Microsoft gives go-ahead for Windows 11 24H2 feature update

Many have been waiting for it for a while, but now it's actually here: the feature update for Windows 11 to version 24H2. Microsoft generally released it on Tuesday of this week.

The Windows Message Center initially refers to a blog post that explains the new features for Copilot+ PCs in particular. The functions are designed to better support the NPUs, i.e. the AI coprocessors. Of course, the function update 24H2 for Windows 11 also provides numerous new features and improvements for the public. Microsoft presents them in a separate article. However, at the time of reporting, the German version still references the 23H2 update from last year.

Brief overview of the new features

Many of the changes originally planned for the 24H2 update were also included in the current "Windows 11 23H2" builds ahead of schedule, such as enhancements for File Explorer and extended support for compression not only in ZIP archives, but also to 7z or TAR. 24H2 also brings a better power-saving mode for battery operation, Bluetooth LE Audio, support for HDR backgrounds with high color depth and support for the new Wi-Fi 7 WLAN standard.

Microsoft points out that the company is carrying out a staggered rollout of the update. PCs on which the "Get updates as soon as they're available" function has been activated under "Settings" in "Windows Updates" will be offered the update first. They must also meet the system requirements and already have Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2 installed. However, the update cannot be forced in this way; it merely increases the likelihood of being among the selected systems more quickly. However, the media creation tool and the ISO images available on the Windows 11 download page should be able to do this shortly.

For "IT pros", Microsoft is providing another article which, on the one hand, provides a quick overview of the new features for admins, where Microsoft also mentions numerous SMB changes that IT managers should take a look at. On the other hand, it also explains the availability and release in WSUS and Windows Update for Business as well as the 36-month support that Windows 11 24H2 will receive.

Read also

Windows 11 feature release 24H2 is just around the corner

Around two weeks ago, Microsoft provided the first indications that the 24H2 feature update would be released in October. This also met the expectations of observers, as the period thus lies within the usual time window for Windows feature updates.

(dmk)