Windows 11 2024 Update: Exciting Features and Enhancements

The latest iteration of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, the Windows 11 24H2 update—commonly referred to as the 2024 Update—is rolling out with a cornucopia of new features designed to invigorate user experience and enhance system performance. So, buckle up, because this update comes packed with shiny new code, innovative convenience features, and even a dash of eye candy!

New Core Code: Reinventing Reliability​

One of the most significant under-the-hood changes is the migration of core Windows kernel code to the Rust programming language. Why does this matter? Rust is lauded for its memory safety and performance efficiency. By rewriting a chunk of its coding base in Rust, Microsoft aims to make Windows 11 not just faster but also less prone to pesky memory bugs that have historically troubled older versions of Windows. This overhaul has reportedly been four years in the making, showcasing Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the reliability of their flagship OS.
Additionally, the rollout introduces hot-patching updates, a feature that minimizes disruptions during system updates. This should be a welcome change for anyone who has experienced the dreaded "restarting in 3... 2... 1..." countdown!

Updated Start Menu with Phone Link​

Recognizing the growing interdependence between mobile and PC, Microsoft has revamped the Start Menu to include the Phone Link feature. This new addition brings vital information—like phone battery status, connectivity info, and recent message alerts—right to your desktop, streamlining how you stay connected. Initially, this feature will be Android-focused but keep an eye out for iPhone support that'll follow soon after.
Small tweaks have also been made to the Start Menu, allowing users to drag and drop pinned icons directly to the Taskbar—because the simpler the process, the better!

File Explorer Enhancements​

File Explorer is getting a facelift as well. Context buttons for actions like Cut, Copy, and Delete now feature text labels, making them easier to navigate. Plus, two newly supported formats, TAR and 7z, allow for efficient file compression, though password protection features are notably absent. You can also easily edit PNG file metadata—finally, some useful enhancements in the age of digital images!
Moving forward, users will notice a dedicated area in File Explorer for managing wirelessly transferred files from Android devices, solidifying Microsoft's initiative to foster a cohesive ecosystem.

Taskbar and Power Management Upgrades​

In this update, the Quick Settings panel on the Taskbar sees an upgrade, allowing users to scroll through more options and customize which settings they want to access quickly. The Power Settings interface is also revamped, now including a new Energy Saver mode that intelligently reduces background energy consumption based on user preferences—all part of Windows' gradual shift towards sustainability.

Copilot Updates: Now More User-Friendly​

Microsoft's virtual assistant, Copilot, receives a makeover too. No longer confined to a sidebar, its window behaves just like any other application, allowing users greater flexibility in workspace management. However, the lack of PC control capabilities (like directly opening applications or changing settings) has drawn criticism. It seems Microsoft is still working to find the right balance between functionality and simplicity.

Introducing Copilot+​

For you lucky ones with a Copilot+ PC—these systems boast local AI processing capabilities—new features like Click to Do, Recall, and Cocreator are now on offer. Click to Do provides contextual action suggestions depending on what's displayed on your screen, while Recall helps users look back through previous activities using periodic screenshots.
Perhaps the most exciting feature is Cocreator, which lets users generate images from sketches in Microsoft Paint using AI. You simply draw a rough draft and give voice to your artistic desires, then let the AI do the rest! Keep your expectations grounded though; all AI generators have quirks that may deliver surprising mash-ups instead of precise depictions.

Inclusive Features: Live Captions and Enhanced Communication​

Microsoft is enhancing inclusivity with the Live Captions feature, which now delivers on-screen captions for any spoken content across the system. This feature translates audio into captions in up to 40 languages, making both video content and other auditory engagements more accessible for everyone, including non-native speakers and those with hearing difficulties.

Gaming and Performance: Super Resolution​

On the gaming front, the 24H2 update introduces Automatic Super Resolution to support improved performance, directly competing with similar technologies from NVIDIA and AMD. PCMag's experts have already seen a marked improvement in frame rates, making gaming more fluid and visually appealing—especially in titles like Borderlands 3.

Compatibility and Rollout​

This update is being rolled out in phases, and all current Windows 11 users should be able to access version 24H2 as long as their machines meet the minimum hardware requirements. A recent CPU, a TPM 2.0 chip, and a Secure Boot capability are among the essential stipulations. If you’re itching to get the latest update, head to Settings > Windows Update to ensure your device is primed for the newest features.

Final Thoughts​

While Windows 11 may not have hit the refresh button with a brand new number like Windows 12, the 2024 Update certainly brings enough enhancements to keep users engaged. From power management to AI-driven creativity, Microsoft continues to add layers to its operating system, making it not just a tool but an integral part of the connected experience.
Get excited for these improvements, and stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into what the advancement of Windows brings for everyday users. Keep your eyes on the WindowsForum.com for the latest updates, walkthroughs, and user discussions on how to best leverage these fresh features!
Source: PCMag What’s New in the Windows 11 2024 Update?