In a significant shift in the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft has updated its approach to first-party app distribution in Windows 11 with the latest 24H2 release, delivering 36 inbox apps fully updated and ready to use immediately after a clean install. This marks a noticeable departure from earlier versions of Windows, where inbox applications would often require immediate updates via the Microsoft Store before offering their full features or functionality. The strategy aims to enhance out-of-the-box usability, robustness, and—perhaps most critically—security for consumers and enterprise users alike, but raises nuanced questions about system storage consumption, bloat, and user choice.
Traditionally, after performing a clean installation of Windows or setting up a brand-new PC, users would discover that many of the pre-installed system apps needed significant updates before becoming operational or secure. Not only did this necessitate additional waiting time, but it also left new systems temporarily exposed to dated vulnerabilities inherent in unpatched applications. With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has addressed this recurring complaint by packaging fully up-to-date versions of all 36 bundled apps—including feature-rich extensions—directly in the installation media distributed via the Media Creation Tool and ISO images.
By providing the latest, patched iterations of each bundled app directly from initial installation, Microsoft is taking the proactive route to harden user systems against zero-day exploits and privilege escalation attacks that have historically targeted legacy components. Both enterprise and private users stand to benefit: IT teams will spend less time auditing and updating machines post-deployment, and individuals are less likely to encounter early teething bugs or exploits due to unpatched software.
Microsoft’s move, in theory, ensures that the typical Windows 11 24H2 install is more secure, stable, and complete on first boot, potentially reducing the attack surface for malware that exploits outdated inbox apps. However, there is a meaningful trade-off in terms of disk space: more feature-complete applications, along with a suite of media extensions, increase the initial storage footprint of a new Windows install.
Microsoft, however, has anticipated these concerns and offers some relief. Most of the newly bundled or enhanced inbox apps can be uninstalled by users, clearing up space and decluttering the start menu. This flexibility is an improvement over practices from prior Windows eras, where certain system apps were deeply embedded and difficult (or impossible) to remove.
Even more notably, European users—thanks to stricter regulatory environments—enjoy the option to remove cornerstones like the Microsoft Store and even the Edge browser. This level of app removability is unprecedented in the modern Windows timeline and signals a grudging but real accommodation of user choice and antitrust scrutiny.
This improvement is particularly significant in educational and enterprise deployments, where networked rollouts can be bottlenecked by mass app updates across hundreds or thousands of devices.
Microsoft’s push to deliver the latest, signed app binaries as part of every 24H2 install drastically narrows the window of exposure and aligns with best practices recommended by security organizations. It also makes it more feasible for organizations to achieve “known good state” certification for their Windows fleets without elaborate post-deployment scripting and updating of bundled software.
Similarly, the presence of AI and web-first apps such as Clipchamp (for video editing), Bing Search, and the revamped Weather app positions the OS as a comprehensive productivity and information hub, reducing the perceived need to download and configure countless third-party utilities.
The consistency provided by this all-in-one update model helps avoid the surreptitious fragmentation seen in prior Windows generations, where slightly different states of base apps existed across devices, sometimes leading to confusion or inconsistent behaviors in tutorials, support, or classroom settings.
As regulators in the United States, Europe, and beyond scrutinize big tech’s bundling and competitive behaviors, features permitting deeper app removal—restricted by region—are likely both a concession and a strategic hedge against more aggressive antitrust remedies. For consumers outside regulated regions, this underscores ongoing disparities in available system customization, even as Microsoft touts increased user control.
However, some enterprises with tightly managed environments may find the increased default app set at odds with their preference for minimal, streamlined installations—a scenario mitigated somewhat by the improved app removal capabilities but still presenting an extra configuration step in deployment workflows.
Security experts have largely welcomed the move as a clear win in terms of default posture and risk reduction, praising Microsoft for aligning with best practices in software bundling and patch management. Yet, caution persists: the onus is on Microsoft to ensure these inbox apps continue to receive timely updates between major Windows releases, and to guarantee that uninstall options remain transparent and functional for all users.
