability

The Windows 11 24H2 update can be downloaded right now. The official release is set for October 8, 2024, as part of Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday rollout. This update will be gradually rolled out to all compatible devices, ensuring a smooth transition for users.

How to Get the Update

To install the Windows 11 24H2 update, users can follow these steps when available through Windows Update:

  1. Check for Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.”
  2. Download and Install: If the update is available, click “Download and install” to begin the process.
  3. Restart Your Device: After the update is downloaded, restart your device to complete the installation.

To Download it Now: Click here to download at Microsoft.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 24H2 update has exciting new features and improvements that enhance the overall user experience. Users can have a more efficient, secure, and enjoyable computing experience.

Paul Cobben