Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 is now publicly available - lots of changes, new Copilot+ PC features

The Microsoft Windows 11 2024 update, also known as version 24H2, has been made publicly available. Anyone interested can download and install it.

Windows 11 24H2 is described as a "complete operating system replacement," so the update will take longer than usual. You can navigate to the "Settings" menu and manually check for the update, or you can download it from Microsoft's website.

To check for updates, go to "Settings" > "Windows Update," enable the option "Receive the latest updates as soon as they are available," and check for updates. If your system meets the requirements, the program will allow you to download Windows 11 24H2.

As usual, you can download the update for Windows 11 version 24H2 from the official website or create an image and perform a complete installation of the operating system (BitLocker will be enabled by default in Home and Pro versions, but it can be disabled later).

“Windows 11, version 24H2, includes all the features and capabilities provided through the ongoing innovations in Windows 11, now enabled by default. This limited release also brings improvements aimed at enhancing the overall user experience with Windows 11.”

The official list of major changes includes:

• Support for Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth® LE Audio support for assistive hearing devices
• Enhanced system tray and taskbar
• Simplified File Explorer
• Smart power management for PCs
• QR codes for Wi-Fi networks
• Expanded privacy control settings for Wi-Fi networks
• Streamlined account and notification management in Microsoft Teams
• Improved voice clarity across various devices
• Sudo for Windows: enhances the effectiveness of the Windows command line
• Remote Desktop: improved connectivity and accessibility

In addition, Copilot+ PCs will receive new intelligent features: live captions, functionality in Paint, and Windows Studio effects, including Image Creator and Restyle Image, as well as resolution scaling.

Since Windows 11 24H2 is considered a "complete OS replacement," the update comes with a list of known issues. Currently, this list is fairly extensive, featuring six confirmed hardware and software problems. Some can be worked around, while others will be fixed in future updates. In fact, all relate to "blocking issues": Microsoft will not offer Windows 11 24H2 until they are resolved:

• The Safe Exam Browser app may fail to launch. Devices with version 3.7 or older versions of this application are incompatible with Windows 11 24H2. A fix will be available later.
• Devices using Easy Anti-Cheat may lock up and experience a blue screen due to an outdated version. You should update the installed games to their latest versions.
• Fingerprint sensors may function poorly after a lock screen on several device models. Compatibility exists. Updating the computer's firmware (UEFI, BIOS) may help.
• Apps for customizing boring wallpapers may not work properly. Updating or uninstalling these apps may help.
• Compatibility issues with the Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. PCs running Windows 11 24H2 with an affected Intel SST driver encounter blue screens. Installing drivers versions 10.30.00.5714 and later, or 10.29.00.5714 and later will help.
• The game Asphalt 8 may occasionally freeze. A fix will be available in a future update.

Windows 11 version 24H2 has a standard 24-month lifecycle for the Home and Pro versions. Windows 11 LTSC 2024, which is also now available, comes with a 10-year support lifecycle. Commercial customers can download the 24H2 version via WSUS, Windows Update for Business, and the Admin Center.

The author of this news used the easiest method (from the website) to install the update, which installed smoothly on a laptop running 23H2. For some reason, the program requested a system configuration assessment, which was known to be suitable for it. After completing that, everything went smoothly. The update requires at least 10 GB of free space on the drive (I had to free up the necessary space during the process). The installation takes a considerable amount of time and requires user attention, so it's better not to start it before bedtime, during work, or when you need to step away for an extended period. Ultimately, I only noticed that the extended top panel of File Explorer had disappeared — I haven't attempted to enable it again yet.

Source: NeoWin