Looking ahead, Microsoft’s success in executing this bold shift will depend on three critical factors: keeping inbox apps regularly and visibly updated post-installation, ensuring uninstallability remains straightforward for all users, and maintaining transparency around the evolving app ecosystem as Windows itself continues to evolve. Only by striking the right balance between comprehensive default functionality and user-driven flexibility can Windows stay relevant in a computing world defined by both diversity and an ever-increasing need for robust digital security.
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 installs 36 inbox apps, now fully up-to-date
Traditionally, after performing a clean installation of Windows or setting up a brand-new PC, users would discover that many of the pre-installed system apps needed significant updates before becoming operational or secure. Not only did this necessitate additional waiting time, but it also left new systems temporarily exposed to dated vulnerabilities inherent in unpatched applications. With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has addressed this recurring complaint by packaging fully up-to-date versions of all 36 bundled apps—including feature-rich extensions—directly in the installation media distributed via the Media Creation Tool and ISO images.What’s in the Box? The 36 Inbox Apps, Explained
The expanded list of inbox apps in Windows 11 24H2 is not merely a revival of familiar stalwarts like Notepad, Paint, and Calculator. Instead, it paints a comprehensive picture of Microsoft’s vision for a modern, adaptable OS. The bundle encompasses both productivity-centric tools and an array of media, automation, and support apps, including:- Alarms & Clock: For time management and scheduling.
- Calculator: A basic, essential tool with advanced features.
- Sticky Notes & Microsoft To Do: Note-taking and task tracking.
- Notepad: A long-beloved text editor, now with enhanced functionality.
- Get Help and Quick Assist: Onboarding and remote support.
- Power Automate & Office Hub: Tools for process automation and Office integration.
- Photos, Paint, Clipchamp, Camera, Snipping Tool, Media Player, Sound Recorder: Spanning creative expression, media editing, and content consumption.
- Bing Search and Weather: Essential web and weather utilities.
- Phone Link, Cross Device Experience Host: Enabling seamless PC-phone integration.
- Xbox Game Bar, Xbox Speech-to-Text Overlay, Solitaire Collection: Game-related utilities for entertainment and accessibility.
- Windows Security, Microsoft Store, App Installer, Store Purchase App, Windows Web Experience Pack: Covering device security, commerce, app management, and web-first features.
Why Bundle So Many Apps? Microsoft’s Security-First Mindset
At the heart of this comprehensive preloading policy is security. Past iterations of Windows inbox apps, particularly infrequently used media extensions or rarely updated support utilities, have been a soft target for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Shipping outdated versions, as happened repeatedly prior to 24H2, left new installations temporarily exposed until automatic updates patched the holes—sometimes after the user’s first risky interaction.By providing the latest, patched iterations of each bundled app directly from initial installation, Microsoft is taking the proactive route to harden user systems against zero-day exploits and privilege escalation attacks that have historically targeted legacy components. Both enterprise and private users stand to benefit: IT teams will spend less time auditing and updating machines post-deployment, and individuals are less likely to encounter early teething bugs or exploits due to unpatched software.
Comparison: Legacy Approach vs. 24H2’s Fully Updated Apps
| Aspect | Legacy Windows (Pre-24H2) | Windows 11 24H2 |
|---|---|---|
| Inbox App Versions | Many pre-installed, often outdated, need updates | All 36 inbox apps fully updated |
| Storage Footprint | Lower initially, grows with updates | Slightly higher out-of-box footprint |
| Initial Functionality | Some apps require updates before use | All apps operational immediately |
| Media Extensions | Often missing, need separate install | Most major codecs/extensions bundled |
| Security Posture | Exposed to CVEs until updates applied | Patched and protected immediately |
| User Experience | Intermittent, update-heavy onboarding | Seamless, ready-to-use out of box |
The Bloatware Debate: Storage Costs and User Autonomy
The inclusion of fully updated inbox apps may resolve several lingering headaches, but it also rekindles the long-standing debate around bloatware and system customization. With the new strategy, users are provided with an impressive suite of ready-to-use apps, but with greater upfront storage consumption. While the difference in disk space varies by hardware and configuration, early community reports suggest an increase in used storage following a fresh 24H2 installation as compared to earlier releases.Microsoft, however, has anticipated these concerns and offers some relief. Most of the newly bundled or enhanced inbox apps can be uninstalled by users, clearing up space and decluttering the start menu. This flexibility is an improvement over practices from prior Windows eras, where certain system apps were deeply embedded and difficult (or impossible) to remove.
