Microsoft has officially launched Windows 11 24H2, introducing a variety of new features, some of which are notably useful and intriguing, alongside a substantial list of known issues.
Welcome to the Thunderdome…
This week’s release – already accessible on Copilot+ PCs, although new additions are on the horizon for them as well – aims to reach all Windows 11 users preparing to upgrade to the latest version.
For regular consumers, the rollout will occur gradually in phases. Meanwhile, enterprise users can expect the update to be available through channels like Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update for Business.
The latest release is structured into three main segments: features designed for Microsoft’s enterprise focus, enhancements for end users and consumers, and some unconventional functionalities intended solely for devices equipped with Copilot+.
It encompasses all modifications made to the operating system since the 23H2 update. For IT professionals, this includes a significant number of changes to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, the activation of Local Security Authority (LSA) protection, and adjustments to the management of local accounts.
The modifications to SMB have been gradually introduced throughout the year, so administrators are unlikely to be caught off guard. With the arrival of Windows 11 24H2, these updates comprise alterations to firewall rules, the ability to block NT Lan Manager (NTLM), the option to run SMB over the QUIC transport protocol in place of TCP, and revisions to SMB signing and encryption processes.
Additionally, other features that are now enabled by default consist of Personal Data Encryption (PDE), which implements user-authenticated encryption for familiar Windows folders such as Documents, and App Control for Business, aimed at enhancing the protection of digital assets against malicious software, previously referred to as Windows Defender Application Control.
Additionally, there is now Rust implemented in the Windows kernel, support for SHA-3, and the introduction of Sudo for Windows.
While the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 will capture the attention of both end users and administrators, enhancements to File Explorer, such as the ability to drag files between breadcrumbs and new compatibility with 7-zip and TAR archives, significantly enhance the user experience.
Other features include direct pairing and audio streaming capabilities for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) compliant assistive hearing devices on compatible systems, animated feedback in the system tray and taskbar to indicate ongoing network connections, along with quick settings that are now more customizable and accessible.
Unsurprisingly, Microsoft has put a significant focus on generative AI, generating numerous announcements that overshadow the launch of the latest version of its premier operating system. In a gesture aimed at gamers, Copilot+ PCs will introduce Auto Super Resolution, claiming to enhance gaming performance with improved high-resolution details. However, Copilot+ PCs have not been well received by gamers, who have criticized them for their inferior performance compared to traditional setups.
Among the features of Windows 11 24H2 available on Copilot+ PCs are Live Captions, which convert audio and visual content into English subtitles, and Windows Studio Effects, designed to enhance video calls by managing lighting and noise cancellation.
New enhancements for Copilot+ PCs offer the capability to search for files using simple text, along with a feature akin to Google’s Circle to Search. This new tool, named Click to Do, identifies images or text present on the screen and recommends actions. It can perform tasks such as visual searches via Bing or summarizing text.
Click to Do is currently in preview. Acknowledgments to a Microsoft post for the information.
Microsoft Paint, which has seen frequent updates lately, introduced Cocreator earlier this year, allowing image generation from textual prompts. Additionally, Copilot+ PCs will integrate Generative Fill and Generative Erase in Paint, features often linked to applications like Adobe Photoshop. This seems somewhat peculiar, given that Microsoft Paint has traditionally been a straightforward pixel editing tool. The ongoing addition of AI features appears to complicate the software unnecessarily, especially considering that free alternatives like GIMP offer more advanced tools than the standard version of Paint.
Generative fill and erase in Paint – please note that this is a screenshot from a pre-release version from Microsoft’s announcement, so the final appearance may be different when released.
Despite being relatively new, Microsoft Copilot has been updated with numerous features that don’t require the specialized AI hardware found in Copilot+ PCs.
Mustafa Suleyman, executive vice president and CEO of Microsoft AI, referred to Copilot as “an AI companion for everyone” in a public letter. He stated, “With your permission, Copilot will eventually be capable of acting on your behalf.”
Among the new features being introduced in Copilot are voice interaction, a news and weather summary known as Copilot Daily (which exclusively draws from “authorized content sources” like Reuters or the Financial Times), a visual search capability termed Copilot Vision (“a radically new way to engage with a computer,” according to Microsoft), and a feature called Think Deeper, which allows for extended response times to enhance the significance of the replies.
Certain updates give off a clear “me too” vibe. For instance, OpenAI’s chatbot has included voice interaction for some time now. On the other hand, Copilot Vision presents an intriguing capability, as it can “understand” the web page a user is viewing and respond to related questions. This feature is still experimental and is limited to interaction with “a selective range of popular websites” while Microsoft continues to refine the technology.
In light of the Windows Recall debacle, which was criticized for invading user privacy by capturing their screens for analysis, Microsoft emphasizes that “Copilot Vision sessions are completely opt-in and temporary. None of the content that Copilot Vision interacts with is saved or utilized for further training — once your session concludes, all data is permanently erased.” Additionally, it will not function on paywalled or sensitive content.
Moreover, Microsoft introduced the Personalized Discover feature for Copilot, designed to provide users with a personalized touch, evolving over time based on individual conversation history. Managing user data has long posed challenges for Microsoft and Copilot, and the company acknowledged: “We are still working out how to offer personalization for users within the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom.”
Not every feature in Copilot will be available at the same time. Copilot Vision and Think Deeper are moving into Copilot Labs, where users can experiment with these emerging functionalities.
As is typical with Microsoft, the introduction of Windows 11 24H2 comes with a number of issues. There are reports that some fingerprint sensors may not function as intended (Microsoft has yet to specify which ones, and has implemented a compatibility hold). Users may also face glitches with drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology and problems with wallpaper customization apps. Gamers may find particular irritation, as “some devices utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat may become unresponsive and trigger a blue screen.”
Assuming there are no unexpected issues, the rollout of Windows 11 24H2 is being conducted in stages. Many features aim to enhance the user experience, though there isn’t an option to revert elements like the Start Menu to replicate Windows 10. Additionally, there are numerous enhancements that will benefit system administrators.
Nonetheless, as with all Microsoft updates, it is wise to proceed with caution before implementation across any organization. The list of known issues may prompt administrators to reconsider, even with Microsoft’s assertion that this is “the most compatible Windows operating system ever.” ®