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Windows Update screenshot with a notification that Windows 11 version 24H2 is available

The Windows 11 24H2 update focuses on connectivity, introducing Wi-Fi 7 for faster and more reliable networking. Microsoft state that productivity also gets a boost with streamlined quick settings, while advanced assistive hearing support enhances accessibility. Energy-saving improvements extend battery life and lowers energy consumption which must be a good thing and certainly is welcome in the face of competiton from lower energy consumption computers with greater performance from Apple. A key highlight is a set of tailored features for the next wave of Copilot+ PCs. These AI-driven devices deliver remarkable speed and intelligence, Microsoft say, redefining personal computing for those ready to lead the technological charge. Security has been bolstered, offering a safer, more dependable experience—shaped, Microsoft say, as they always do, by user feedback to meet evolving needs.

TL:DR – This update promises a lot. Lets dive in and install it and see what's changed.  To lead the charge you'll need a new Copilot+ PC, with a top end neural processing unit (NPU) for most of the features, and a Microsoft 365 subscription, But one key feature works well on my old Dell and is very nice indeed and there are lots of little detailed improvements which are welcome.

Starting point - Windows 11 23H2, on an 8GB  i7-8550U equipped Dell XPS 13 (model 9370)

This is a nice computer I picked up from Computer Exchange for some client work where I had no choice but to use Windows. I've had it a couple of years now, it is a little out of date by magazine review standards but its been a really nice laptop to have and it is light, and modern with USB-C / Thunderbolt and an HD screen. Importantly it is supported by Windows 11. Nothing to worry about there!

Windows 11, System > About screenshot showing that this is Windows 11 Pro 23H2

Download and install

Click to Download and install. 

The update quetly goes about the process of downloading and installing. It might take a while!

Windows 11, Windows Update screenshot showing version 24H2 installation progress

Ready to restart

After a time, the system is ready to restart. 

Windows 11, Windows Update screenshot ready to restart
Windows 11, notification screenshot ready to restart or pick a time
Windows 11, notification screenshot ready to restart or pick a time

Restart when ready!

So what's new in Windows 11 2H24?

Windows 11, System > About screenshot showing that this is Windows 11 Pro 24H2
Windows 11, System > About screenshot showing that this is Windows 11 Pro 24H2

That can't be everything. Just a change to the build number and version! 

Sudo for Windows

Sudo for Windows is a new way for users to run elevated commands (as an administrator) directly from an unelevated console session on Windows 11 24H2. To enable Sudo for Windows, open Settings > System > For Developers and set Enable sudo to On.

Sudo for Windows is open source. You can find the source code for Sudo for Windows on GitHub.

Enabling Sudo for Windows screenshot
Enabling Sudo for Windows

 

Copilot+ PCs gain exclusive features

This old Dell isn't ready to step into the next generation of personal computing as a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC. If you believe the hype, these aren't just devices; they're a gateway to AI-driven innovation. Equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, Copilot+ PC can effortlessly tackle the most complex tasks. Lets see how much of the Windows 11 24H2 functionality works on an older but hardly vintage Dell Laptop.

Setting up Live Captions in Windows 11

Well the setup for Live Captions is easy enough, Just type Windows Shift 'l'  l  and it will install. Click through any questions and eventually it will declare it is ready! 

Windows 11 24H2 Live Captions Setup screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Live Captions Setup screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Live Captions Ready screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Live Captions Ready screenshot
Using Live Captions in Windows 11

The feature works surprisingly well. I tested it with a little bit of Women's Super League football build up commentary and the captions appear right in in the bottom of the screen in quite an unobtrusive way. As someone who has hearing problems with certain frequencies and loves subtitles I think this is excellent especially for content that doesn't have subtitles or closed captions.

The ability to translate, however, is only available on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 and later, but the rest of the live caption functionality works fine on my older Dell laptop. To choose where your captions are displayed:

  • Select Settings  in the live captions window.
  • Select Position.
  • Choose either Above screen, Below screen, or Overlaid on screen.
  • I chose below as it seems less obtrusive
Windows 11 24H2 Accessibility > Captions settings screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Accessibility > Captions settings
Windows 11 24H2 Live captions on a video feed screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Live captions on a video feed

 

 

 

Cocreator and Image Creator in Paint

Microsoft say you can unleash your creativity with Cocreator in Paint, where AI helps bring your artistic ideas to life. Unfortunately, the Cocreator button is absent on my old Dell because it is only for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 or later, presumably because it reuires requires a neural processing unit (NPU)so we will never know how unleashed my creativity might have been. The Cocreator in MS Paint demo on Microsofts website looks good though. 

Image Creator is available in Microsoft Paint, but requires AI credits which are included with a subscription to Microsoft 365. This uses an AI model called DALL-E which is subscription based.

Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft Paint (without Cocreator) screenshot
Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft Paint (without Cocreator)

 

Windows 11 2H24 Microsoft Paint Image Creator plans screenshot
Windows 11 2H24 Microsoft Paint Image Creator plans

 

Windows Studio Effects

Windows Studio Effects also requires a Copilot+ PC, with a top end neural processing unit (NPU) for most of its features, in order to improve lighting and cancel noises during video calls. It doesn't function on my Dell so we will leave it there.

Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR)

Auto SR delivers smoother gameplay with sharper details automatically for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 or later with a Snapdragon® X Series processor with Hexagon NPU and an integrated GPU. Auto SR is applied by default to a set of games verified by Microsoft. At launch, Auto SR automatically enhances BeamNG.drive, Borderlands 3, Control (dx11), Dark Souls III, God of War, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Sekiro Shadows Die Twice, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 and The Witcher 3. It doesn't function on my Dell which I don't use for games anyway. 