Even more notably, European users—thanks to stricter regulatory environments—enjoy the option to remove cornerstones like the Microsoft Store and even the Edge browser. This level of app removability is unprecedented in the modern Windows timeline and signals a grudging but real accommodation of user choice and antitrust scrutiny.
Storage Considerations: How Much More Space Is Used?
Exact figures on the increased storage footprint vary, and Microsoft has not published official numbers. Third-party observation and anecdotal benchmarks provide some indication. For example, the enhanced Paint app, following feature expansions since October 2024, is notably larger than its predecessor. Media extensions, which previously trickled in only as users invoked them, now account for an appreciable chunk of disk space immediately upon installation.- Estimate: For a typical installation, the increase ranges from several hundred megabytes to potentially over a gigabyte, depending on which extensions and media apps are preloaded. For users with large SSDs, this may be inconsequential; for budget or legacy devices, the increase is more noticeable and may require cleanup post-installation.
Performance Impact and System Responsiveness
Although a slight increase in storage usage is a trade-off, there is little indication that system performance or boot times are negatively impacted by the inclusion of more fully-featured inbox apps. In fact, by sidestepping the need for immediate post-setup updates, Windows 11 24H2 can provide a more responsive, predictable experience from the very first login—especially noticeable on hardware with limited connectivity or bandwidth constraints.This improvement is particularly significant in educational and enterprise deployments, where networked rollouts can be bottlenecked by mass app updates across hundreds or thousands of devices.
Security Implications: A Proactive Posture Against Vulnerabilities
Arguably the most meaningful benefit from shipping updated inbox apps is the closing of a longstanding security gap for both consumers and IT departments. According to multiple vulnerability trackers and independent security advisories, out-of-date or unpatched inbox apps have historically constituted a measurable portion of CVEs logged against the Windows platform. Media extensions in particular—owing to the complexity of parsing modern image and video formats—have been a recurring weak link when left unpatched.Microsoft’s push to deliver the latest, signed app binaries as part of every 24H2 install drastically narrows the window of exposure and aligns with best practices recommended by security organizations. It also makes it more feasible for organizations to achieve “known good state” certification for their Windows fleets without elaborate post-deployment scripting and updating of bundled software.
- Example: A Windows 11 24H2 device installed via the updated Media Creation Tool will have, upon first boot, its Photos, Paint, and media extensions at current release and patched levels, limiting the opportunity for exploits relying on legacy code.
Automation and Modern Productivity: A Feature-First Philosophy
Beyond security and stability, Windows 11 24H2’s revamped inbox app roster encapsulates Microsoft’s bet on automation, cloud, and AI-enhanced productivity. The inclusion of Power Automate—a robust workflow automation service—signals a shift toward positioning Windows not simply as a static OS, but as a launchpad for modern digital workflows.Similarly, the presence of AI and web-first apps such as Clipchamp (for video editing), Bing Search, and the revamped Weather app positions the OS as a comprehensive productivity and information hub, reducing the perceived need to download and configure countless third-party utilities.
- Critical Analysis: This bundling approach brings tangible convenience and a polished first impression, but also raises the prospect of overlapping functionality with user-preferred solutions. While many users may welcome ready-to-use media and productivity tools, power users may ultimately prefer leaner systems and the freedom to pick their own media players, editors, or workflow tools.
