Windows 11 24H2 Update: Enhanced Usability Features in February 2025

Microsoft is gearing up for an exciting Windows 11 24H2 update in February 2025, set to bring along a number of quality-of-life improvements, usability enhancements, and long-requested tweaks. While December’s Patch Tuesday updates were fairly routine, February promises features that touch File Explorer, Magnifier, Update Settings, and other areas that directly impact everyday usability. Let’s dive deep into what’s rolling out and why you should care.

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File Explorer Gets Smarter and Simpler​

File Explorer, the backbone of day-to-day file management on Windows, continues to refine its user experience with subtle yet practical changes. Although the groundbreaking addition of tabs was introduced earlier, Microsoft is taking this functionality a step further by enhancing its usability and options.

1. New Folder Creation Simplified​

Currently, creating a new folder via the right-click context menu requires the user to revert to the “Show more options” menu to access the old, familiar interface. Starting February, you’ll be able to create a new folder directly from the modernized right-click menu—a welcome change that cuts down on unnecessary clicks and boosts productivity. For users managing files all day long, this minor tweak can make a world of difference.

2. Preserving Tabs on Restart​

Increased adoption of tab functionality warranted improvements, and Microsoft is obliging. File Explorer will now be able to restore tabs after restarting your PC. This eliminates the need to manually reopen your workspace—a boon for multitaskers. Users will find an easy toggle for this feature: “Restore previous windows on logon” under View settings.
This addition also addresses a long-standing annoyance where File Explorer tabs would need to be reopened individually after every restart. Now, users can jump right back into the middle of their workflows with minimal friction.

3. Smarter Tab Control​

Opening new tabs just got smarter. When you attempt to open a folder location already loaded in another File Explorer window, instead of creating a redundant new window, the folder will open as a tab in the existing window. This change reduces clutter in your taskbar, streamlining navigation and making the File Explorer feel much more like a modern app.

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Magnifier Gets a Polished Toolbar​

Magnifier often flies under the radar, but it’s an indispensable accessibility tool for users with vision impairment. The February update focuses on improving day-to-day usability with the following changes:

• Reset Zoom in One Click: A new toolbar button allows users to efficiently reset zoom levels back to their default setting with just a single click. No more fumbling through options to get back to your baseline view.
• Set Preferred Zoom Defaults: Users will also be able to save their favorite zoom levels, which will persist across sessions, further personalizing their experience.

For anyone dependent on Magnifier, these updates will make it not only easier but also more intuitive to navigate the Windows environment.

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Streamlined File Sharing​

Windows aims to simplify how you share files. Currently, when you use the “Share” option in the File Explorer context menu, a mini window pops up, prompting you to choose an app and then proceed from there. In the February update, users will instead get a sub-context menu that directly integrates popular sharing apps like Outlook, WhatsApp, and Teams.
This streamlined sharing system skips unnecessary pop-ups and keeps the process clean and fast. For corporate users juggling shared documents or casual users sending images to friends, this minor tweak adds a layer of convenience.

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Time Zone Fix: Addressing a Major Pain Point​

If you’ve been pulling your hair out because non-admin users lost the ability to change the time zone, you’re not alone. This has been one of the more perplexing issues with the 24H2 update, and administrators on Reddit wasted no time in roasting Microsoft for the oversight.
The good news? This peculiar restriction is being lifted. Starting next month, all users—even those without admin access—will regain the ability to adjust their PC's time zone settings directly. Previously, the workaround for this glitch was to navigate via the legacy Control Panel, which still allowed non-admins to modify the time zone. The February update fixes this inconsistency.

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Granular Update Settings for IT Admins​

Administrators will welcome new refinements for controlling updates. A redesigned “Configure Update Policies” settings page provides finer control over how updates are managed, especially in domain environments where update timing and bandwidth use are critical concerns. This change delivers much-needed customization for businesses juggling fleets of Windows devices.

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The Broader Implications of These Updates​

Windows 11 continues to recognize that individual and business users are no longer satisfied with just flashy new features—they crave updates that enhance productivity, address everyday headaches, and respect older workflows. This February update reflects Microsoft's increasing focus on solving problems that feel minor in isolation but build up over time to cause frustration.
Here’s why these updates are noteworthy:

• Tailored Workflows: Restoring tabs and adding smarter tab controls in File Explorer signal that Microsoft values the way users operate across multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s a nod towards Windows serving as an ecosystem, not just an OS.
• Accessibility Leadership: Consistently upgrading tools like Magnifier ensures that accessibility remains part of Microsoft’s core mission.
• Automation & Simplicity: Features like streamlined file sharing and restored time zone adjustments represent user-centric design meant to simplify lives.

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Preparing for the Update​

How to Enable Key New Features​

If you’re excited about tab restoration or new sharing options, here are steps to make sure you’re ready post-update:

1. Enable Tab Restoration:
   • Open File Explorer and go to View Settings.
   • Toggle on “Restore previous windows on logon.”
   • Ensure other tabs-related settings like “Launch folders in separate window” are properly configured.
2. Check Update Policies for Settings:
   • For enterprise users, IT administrators should familiarize themselves with the February update’s expanded settings under Group Policy Editor to fine-tune how updates are applied.
3. Magnifier Personalization:
   • Explore the Magnifier app post-update to set your default zoom preferences and enjoy the new reset functionality.

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Looking Ahead​

February’s updates might not include groundbreaking new features like Windows Copilot or AI tools, but these are the kinds of usability changes that loyal users quietly celebrate. Whether it’s restoring your workspace with preserved tabs or fixing the irritating time zone limitation for everyday users, Microsoft is showing its commitment to polishing the Windows 11 experience.
Expect monthly updates to continue refining these features even further. For those on the 24H2 update path, this February release serves as a reminder to stay on top of cumulative releases for incremental enhancements.
Are you excited about the File Explorer improvements or frustrated that non-admin time zones took so long to fix? Share your thoughts on WindowsForum.com—let’s discuss what you’re most looking forward to!

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Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 to get new features in February – what’s coming