Microsoft announced on Thursday that it’s beginning to roll out a major update to its Windows 11 operating system for PCs.
Currently, Windows makes up only 9% of Microsoft’s projected $245 billion revenue for fiscal 2024, including its acquisitions of Activision Blizzard and Nuance Communications. However, Windows remains highly profitable, and its wide use on computers has helped Microsoft bring more customers to its Azure cloud services. As a result, Microsoft continues to improve Windows, especially with support for the popular Windows 10 ending in October 2025.
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been growing in popularity fast. The number of active devices increased by 50% compared to the previous year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared during the company’s earnings call in July.
The 2024 Windows 11 Update, known as version 24H2, aims to improve basic PC functions like downloading files over Wi-Fi, compressing documents, and managing energy usage.
New Features in Windows 11 Version 24H2 for Your PC
Here are some of the new features coming to PCs that support Windows 11 in version 24H2:
Better energy-saving options: You’ll be able to lower your PC’s power usage while it’s plugged in, even if it doesn’t have a battery.
Enhanced hearing aid support: If you use hearing aids that work with Bluetooth LE Audio, you’ll be able to connect them to your computer, stream audio directly, and adjust the volume and balance.
Improved internet speed: New routers using the Wi-Fi 7 standard can send data faster than Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Your PC will now be able to take full advantage of these routers at home or work, allowing quicker downloads and more devices running smoothly at high speeds.
Easier Wi-Fi sharing: In the Settings app, you’ll be able to generate a QR code with your Wi-Fi network details, making it quick and easy to connect other devices.
Enhanced backgrounds: If your device or screen supports HDR (high dynamic range), you can choose an image with a .JXR file extension as your desktop background. This will give better contrast between the light and dark areas of the image.
Manage phone files wirelessly: By connecting your phone to your PC via Bluetooth, you can enable a setting that lets you view your phone’s files in a folder within the File Explorer app. This gives you a wireless alternative to using a USB cable.
Smaller clock display: You can reduce the space the time takes in the System tray. Go to the Settings app, choose “Time & language,” and under “Show time and date in the System tray,” select the new “Show abbreviated time and date” option.
Compression options: You won’t need to download extra software to compress files into 7-Zip or .tar formats. Just select files in File Explorer, right-click, hover over “Compress to…,” and choose ZIP, 7z, or TAR. You can also click “Additional options” to adjust the compression level and method.
How to Access the New Features
To find version 24H2 of Windows 11, open the Settings app and go to Windows Update. The update will be available for download when Microsoft believes your device is ready for it. Initially, Microsoft will roll out 24H2 to devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2 that have the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option enabled in Windows Update.
Schools and businesses looking to distribute version 24H2 on their devices can refer to a Microsoft blog post for guidance.
Conclusion
Microsoft is launching the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, which includes many new features to improve user experience. As more people use Windows, these updates will enhance performance, energy efficiency, and connectivity, ensuring users get the best from their devices with the latest improvements.
