As 2024 rounds out, Microsoft has quietly (and sometimes loudly) dropped a suite of exciting new features into Windows 11. Now, if you’ve been camped out in tech forums or cautiously peeking through the patch notes after every update, you already know that Windows 11’s 24H2 release was, ahem, controversial. Despite its inclination toward bugs, there’s no denying the goodies Microsoft packed into the OS this year. Let’s take an insider’s tour through these features, which are sure to delight power users, organizational buffs, gamers, and your everyday Windows warrior alike.
From zippier updates to QR code magic, here are the headliners you don’t want to miss.
The result?
This is crucial as AMD continues to push its AM5 socket dominance, and now Windows 11 plays nice with Team Red’s ethos of efficient computing. Expect smoother frame rates in titles like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077—or just about any other visually demanding game.
Not only does this align with modern software trends, but it’s also a godsend for those needing lightweight but capable archival straight out of File Explorer.
Here’s the rub: the menus remain frustratingly slow relative to Windows 10’s snappiness. But hey, at least you don’t need a feature cheat sheet anymore! Progress? Sort of.
This is another big step in closing the gap between multiple operating systems for a better user experience.
Which new features are you most excited to try? Did Microsoft nail what’s essential, or did your dream feature get overlooked? Let’s hash it out in the comments!
Enjoy exploring these additions and stay tuned for 2025—we hear Windows 11 still has plenty left in its tank before Windows 12 inevitably looms on the horizon.
Source: Neowin 10 cool features Windows 11 received in 2024
From zippier updates to QR code magic, here are the headliners you don’t want to miss.
1. Faster Windows Updates – A Bane Turned Boon
Who loves sitting in front of a screen at 11 PM, watching Windows updates crawl along, right? Microsoft heard the collective moans and turbocharged the update process in 2024. Changes include parallel processing (basically working smarter, not harder), optimized RAM usage for capable PCs, and refined resource allocation.The result?
- 43% faster installation times
- 33% quicker restarts
- 25% lower CPU consumption during the process
2. AMD Gamers Rejoice! Better Performance for Ryzen Builds
Gamers and AMD enthusiasts running Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series chips have some serious optimization to celebrate! Microsoft tweaked branch prediction algorithms (essentially how the processor guesses its next steps), which has led to up to an 11% performance boost in games. (Yes, you read that right—no manual overclocking wizardry required.)This is crucial as AMD continues to push its AM5 socket dominance, and now Windows 11 plays nice with Team Red’s ethos of efficient computing. Expect smoother frame rates in titles like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077—or just about any other visually demanding game.
3. Zip? 7z? TAR? Windows 11 Speaks Fluent Archive
Who needs WinRAR (sorry, “trial version” users!) when Windows 11 can natively compress files into ZIP, 7Z, and TAR formats? Revised compression options also let you pick between different methods like Deflate, LZMA2, and more, with full control over compression levels (0-9). While third-party tools excel in speed, Microsoft’s muscle here removes the “install extra software” burden for casual tasks.Not only does this align with modern software trends, but it’s also a godsend for those needing lightweight but capable archival straight out of File Explorer.
4. The Context Menu Gets a (Sort-of) Glow-Up
Context menus. You right-click often; you lean on quick options like Paste or Rename. But Windows 11's messy initial attempt at magical minimalism frustrated many. Now, by adding text labels for common file functionality (cut, copy, paste, delete, etc.), Microsoft aims to simplify the UI for beginners.Here’s the rub: the menus remain frustratingly slow relative to Windows 10’s snappiness. But hey, at least you don’t need a feature cheat sheet anymore! Progress? Sort of.
5. Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam—No Strings, Literally
Got an Android phone? The updated Phone Link app now lets you use your device as a wireless webcam, a feature that blows most stock laptop webcams out of the water. Streamers, professionals, and multitaskers alike can rejoice. Key perks include:- High-quality video feeds (even from budget devices).
- Extra settings for switching angles, battery monitoring, and more.
- Eliminates the need for third-party, often paid options.
6. Refresh Wi-Fi Networks with One Click
We’ve all struggled with stubborn Wi-Fi signals that momentarily vanish just when you need them. Microsoft tackled this with a Wi-Fi refresh button that forces your network list to rescan for available connections instantly. It’s a small addition, yes, but one that shaves off frustration in countless daily interactions. Sometimes the smallest changes have the biggest impact.7. Better Mouse Control Without Registry Tweaks
Previously, adjusting mouse acceleration or scroll behavior often meant digging into the Windows registry. No more. Under Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, users can now:- Disable pesky mouse acceleration (handy for gamers).
- Change the scroll direction with a simple toggle.
8. Voice Clarity - Because Yelling at Your Mic is Overrated
One of Microsoft’s subtle AI-powered flexes this year is Voice Clarity, an app-side feature designed to clean up your audio. Even without fancy hardware like NPUs (Neural Processing Units), Windows 11 now suppresses background noise, echo, and reverb. Perfect for:- Zoom meetings in noisy environments.
- Online gaming marathons with your squad.
- Professional calls without breaking the bank for external hardware.
9. QR Codes Everywhere (Even for Wi-Fi!)
Windows 11 embraces the future of seamless sharing by integrating QR codes wherever possible. For instance:- Want to share a hyperlink? Generate a QR code right in your browser.
- Struggling to remember a cryptic Wi-Fi password? Generate a scannable QR code via Network & Internet > Wi-Fi!
10. Android File System Access in File Explorer
Forget tangled cables and mysterious file transfer apps. Now, pairing your Android device via the Phone Link app grants full access to its file system directly through Windows Explorer. Need to offload vacation photos or quickly transfer docs? Drag-and-drop magic awaits.This is another big step in closing the gap between multiple operating systems for a better user experience.
Honorable Mentions:
- HDR Wallpapers: Have a monitor with high-dynamic range? Bring your desktop to life with HDR-compatible images (JXR format). While sourcing these may take some effort, the payoff is dazzling for systems that support it.
- AI Tools on Copilot+ PCs: While reserved for specific, beefy hardware, advanced AI accelerations make Copilot+ workstations a tempting upgrade. Features like real-time transcription and content generation point to what the future of OS tech could look like.
The Takeaway: A Good Year for Windows 11?
2024 gave us a mixed bag with version 24H2 bugs still haunting some, yet it also brought solutions and niches worth celebrating. Microsoft aimed to improve productivity, simplify UX, and boost overall system performance, especially for gamers and creative professionals.Which new features are you most excited to try? Did Microsoft nail what’s essential, or did your dream feature get overlooked? Let’s hash it out in the comments!
Enjoy exploring these additions and stay tuned for 2025—we hear Windows 11 still has plenty left in its tank before Windows 12 inevitably looms on the horizon.
Source: Neowin 10 cool features Windows 11 received in 2024
