Microsoft's latest iteration of its operating system, Windows 11 version 24H2, has been heralded by the company as "the most reliable Windows yet." This assertion is underpinned by internal telemetry data indicating a 24% reduction in unexpected restarts compared to Windows 10 version 22H2. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Enhanced System Stability
The reported decrease in system failures is attributed to several key improvements:
- Streamlined Crash Recovery: The traditional Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) has been replaced with a Black Screen of Death, reflecting not only a visual change but also a technical enhancement. Crash dump collection times have been significantly reduced from 40 seconds to just 2 seconds on most consumer devices, minimizing downtime. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Quick Machine Recovery (QMR): This new feature addresses boot failure issues more efficiently, allowing systems to recover swiftly from critical errors. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Beyond stability, Windows 11 24H2 introduces notable performance enhancements:
- Faster Update Processes: Installation times for monthly security updates are up to 45.6% faster, with restart times reduced by 39.7%. These improvements are achieved through parallel processing of component manifests and optimized reading and parsing of these manifests. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Reduced CPU Usage: The CPU usage during Windows Update processes has been decreased by 15.3%, leading to more efficient system performance during updates. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Smaller Feature Updates: By extending conditional downloads to include Microsoft Edge, feature update sizes have been reduced by approximately 200 MB for some endpoints, resulting in quicker download and installation times. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Windows 11 24H2 also focuses on improving the user experience:
- Scrollable Quick Settings: Users can now scroll through the Quick Settings menu, making it easier to access and rearrange settings. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Energy Saver Mode: An Energy Saver option has been introduced, allowing users to conserve energy even when devices are plugged in. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: The update includes support for Wi-Fi 7, offering faster connectivity and improved performance for high-bandwidth scenarios. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Despite Microsoft's optimistic claims, some users, particularly within the gaming community, have reported stability issues following the 24H2 update. Early adopters noted bugs and performance inconsistencies, suggesting that while the update brings improvements, it may also introduce new challenges. (techradar.com)
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the testing environments used to validate these improvements. Some users pointed out that Microsoft's tests were conducted on Azure virtual machines rather than real-world hardware, leading to skepticism about the applicability of the reported performance gains to everyday users. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
Conclusion
Windows 11 version 24H2 represents a significant step forward in terms of system reliability, performance, and user experience. The reported reductions in unexpected restarts and faster update processes are promising. However, real-world user feedback indicates that experiences may vary, and some users may encounter issues not evident in Microsoft's internal testing. As with any major update, it's advisable for users to ensure their systems are fully compatible and to stay informed about any emerging issues or patches.
Source: PC Guide Microsoft says its latest Windows 11 version is "the most reliable Windows yet" with the stats to back it up
