Windows 11 24H2 Update: Faster Installations & Reduced CPU Usage

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The recent introduction of Windows 11 24H2 has brought with it a plethora of enhancements, with one of the most notable being a significant reduction in CPU usage during updates. Microsoft is making a concerted effort to improve the experience of updating Windows—an activity often considered a necessary evil by users.

A Speedier Update Experience​

Windows updates have historically been a source of frustration for many users. Long installation times and heavy resource consumption can lead to sluggishness at critical moments. Fortunately, with the 24H2 update, Microsoft has made strides to alleviate this pain point. The core of this enhancement lies in a strategy termed "checkpoint cumulative updates." This involves a smarter update strategy that not only decreases the update package size but also minimizes the time spent on installations.
In its documentation, Microsoft has articulated a revised approach that includes techniques like reverse and forward differencing, intelligent caching of parsing results, and dynamic RAM allocation. This means that instead of downloading full update packages every time, Windows now intelligently assesses missing files and repairs any corrupted manifests, only targeting the update files that are actually necessary.

Performance Metrics: Real Gains Reported​

A side-by-side comparison with the prior version, Windows 11 22H2, offers some compelling statistics:
  1. Testing with a Fully Updated PC:
    • Installation Speed: The new update completed at an impressive rate, approximately 45.6% faster.
    • Restart Time: It took nearly 39.7% less time for the system to come back online after an update.
    • CPU Usage: The update process witnessed a 15.3% drop in CPU usage, allowing more computational resources for other tasks.
  2. Testing with Older Hardware:
    • Interestingly, even significantly older models running the 22H2 version experienced improvements:
      • The update installation was 43.6% faster.
      • Cut CPU usage by 25% and shortened restart time by 33.5%.
Microsoft conducted these evaluations using Azure virtual machines outfitted with 8 CPU cores, SSD storage, and 16 GB of RAM. But don't be deceived; similar enhancements are expected even on more modest setups, particularly as monthly updates roll out.

Smaller Monthly Feature Updates​

To further reduce the update burden, Microsoft has decided to decouple store app updates—like those for Microsoft Edge—from the core system updates. This segmentation leads to smaller monthly update sizes, less congestion, and a more fluid experience for users. Now, Windows updates primarily focus on system applications, such as File Explorer, instead of those that can be updated via the Microsoft Store.
These improvements aren't just cosmetic; they are designed to ensure that users can experience a smoother interaction with their systems post-update, whether they're downloading the latest patches or feature tweaks.

The Bigger Picture: Windows Intelligence​

This focus on efficient updates is perhaps not just a standalone improvement but part of a broader shift towards integrating AI-driven methodologies across Windows. Microsoft's exploration of integrating Windows Intelligence could potentially guide future updates, further automating optimizations based on user habits and system behavior.
This evolution signifies a step towards more intelligent, adaptable operating systems that not only serve the users with required functionalities but also learn and optimize how they deliver those functionalities.

Conclusion​

In summary, the Windows 11 24H2 update isn’t just another run-of-the-mill service pack; it’s a strategic move towards creating a more efficient and user-centric update ecosystem. By minimizing CPU usage during updates and improving installation speed, Microsoft is transforming a once tedious chore into a far less disruptive aspect of PC usage.
Remember: As you gear up for the impending feature updates, revel in the fact that your Windows experience may just be about to get smoother and faster than ever before!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 makes PCs faster with reduced CPU usage for Windows Update
 


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