Windows 11 feature release 24H2 is just around the corner

The function update 24H2 for Windows 11 has already been available as an Insider version for some time, providing the necessary support for Copilot+ PCs, for example. However, it was not yet clear when the update would be available for everyone. Microsoft has now hidden the imminent release date.

On Monday, Microsoft announced a second AI wave. This also included a blog post announcing enhanced data protection with Windows and Microsoft Copilot. Under the heading "When will this happen?", the developers explain that the entry point for Microsoft's Copilot will move to the Microsoft 365 app along with the annual feature update for Windows. "Deployment of these changes to managed PCs will begin with the optional, non-security update previews on September 24, 2024, and subsequently with the monthly security updates on October 8, 2024 for supported Windows 11 versions," Microsoft writes, "these changes will be applied to Windows 10 PCs the month after." This update replaces the current Copilot-in-Windows experience.

Cloudy: Windows 11 24H2 is coming in October

The current Copilot solution will therefore be replaced on managed PCs by an updated Microsoft 365 app. As the app is "aligned" with the feature update for Windows 11, version 24H2 of Windows 11 will apparently be released for everyone with the October patch day and possibly the update preview in September. This also fits in with the usual release dates for previous Windows feature updates. However, Microsoft has not yet confirmed or mentioned the date anywhere.

At the end of May this year, Microsoft published the preview for the 24H2 update in the Windows Insider channels. Among other things, the Copilot for the EU region became an app. Other new features include support for HDR backgrounds, improved energy saving, sudo for Windows, the inclusion of Rust in the Windows kernel, support for the new Wi-Fi 7 standard and improved speech intelligibility. Initially, the creation of 7-zip and tar archives directly in File Explorer was announced for the 24H2 release in addition to the previously possible zip archives –, but this has since been incorporated into Windows 11 23H2.

In April, c't already had a look at the first preview versions. At that time, the changes included the new archive formats for compression and the sudo command for Windows, but old functions were also removed. For example, the Mail, Contacts and Calendar apps, which the new Outlook is intended to replace, are no longer included. Maps, Cortana and Movies & TV are also no longer on board.

(dmk)