User Experience: Effortless Onboarding and Consistency
For new users, especially those in less technically savvy demographics, Windows 11 24H2’s approach means far less friction in initial setup. The immediate availability and uniformity of inbox apps, each with the latest feature set and patches, simplifies onboarding whether on a personal device or a shared/family system. The needling chore of individually updating every essential app before first use is effectively eliminated.The consistency provided by this all-in-one update model helps avoid the surreptitious fragmentation seen in prior Windows generations, where slightly different states of base apps existed across devices, sometimes leading to confusion or inconsistent behaviors in tutorials, support, or classroom settings.
Regulatory, Regional, and Customization Dynamics
While Microsoft delivers new levels of polish and out-of-the-box utility, it is also quietly navigating an era of mounting regulatory pressure, particularly from the EU. The ability to uninstall core apps such as the Store or Edge is almost certainly linked to demands for user freedom and fair competition, rather than being motivated purely by user feedback.As regulators in the United States, Europe, and beyond scrutinize big tech’s bundling and competitive behaviors, features permitting deeper app removal—restricted by region—are likely both a concession and a strategic hedge against more aggressive antitrust remedies. For consumers outside regulated regions, this underscores ongoing disparities in available system customization, even as Microsoft touts increased user control.
How Does This Affect PC Makers and Enterprise Rollouts?
OEMs and enterprise IT departments stand to benefit from the new model, as it reduces the variability in base system images and shortens the deployment window for mass rollouts. Fully patched inbox apps mean fewer immediate updates during imaging, faster time-to-readiness, and lower support friction in the critical first hours or days of device use.However, some enterprises with tightly managed environments may find the increased default app set at odds with their preference for minimal, streamlined installations—a scenario mitigated somewhat by the improved app removal capabilities but still presenting an extra configuration step in deployment workflows.
Feedback from the Windows Community: Early Impressions and Debate
Initial reactions from Windows enthusiasts and IT professionals are mixed but lean positive, according to community forums, social media, and prominent tech publications. Many praise the out-of-box functionality and the polished, up-to-date feel of the 24H2 experience. Others, however, voice enduring frustrations at the perceived bloat and a desire for slimmer, even more customizable installations—a refrain heard since the dawn of inbox software bundles.Security experts have largely welcomed the move as a clear win in terms of default posture and risk reduction, praising Microsoft for aligning with best practices in software bundling and patch management. Yet, caution persists: the onus is on Microsoft to ensure these inbox apps continue to receive timely updates between major Windows releases, and to guarantee that uninstall options remain transparent and functional for all users.
Critical Outlook: Strengths and Cautions
Notable Strengths:- Stronger security baseline by eliminating outdated, vulnerable inbox apps at install time.
- Superior out-of-box experience, with feature-complete and reliable inbox applications.
- Reduced update and setup friction, especially for network-limited users and mass deployments.
- Greater transparency and control for users to uninstall unwanted apps, especially in regulated regions.
- Increased storage use, which may marginally impact users with older hardware or tight disk constraints.
- The risk of bloat if users are unaware of or unable to remove less-needed apps effectively.
- Possible user confusion about overlapping app functionalities (e.g., multiple media or note-taking apps).
- Continued regional disparities in customization potential, shaped by global regulatory landscapes.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, with Eyes on Balance
The Windows 11 24H2 update marks a thoughtful recalibration in Microsoft’s app distribution strategy, blending the convenience of a feature-rich, secure starting point with a nod toward user autonomy and regulatory compliance. For the overwhelming majority of users, the improved security, seamless initial experience, and broader app ecosystem represent net positives. However, the age-old tension between system completeness, customization, and unwanted bloat will remain an undercurrent in the Windows conversation.Looking ahead, Microsoft’s success in executing this bold shift will depend on three critical factors: keeping inbox apps regularly and visibly updated post-installation, ensuring uninstallability remains straightforward for all users, and maintaining transparency around the evolving app ecosystem as Windows itself continues to evolve. Only by striking the right balance between comprehensive default functionality and user-driven flexibility can Windows stay relevant in a computing world defined by both diversity and an ever-increasing need for robust digital security.
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 installs 36 inbox apps, now fully up-to-date