Windows 11 24H2 Update: New Features, Challenges, and User Tips

Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 version 24H2, marking the latest significant update to its operating system. This rollout introduces a suite of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. However, the update has not been without its challenges, as users have reported various issues ranging from performance degradation to compatibility problems.

Key Features of Windows 11 24H2​

The 24H2 update brings several notable features:

• HDR Background Support: Users with HDR monitors can now enjoy enhanced visual experiences with HDR-compatible desktop backgrounds.
• Wi-Fi 7 Support: The update includes support for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), promising faster data transfer speeds and improved network performance.
• Bluetooth LE Audio: Enhanced audio experiences are now possible with support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, offering better sound quality and reduced power consumption.

These features aim to modernize the Windows 11 experience, aligning it with current hardware advancements and user expectations.

Reported Issues and User Feedback​

Despite the promising features, the 24H2 update has been accompanied by a series of issues reported by users:

Performance Degradation​

Users have observed significant performance drops post-update. Reports indicate decreased CPU multi-threaded performance, particularly on Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors. Benchmark tests, such as Geekbench, have shown lower scores compared to previous Windows versions. Additionally, some users have experienced system slowdowns, with longer boot times and sluggish application launches. These issues have been discussed extensively in community forums, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

Compatibility Issues​

The update has introduced compatibility problems with certain applications and hardware:

• AutoCAD 2022: Users have reported that AutoCAD 2022 fails to open after installing the 24H2 update. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and applied a compatibility hold to prevent affected devices from updating until a resolution is found.
• Easy Anti-Cheat: Some devices using Easy Anti-Cheat have experienced system crashes and blue screen errors. This issue primarily affects devices with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors and vPro platforms.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST): Compatibility issues with Intel SST drivers have led to blue screen errors on devices with 11th Gen Intel Core processors. Microsoft has applied a compatibility hold on devices with affected drivers to prevent the update from being installed.

Storage and Disk Cleanup Issues​

Users have encountered problems with the Disk Cleanup utility, which incorrectly reports the amount of space available for cleanup. Despite cleaning up files, the application may display an incorrect estimate of space still available for cleanup. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and released updates to address it.

Visual Glitches and User Interface Problems​

Several visual glitches have been reported:

• Mouse Pointer Disappearance: In Chromium-based applications like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, the mouse pointer may disappear, affecting usability.
• Taskbar Issues: Users who have set the Taskbar to auto-hide have reported it suddenly missing and not loading at all. Restarting the computer temporarily resolves the issue, but it may recur.

Internet Connectivity Problems​

The update has caused various internet-related issues:

• Sudden Disconnections: Users have experienced unexpected disconnections from the internet, affecting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.
• Low Bandwidth: Some users report reduced internet speeds post-update.
• IP Address Issues: Devices may fail to receive a valid IP address, preventing internet access. A temporary workaround involves using a static IP address instead of a dynamic one.

Microsoft's Response and Recommendations​

Microsoft has acknowledged several of these issues and is actively working on resolutions. For devices affected by known problems, Microsoft has applied compatibility holds to prevent the update from being installed until fixes are available. Users are advised to check the Windows release health dashboard for the latest information on known issues and their status.
For those who have already installed the update and are experiencing issues, Microsoft recommends:

• Checking for Updates: Regularly check for updates, as Microsoft is releasing patches to address known issues.
• Rolling Back the Update: If problems persist, consider rolling back to the previous version of Windows 11 until a stable fix is available.
• Providing Feedback: Use the Feedback Hub to report issues, which helps Microsoft prioritize and address problems more effectively.

Conclusion​

While Windows 11 24H2 introduces several exciting features, the update has been marred by a range of issues affecting performance, compatibility, and usability. Users are encouraged to stay informed through official Microsoft channels and community forums to navigate these challenges effectively. As Microsoft continues to release fixes and updates, it's crucial for users to keep their systems updated and report any new issues encountered.

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Source: Neowin Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 download is now available for everyone