This year, in the second half of the year, Microsoft will release a new version of Windows 11 – Windows 11 24H2. The next feature update is eagerly awaited. There are many changes and new features planned, the most important of which are being tested as part of the Windows Insider program.
Latest news about Windows 11 24 hours a day
This update is not new; we have already mentioned it several times in our columns. It is also known by the code name Hidson Valley. The advantage of the nomenclature used by Microsoft is that it allows you to have a little idea of the publication date. 24H2 means the second half of 2024, probably in the fall.
An operating system should offer many things, not just new features. Microsoft is working on a new version of the Windows platform designed to improve performance while enhancing security. Artificial intelligence will also help make the OS smarter and more productive. One cutting-edge approach involves a new version of the co-pilot assistant.
Windows 11 24H2 confirmed by Microsoft, list of new features
We don’t know whether this approach is voluntary or not, but Windows 11 24H2 is officially mentioned by Microsoft in the documentation. We are talking about the EnumDeviceDrivers function, useful for developers and system administrators to access drivers. The document traces some of the history of this feature, mentioning how it has evolved since Windows 7. The most interesting information is the mention of Windows 11 24H2.
Windows 11 24H2, a new version of the Windows platform
However, the file is unclear as 24H2 has been linked to the Windows 12 name for several weeks, suggesting it will be the same Windows. However, this is not certainty. In short, be careful on this matter for now.
As we’ve already noted, much of the content is not based on speculation and rumors, as the Windows Insider program, particularly the Canary and Dev channels, is a basis for experimentation and testing. Microsoft is testing some of the expected features.
Rumors predict the final signing of a new platform called Germanium in April next year. The work must then focus on “refinement” to meet the schedule (Fall 2024 for final release). It is important to note that according to the latest information, 24H2 will be a major update. A new version of the Windows platform will be introduced, which means installation using the OS swap method. Obviously, the entire operating system will be replaced with a more recent version. Thus, the operation is not trivial and will likely require caution.
Windows 11 24H2 won’t be available until the second half of 2024, but some next-generation AI PCs will start shipping with 24H2 pre-installed as early as June. The 24H2 version update will not be available to the general public until September.
Windows 11 24 hours a day, AI is increasingly present.
On the content side, Microsoft plans to improve its artificial assistant Copilot. The Copilot button should move to the very right corner of the taskbar. The goal is to make access easier. The parameters will be supplemented with a new entry “ Copilot in Windows “. It will provide options to enable or disable the display of the Copilot interface when running on PCs with larger screens, as well as to configure third-party chat providers and plugins.
The indiscretion mentions a more advanced version of the assistant, but it has not yet been tested this month as part of the Windows Insider program. Its strengths should be improved performance, application management, file management and search. For example, a new AI-powered history/timeline user interface will be explored that allows you to find any previously opened word, file, image or application. AI should also help in office organization using Snap Layout.
Machine learning should be able to identify frequently pinned apps and automatically suggest them in the Snap Layout interface when you hover over the app’s maximize button.
On the other hand, all these new AI developments will require significant RAM requirements. According to the report, Microsoft has set 16GB as the minimum RAM requirement for 2024 AI PCs.
Explorer, Taskbar, Wi-Fi
One of the most popular applications, the file manager, will continue to evolve. Typically, native support for 7zip and TAR archives is expected, in addition to the current ZIP present in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Opening large ZIP archives is usually faster.
For their part, PNG files will support display and modification of metadata. The dialog box will allow you to add some stars and keywords when personalizing the description of the PNG file.
The Quick Settings panel on the taskbar will be paginated, allowing you to scroll through all the available Quick Settings instead of manually selecting them.
In the Wi-Fi module in the Quick Settings panel, you can update the list of available Wi-Fi networks. The taskbar displays a small animation of the Wi-Fi icon when connected to a Wi-Fi network, and right-clicking on the icon will bring up the Diagnose Network Problems shortcut.
If a VPN is used, the user interface for controlling it in the Quick Settings panel will be improved, for example with a “switch” that allows you to activate or deactivate it with one click.
Microsoft should also offer improvements to Connected Mobile, including the ability to use a qualifying smartphone as a webcam. This feature is known and has been available on Mac for a long time.
Power and new power saving mode
Significant work is also expected in the area of battery management and options. A new Energy Saving mode is planned for both laptops and desktops.
This will reduce the energy consumption of the machine by adjusting its operating parameters. When activated, an icon appears in the System Status area of the taskbar.
To this will be added more power controls in a dedicated Settings section.
Microsoft plans to clean up its own content. The Cortana, Mail, Calendar, Maps, Contacts, and Movies & TV apps will no longer be installed by default while WordPad is removed.
Finally, for example, the operating system should be easier to customize. a new “Install Drivers” button out-of-the-box on the Wi-Fi setup page, and a “Protected Print Mode” that will allow the PC to print without the need to install proprietary drivers. Modern Windows printing that only works with Mopria certified printers.
System requirements
Windows 11 24H2 plans to change system requirements. This is the first time this change has been expected since the release of Windows 11. The OS will not start if the processor does not support SSE4.2. This applies not only to installation, but also to operation of the OS. Therefore, if the user tries to run it on a PC equipped with a processor that does not support SSE4.2 instructions, a reboot will occur after the startup screen is displayed.
Microsoft plans to add support for SSE4.2 instructions as a blocking condition to the compatibility list. This means that Windows Update will not offer 24/7 Windows 11 updates to PCs without this support.
It looks like the firm has also decided to only support ARM 8.1 and later processors. Otherwise, trying to start the machine under Windows 11 24H2 should cause the system to crash.
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