Image Creator in and Restyle Image in Microsoft Photos

Restyle Image and Image Creator are new features in the Microsoft Photos app for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 or later.

Microsoft say you can reimagine your memories with Image Creator and Restyle Image in the Microsoft Photos app, where you can add original, contextual AI-generated styles to your photos, by either choosing one of their curated, pre-built style options and adjusting the creativity level, or by creating your own custom style with a text description.

Streamlined quick settings and system tray imrovements

The system tray quick settings has a revamped scrollable interface which lets you reorganise actions easily. Live captions are now more conveniently accessible here allowing activation directly from the system tray. Theres a refresh button for Wi-Fi networks and better animation of the tray icons too.

Screenshot of Windows 11 24H2 System Tray - showing energy saver
Windows 11 24H2 System Tray - showing energy saver button
Screenshot of Windows 11 24H2 System Tray - showing live captions button
Windows 11 24H2 System Tray - showing live captions button

File Explorer improvements

Windows 11, version 24H2 introduces significant enhancements to File Explorer, aimed at streamlining file management. The context menu now features clearly labeled options for actions like cut, copy, paste, rename, share, and delete, reducing confusion. File navigation is further improved with the ability to drag files between breadcrumbs in the address bar. Breadcrumbs display the path to your current location, such as This PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files, providing a clear and efficient way to traverse directories.

Expanded support for 7-zip and TAR archives provide alternatives to the standard ZIP format. A redesigned compression wizard provides multiple formats and advanced customization, while improved extraction capabilities  handle file name conflicts. Moreover, PNG files now support metadata editing, enabling you to embed additional details into your images. 

Windows 11 24H2  File Explorer 7-Zip and TAR archive support screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 File Explorer 7-Zip and TAR archive support
Windows 11 24H2  File Explorer context menu with more options screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 File Explorer context menu with more options
Windows 11 24H2  File Explorer PNG file properties screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 File Explorer PNG file properties screenshot

Wi-Fi Sharing with QR Codes

Windows 11 24H2 supports QR codes for sharing and connecting to Wi-Fi networks, simplifying the process of joining or sharing networks without manually entering credentials. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency in various scenarios:

  • Connect Instantly via QR Code: Use your device’s camera to scan a QR code and connect to a Wi-Fi network instantly. For example, scan a QR code displayed in a coffee shop or shared by another device. Open the Camera app, point it at the QR code, and connect without hassle.
  • Share Your Wi-Fi Network: Generate a QR code for your network to share with others. Access this by navigating to Quick Settings > Wi-Fi, selecting your network properties, and choosing Show Wi-Fi network password. Alternatively, find saved networks in Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select a network, and display its password. Others can scan the QR code with a compatible device to connect.
  • Share Mobile Hotspots: Effortlessly share your mobile hotspot using a QR code available in Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot. The properties section now includes a QR code, enabling other devices to connect by simply scanning it with their camera.

This is a more user-friendly approach to Wi-Fi connectivity and sharing.

Energy Saving

Energy Saver is an intelligent feature designed to extend battery life and reduce energy usage without compromising performance. Accessible directly from Quick Settings, it can be toggled on or off manually or configured to activate automatically at a specified battery level.

Optimized for both laptops and desktops, this feature ensures continuous energy conservation regardless of power source. For desktop PCs, an energy saver icon appears in the system tray when enabled, while battery-powered devices retain the familiar leaf icon.

To adjust Energy Saver settings, navigate to Settings > System > Power & Battery.

Windows 11 24H2 Energy Saver screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Energy Saver
Windows 11 24H2 Energy recommendations screenshot
Windows 11 24H2 Energy recommendations
 

Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) dynamically adjusts the brightness of specific display areas based on the on-screen content. This seeks to balance reduced energy usage with a high-quality visual experience, ultimately extending battery longevity. The feature is designed for devices such as laptops plugged in. Most users, Microsoft say, won't notice and  power consumption should be reduced.

To configure CABC, navigate to Settings > System > Display.

Fixes and performance improvements

It is too early to say if any fixed or performance improvements show any discernible improvements on my computer but heres a list of things that have been improved

  • During setup when you need to connect to a network and have no drivers a new Install Drivers button has been added.
  • Clicking on your account in the Start menu shows you any benefits associated with your account such as Microsoft 365 or cloud storage.
  • You can drag applications from the Pinned area to the taskbar.
  • A default Location can be configured for when precise signals like GPS aren't available. Find the new experience in Settings > Privacy & security > Location > Default location> Set default
    Windows 11 24H2 Default location screenshot
    Windows 11 24H2 Default location
  • Storage Spaces has been revamped. Settings > System > Storage > Storage Spaces
  • Hearing aid support has been added to Accessibility. Settings > Accessibility > Hearing devices
  • When an uncommon device is detected during Bluetooth scanning, users will be presented with a Show all devices option.
  • Windows backup can now back up your sound settings, including your sound scheme. Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
  • Security updates to BitLocker, the Windows kernel, Printing, Encryption, and networking (SMB) among other things.
  • A new copy button and easy QR codes for webpage URLs and cloud files in Windows share 

Final thoughts

These new features in the Windows 11 2024 update are groundbreaking in some ways but many are either exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, or require a subscription to Microsoft 365. Whilst they are going to be useful they are not enough to make me go out and buy a new PC, so I'll just have to wait to fully explore them, and make do with the live captions even without the Copilot+ PC exclusive translation functionality and enjoy the many fixes and enhancements which do work really well on my Dell laptop.

Licences, trademarks, source code licences and attributions

Licences, trademarks, source code licences and attributions

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