Windows 11 24H2 Update: AI, Performance, and Hardware Revolution

With the arrival of Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft is delivering what may be the operating system’s most transformative update yet, both in terms of visible innovations and the underlying technology powering the experience. This fresh release—rolling out broadly via Windows Update—ushers in a new era of AI integration, brings meaningful quality-of-life improvements, and includes refined system requirements that signal a clear shift in the company’s hardware strategy. Whether you’re running a state-of-the-art Copilot+ PC or hanging on to hardware from the early days of Windows 10, this update offers plenty to unpack—and for some, a few roadblocks and workarounds to consider.

Key New Features in Windows 11 24H2​

Microsoft’s 24H2 release arrives with a blend of innovative AI-powered tools, enhanced performance options, and core usability tweaks. As is often the case with substantial Windows updates, the scope of changes reflects both customer demands and the forward-looking vision Microsoft holds for its ecosystem.

Deep Copilot+ Integration: The AI PC Revolution​

The headline for 24H2 is undoubtedly the deep integration of Copilot+, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant designed to supercharge productivity. On supported hardware, Copilot+ leverages on-device neural processing units (NPUs) to provide real-time assistance in writing, summarizing documents, searching local files, and even generating images or code suggestions in supported applications. Microsoft positions this as an always-available digital aide, firmly baking generative AI capabilities into the Windows experience.
Copilot+ PCs, branded as such due to their enhanced AI hardware, are capable of delivering features like:

• Real-time language translation and summarization.
• AI-powered photo and video enhancements, including object removal and background blur.
• Enhanced search experiences that draw both from cloud sources and your local content.
• Accessibility improvements through natural language and context-aware actions.

This is a significant differentiator for the latest generations of hardware, particularly those featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips, recent Intel Core Ultras, and advanced AMD Ryzen AI-enabled processors. However, systems lacking these chips will not see the full breadth of Copilot+ capabilities, and features requiring on-board NPUs may simply not show up.
Despite Microsoft’s ambitious AI roadmap, sources such as The Verge and Microsoft’s own documentation note that some headline features remain “coming soon” or are dependent on additional developer adoption. Enthusiasts should be aware that the most bleeding-edge experiences will require waiting for both software support and wider hardware availability.

Refined Taskbar and System Tray​

The 24H2 update delivers subtle but noticeable refinements in the taskbar and system tray. Users will notice clearer labels, improved touch interactions (especially for tablet users), and enhanced notification previews. Taskbar overflow has also been reworked for better multitasking, and system tray icons have received a modern facelift to align with Windows 11’s Fluent Design language. These changes, while not radically transformative, add a layer of polish that regular Windows users will appreciate.

Advanced HDR Support and Energy Saving Features​

Display enthusiasts have reason to celebrate. 24H2 upgrades Windows’ support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) monitors—notably, with true HDR calibration capabilities, Dynamic Refresh Rate adjustments, and improved efficiency for variable refresh displays. This brings Windows 11 in line with modern gaming consoles and high-end laptops, delivering crisper visuals with more accurate color representation.
Additionally, energy-saving modes have been improved, especially on ARM-based devices and newer mobile processors. Automatic background process throttling, smarter wake-from-sleep management, and expanded battery analytics all contribute to longer device up times—critical for mobile users and enterprise fleets alike.

Settings and Accessibility Overhaul​

Microsoft continues to streamline the ever-expanding Settings app in 24H2, phasing out legacy Control Panel remnants and consolidating system management tasks. Notable upgrades include:

• Smarter device discovery and Bluetooth management.
• Centralized accessibility controls, including live captions, audio descriptions, and screen magnification.
• Improved Windows Update transparency, with easier access to update details, rollback options, and clearer explanations of new features.

Accessibility, a traditional strength for Windows, sees heightened focus this cycle. The update introduces expanded voice access commands, better narration customization, and continued investments in supporting a diverse user base—underscoring Microsoft’s commitment to digital inclusion.

Notable Under-the-Hood Improvements​

Behind the scenes, Windows 11 24H2 brings a host of optimizations:

• Faster boot and shutdown times, especially on SSD-equipped systems.
• Enhanced security baselines, with features like mandatory Windows Hello for new accounts and hardware-enforced virtualization in more scenarios.
• Virtualization-based security (VBS) upgrades and new controls for enterprise device isolation.
• File Explorer enhancements, such as tabbed browsing improvements, native RAR/7z archive extraction, and streamlined search indexing.

Many of these upgrades do not require the latest hardware and will benefit nearly all compatible PCs.

Hardware Requirements: Raising the Bar​

With each new generation of Windows, Microsoft nudges hardware requirements upward both to enhance security and to ensure a consistent user experience. 24H2, however, is a watershed moment.
To receive the update automatically, your PC must:

• Have a 64-bit processor compatible with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.
• Be running at least an 8th-gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 2000 series CPU (in most cases).
• Include 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage (minimum, though more is recommended).

For Copilot+ PC features, the bar is higher still—your system needs a supported NPU, typically found in Snapdragon X Elite, some Intel Core Ultra chips, or new AMD Ryzen AI processors.
Many older systems, therefore, will not see 24H2 offered via Windows Update. This has frustrated some users with still-capable machines, although Microsoft’s stance is firm: maintaining a baseline guarantees both new security features and optimal performance.

