The holidays may be upon us, but there’s no pausing the Windows 11 innovation train! Hot off the heels of Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft has unwrapped a sleigh-load of exciting new features, improvements to security, productivity, and AI-powered enhancements. Whether you're an IT pro managing enterprise devices, a tech enthusiast, or a Windows Insider hunting down the latest builds, December 2024 has something for everyone. Let’s unpack this!
Microsoft has turbocharged its tools for managing updates, making workflows smoother and reducing downtime. Here's how:
Security took center stage this season as Windows introduced tools to harden defenses, encrypt data, and prevent digital risks. Here’s the lowdown:
If you thought AI was already changing the game, think again. Copilot integration in Windows 11 and Azure continues to evolve:
Windows Insiders aren’t just testers; they’re explorers. Here’s what you can sink your teeth into with the latest preview builds:
System admins, rejoice! Windows Admin Center (version 2410) is GA (generally available), adding more muscle to this all-in-one server management tool. Express setup, better virtual machine management, and seamless data migrations make server monitoring a breeze.
It’s the small wins that make Windows 11 a standout platform.
As always, a few reminders:
From enhanced workflows to better security measures, Microsoft has given admins and users alike a plethora of tools to enhance their Windows experience. With AI redefining workflows, security hardening against evolving threats, and the new updates piling up, the future of work—and play—is bright.
WindowsForum.com community, what are you most excited about? Will you test Insider builds before official updates hit your system? Or maybe you’re busy remapping your life via Copilot keys? Join the conversation!
For more IT insights, bookmark WindowsForum.com, and let’s continue geeking out—see you in 2025!
Source: Microsoft Announcements Get started with December 2024 improvements in Windows 11
New in Windows Updates and Device Management
Microsoft has turbocharged its tools for managing updates, making workflows smoother and reducing downtime. Here's how:Windows Autopatch Enhancements
- Expanded Reports: Windows Autopatch users can now access detailed reports on quality and feature updates for all devices under an Autopatch policy—not just specific groups. More insights = better management.
- Business Integration: Autopatch now plays nicer with Windows Update for Business deployment service. This means updates can roll out faster while maintaining security and compliance with less manual effort. It’s like autopilot for IT admins.
Hotpatching for Reduced Restarts
Hotpatching isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a legitimate lifesaver. The process applies security updates without forcing those time-stealing system restarts. Recent AMAs have revealed practical tips for integrating hotpatch updates. IT admins, rejoice!Intune Expands Horizons
Intune is flexing its muscles:- Hardware Insights: Admins can now create a “Properties catalog” within Intune to collect detailed hardware information from devices, helping with inventory monitoring and advanced analytics using KQL (Kusto Query Language). Expect queries within 24 hours of changes.
- Regional Cloud PC Moves: If you’re managing Windows 365 Cloud PCs, you can now transition them between regions or Azure network connections in smaller, manageable batches. Efficiency has arrived.
Clipboard Management for Azure Virtual Desktop
Security-conscious admins now have more control with unidirectional clipboard configurations in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Restrict data flow to just one direction—decide what gets copied, where, and when.
Windows Security: Resilience from Chip to Cloud
Security took center stage this season as Windows introduced tools to harden defenses, encrypt data, and prevent digital risks. Here’s the lowdown:Personal Data Encryption (PDE)
A standout in Windows 11 version 24H2 for Enterprise and Education editions, PDE protects files in high-priority folders—like Desktop and Documents—by adding Windows Hello authentication. Set it up through Microsoft Intune's Endpoint Security management portal.Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
TPM 2.0 remains a hard requirement for Windows 11, safeguarding cryptographic operations and security keys in hardware. For IT admins unsure of device TPM compliance, head to Intune's “Device Properties” section for a quick status check.Microsoft Purview’s AI Integration
Governance just got smarter! New Purview features leverage AI to help prevent data loss, manage risks, and maintain performance. Centralized visibility via Data Security Posture Management simplifies monitoring large environments.
AI-Powered Windows: Enter Copilot+ PCs
If you thought AI was already changing the game, think again. Copilot integration in Windows 11 and Azure continues to evolve:Copilot App and Features
- System Tray Copilot: The Copilot progressive web app (PWA) bows out for a sleeker, native counterpart now pinned to your system tray. Quick access is as simple as pressing
Alt + Space. - Copilot Hardware Key: IT admins, you can now remap the analog Copilot hardware key to open the full Microsoft 365 suite. Work smarter, not harder!
- Azure Copilot Guidance: Struggling to decide on Azure virtual machine sizes? Copilot in Azure can now recommend VM configurations fit for your workload.
Preview Build: Copilot+ PCs
Windows Insiders on Copilot-ready systems (hello, AMD and Intel users) are getting next-gen features like:- "Recall" and "Click to Do" Action Enhancements: Redefining task efficiency.
- AI in Apps: Use Cocreator in Paint for creative projects or restyle photos directly with new Photos app features.
Updated Windows Insider Builds
Windows Insiders aren’t just testers; they’re explorers. Here’s what you can sink your teeth into with the latest preview builds:Camera and API Tweaks
- Build 26120 (DEV) adds advanced camera configurations for multitasking or failsafe basic mode.
- Passwordless Authentication Enhancements: Support for third-party passkeys is evolving with WebAuthn API plug-ins to make passwords obsolete.
File Explorer Gets Tab Happy
Test a new feature that opens each folder in its own tab. If file management feels like managing chaos, this will be your new favorite holiday gift.
Windows Server: Better Management Tools
System admins, rejoice! Windows Admin Center (version 2410) is GA (generally available), adding more muscle to this all-in-one server management tool. Express setup, better virtual machine management, and seamless data migrations make server monitoring a breeze.
Productivity, Accessibility, and... Mixed Reality?
It’s the small wins that make Windows 11 a standout platform.- Accessibility: Narrator, live captions, and voice access continue to receive substantial polish.
- Meta Quest Meets Microsoft: Got a Meta Quest headset? You can now virtualize your Windows 365 Cloud PC in mixed reality. Immersive multitasking, anyone?
Important Notes for December 2024 Updates
As always, a few reminders:- Holiday Maintenance Break: There will be no non-security preview update for December owing to light operations during Western holidays.
- Windows 10 End of Support: With Windows 10 retirement looming, Microsoft’s offering tools to help you plan upgrades to Windows 11, ensuring a smoother transition.
Wrapping It Up… and Looking Ahead to 2025!
From enhanced workflows to better security measures, Microsoft has given admins and users alike a plethora of tools to enhance their Windows experience. With AI redefining workflows, security hardening against evolving threats, and the new updates piling up, the future of work—and play—is bright.WindowsForum.com community, what are you most excited about? Will you test Insider builds before official updates hit your system? Or maybe you’re busy remapping your life via Copilot keys? Join the conversation!
For more IT insights, bookmark WindowsForum.com, and let’s continue geeking out—see you in 2025!
Source: Microsoft Announcements Get started with December 2024 improvements in Windows 11
