Microsoft releases Windows 11 2024 '24H2' update

Microsoft has confirmed it has started rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update. Also known as the 24H2, the “Cumulative Feature Update” for Windows 11 includes several tweaks, menus, and process modifications.

What does the latest Windows 11 2024 update contain?

Windows 11 24H2 update is packed with several new features. However, quite a few of these features and functions won’t be available to PCs and laptops packing older tech.

Windows 11 version 24H2 has been available for a few weeks now. However, only new PCs featuring the latest hardware such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series or Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors had access to the update.

Specifically speaking, the Windows 11 24H2 update reportedly benefits PCs that work well with Copilot+ PCs. The new update introduces support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE.

Microsoft has also unlocked HDR backgrounds. Image files with the “JXR” file extension can now be a desktop background. It would have a much higher contrast between light and dark parts. on displays that support HDR.

Needless to say, PCs and laptops need to have modern hardware to benefit from this update. Additionally, computers with better power management chips will be able to reduce their power draw. This feature will be available to PCs that don’t have an integrated battery.

What do old PCs running Windows 11 get?

Older PCs officially supporting Windows 11 will get an improved File Explorer. The trusty file and folder management software can now reportedly compress items into an archive in a variety of different formats, such as RAR or 7z. Without third-party software, users choose things like the compression method and level, while using a local account.

Microsoft has made it easier to share a Wi-Fi connection by allowing PCs to display a QR code. Users can also view a smaller “abbreviated” time in the System Tray.

PCs with Bluetooth support can now wirelessly connect their mobile devices to view the latter’s files in the File Explorer app. This is a wireless alternative to connecting a phone to a PC with a USB cable.

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update in a phased manner. In other words, the update will first arrive on PCs running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2 update. To pull the update sooner, Windows 11 users will have to opt into receiving the latest updates as soon as they’re available.