Installing Windows 11 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware​

An important development—highlighted by several enthusiast publications and the community—is that technical users can bypass hardware blockades using tools like Rufus. Rufus provides an option to remove restrictions when preparing a Windows 11 USB installer. The process, as outlined below, while not officially sanctioned by Microsoft, is relatively straightforward:

• Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO from Microsoft’s official site.
• Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/en/(https://rufus.ie/en/](https://rufus.ie/en/)).
• Use Rufus to write the ISO to a USB thumb drive, selecting the option to bypass TPM/CPU/RAM checks as prompted.
• Install Windows 11 as normal, skipping check hurdles.

This workaround allows advanced users to keep older hardware operational, though there are caveats: future feature updates may break, some AI features will remain unavailable, and Microsoft reserves the right to end support for these configurations at any time. As always, proceed at your own risk, keeping system backups and security in mind.

How to Upgrade to 24H2: Step-by-Step​

For most users with eligible devices, upgrading is simple:

• Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates.
• If 24H2 is available, select Download & Install.
• Follow prompts and restart your device to complete the process.

If your device does not meet the requirements—and you wish to try the unsupported route—follow the Rufus process outlined earlier. Numerous YouTube tutorials and community guides are available to walk through the steps visually; however, always use sources you trust when downloading ISOs or tools to avoid malware risks.

Benefits and Strengths of Windows 11 24H2​

Evaluating the merits of this update reveals a number of compelling strengths:

Best-in-Class AI Integration​

Microsoft’s investment in Copilot+ and AI-driven productivity positions Windows a step ahead of rival operating systems, at least in terms of native integration. Features like context-aware search, document summarization, and real-time creative assistance will be particularly valuable to professionals, creators, and knowledge workers—provided they have the hardware to match.

Visual Polish and Modern UX​

The subtle design tweaks, taskbar evolution, and thoughtful accessibility additions make Windows 11 24H2 the most user-friendly and visually consistent version of Windows yet. Legacy UI elements continue to be retired, further reducing confusion for everyday users.

Security and Efficiency​

Mandatory security baselines, hardware-enforced protections, and easier update management significantly raise the bar for both consumer and enterprise scenarios. Battery life and power management optimizations help extend the longevity of laptops and tablets, a long-standing pain point for mobile users.

Flexible Installation Paths​

While Microsoft tightens official hardware support, the continued existence (albeit unofficial) of bypass routes like Rufus gives power users and organizations transitional breathing room, making the upgrade ecosystem more flexible than it appears at first glance.

Risks, Limitations, and Potential Challenges​

Hardware Fragmentation and Update Eligibility​

The raised system requirements and Copilot+ exclusivity draw a firm line between the “haves” and “have-nots.” Many users with still-functional 7th-gen Intel or earlier AMD machines will be left behind for official updates. While workaround methods exist, they come without guarantees—and could leave devices vulnerable or unsupported in the future.

Incomplete Feature Coverage​

Even within the 24H2 release, some Copilot+ and AI features remain “rolling out” or in preview, particularly outside the United States. The experience may be inconsistent across languages and regions, and the full AI vision is closely tied to hardware vendors releasing compatible machines at scale.

Security Implications of Workarounds​

Bypassing official checks, while helpful for some, inherently reduces the security umbrella Microsoft is trying to enforce. Unsupported PCs may miss out not only on functionality but also on essential firmware or low-level security updates. Organizations and risk-averse users should weigh these trade-offs carefully.

Learning Curve and Change Fatigue​

As with all major UI refreshes, not everyone will appreciate the changes—especially users who prefer the familiarity of Windows 10. Taskbar changes, new settings placements, and evolving integration of Copilot may require retraining or adjustment time, especially in large organizations.

Community Reception and Industry Context​

Initial feedback from the Windows community and technology press has been broadly positive, especially regarding the polish and ambition of the update. Power users and IT professionals generally welcome the performance improvements and hardware-based security, but there is a notable undercurrent of frustration with the increasingly aggressive hardware requirements.
Comparatively, Apple and Google have also leaned into AI integration within their operating systems, but Microsoft’s strategy of fusing AI into the core OS experience—rather than as an app or service overlay—stands out. Still, much will depend on real-world execution, application adoption, and how rapidly developers choose to target Copilot+ APIs.
Industry analysts highlight that this convergence of hardware and software resets the pace for the broader PC market, likely hastening adoption of new chip designs and setting expectations for upcoming years. How well users and businesses adjust, and how inclusive Microsoft remains toward legacy investments, will shape the next chapter for Windows.

Conclusion: A Bold, Divisive, and Ultimately Necessary Step Forward​

Windows 11 24H2 is more than just an upgrade—it is a statement of Microsoft’s priorities for the future: AI-first, security-first, and unapologetically focused on modern PC hardware. For those with compatible systems, it brings a genuinely better experience across productivity, security, and usability. For those left behind—or feeling forced to upgrade—there are workarounds, but also a clear message about the path Microsoft expects customers to follow.
As new Copilot+ PCs and AI-enhanced workflows become the norm, the full promise of 24H2 will depend on how rapidly those features become accessible to all—and just how well Microsoft supports its vast and diverse user base through this transition. As always, the true test will come in the months ahead, but for now, Windows 11 24H2 stands as a bold, sometimes controversial, but ultimately necessary leap into the future of computing.

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Source: Računalniške novice The new Windows 11 24H2 is finally available for everyone! - Computer News