The tech world doesn't hit the brakes, and neither does Microsoft. This week brought exciting updates in the Microsoft ecosystem. Between the expanded rollout of Windows 11 24H2, a surprising price hike for Microsoft 365, essential fixes, and insider previews, it’s shaping up to be quite a January! Let’s dive into all this, decode the news, and make sense of what it means for you as a Windows user.
In fact, the company has begun force-updating eligible devices to 24H2, although this doesn’t yet impact managed corporate environments.
The update packs a slew of fresh features and improved performance benefits. Whether you're gaming, working, or browsing, 24H2 is sure to bring refined enhancements like:
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Windows 10 is nearing its end-of-life support, making the leap to Windows 11 practically unavoidable for continued security and feature updates. If you need another nudge, remember that functionality in core Microsoft 365 apps is being phased out for unsupported systems.
Microsoft 365's price boost is justified by its inclusion of Copilot—the company’s AI assistant. Copilot integrates with tools such as Word and Excel, streamlining workflows by generating summaries, automating content creation, and even performing data analysis. However, if you're not up for embracing Copilot’s virtual assistance just yet, you can stick to last year's pricing structure for another year, but act fast before this option disappears.
For Excel users, the app received some applause-worthy updates exclusive to Insiders, including document-wide dark mode. Imagine working late at night without straining your eyes—that’s not just a health bonus, it’s a productivity boost.
But here’s the burning question: Is the Copilot infusion enough reason to embrace a more expensive annual plan? While it certainly gives off a futuristic vibe, not everyone’s day-to-day really necessitates an AI assistant in their documents. Current pricing structures may already be at their threshold for many users.
Related: ShareX fans—good news! The screenshot and recording tool got even better with added notification sounds, scrolling capture enhancements, and new hotkeys.
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 24H2 for more users and Microsoft 365 for more money
Windows 11 24H2: Now in More Hands
If you're still running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2, don’t be surprised if Microsoft nudges you toward 24H2. With January’s Patch Tuesday updates clearing out compatibility barriers, specifically those affecting Ubisoft games like Assassin's Creed Origins and Star Wars: Outlaws, the new version is now officially available for more users.In fact, the company has begun force-updating eligible devices to 24H2, although this doesn’t yet impact managed corporate environments.
The update packs a slew of fresh features and improved performance benefits. Whether you're gaming, working, or browsing, 24H2 is sure to bring refined enhancements like:
- Battery Life Improvements: Early insider builds hinted at hidden tweaks for better power management, especially for laptops.
- Latency Fixes: Addressing concerns raised by gamers over frame drops.
- Revamped Taskbar Features: Battery percentage indicator? Yes, please.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Windows 10 is nearing its end-of-life support, making the leap to Windows 11 practically unavoidable for continued security and feature updates. If you need another nudge, remember that functionality in core Microsoft 365 apps is being phased out for unsupported systems.
Microsoft 365: More AI, More Money
Price increases never go unnoticed, especially when they affect one of the world's most popular subscription services. This week, Microsoft announced its first consumer-facing price adjustment for Microsoft 365. Expect to pay more starting now, but there’s a catch worth noting: the added cost comes bundled with advanced functionality powered by AI.Microsoft 365's price boost is justified by its inclusion of Copilot—the company’s AI assistant. Copilot integrates with tools such as Word and Excel, streamlining workflows by generating summaries, automating content creation, and even performing data analysis. However, if you're not up for embracing Copilot’s virtual assistance just yet, you can stick to last year's pricing structure for another year, but act fast before this option disappears.
For Excel users, the app received some applause-worthy updates exclusive to Insiders, including document-wide dark mode. Imagine working late at night without straining your eyes—that’s not just a health bonus, it’s a productivity boost.
But here’s the burning question: Is the Copilot infusion enough reason to embrace a more expensive annual plan? While it certainly gives off a futuristic vibe, not everyone’s day-to-day really necessitates an AI assistant in their documents. Current pricing structures may already be at their threshold for many users.
Patchy Tuesday: Fixes, Bugs, and Warnings
Ah, Patch Tuesday—the day of both relief and new headaches. January’s drops brought plenty:- Fix for Stubborn Updates: Some Windows 10 users discovered that update KB5048239 went rogue and refused to properly install. It now has a resolution via KB5050411.
- TPM Malfunctions: After applying the new Windows 11 builds, several users are reporting issues with BitLocker and seeing a strange message: “For your security, some settings are managed by your administrator.” The issue stems from TPM bugs, but no permanent fix is yet in place. Workarounds for admins do exist if you're knee-deep in enterprise IT, but it's clunky.
- Microsoft Teams: Updated notification customization is rolling out to improve those annoying pings from colleagues at 3 a.m.
Windows Insider Program: New Tech for Early Adopters
For the tech-curious among us, Microsoft’s Insider Program delivered its usual cascade of experimental features this week, including new builds released across all channels:- Canary (27774): Pure adrenaline for cutting-edge enthusiasts.
- Dev (26120.2992): The playground for Copilot+ PC improvements and that shiny battery percentage indicator.
- Beta and Release Preview Channels: Less bleeding edge but still exciting for mainstream engineers and cautious early adopters.
Broad Industry Updates: Windows Meets Linux?
Believe it or not, Microsoft managed to stir the Linux pot too. A major contribution from their team almost delayed the release of Linux kernel 6.13. Thanks to rapid intervention by AMD and Intel engineers, disaster was averted. This goes to show just how interwoven these platforms have become, even if they often seem to stand as rivals.Related: ShareX fans—good news! The screenshot and recording tool got even better with added notification sounds, scrolling capture enhancements, and new hotkeys.
What Does It All Mean for You?
For the casual user, much of this may sound like a blur of updates. But here's the crystal-clear message:- Upgrade While You Can: If you're on the fence about moving from Windows 10 to 11, Microsoft’s lifting of upgrade blocks could be your sign to hop aboard.
- Review Your Needs for Microsoft 365: Consider how much you’ll actually use Copilot features before justifying the price hike.
- Keep an Eye on Patch Notes: As useful as updates might be, they often usher in their own quirks. Be proactive with backup and testing.
- For the Tinkerers: Dive into build previews if you’re curious about what the future holds—that battery indicator isn’t going to marvel at itself.
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 24H2 for more users and Microsoft 365 for more money