The 2024 Update of Microsoft’s Windows 11, also known as version 24H2, is the forthcoming version of the operating system. The new features and modifications that will be included in this release have been made public. The forthcoming update will prioritise platform enhancements and general quality-of-life updates, with a lesser emphasis on surface-level features (with the exception of those who possess a Copilot+ PC).
There is quite a lot coming in this next release. I thought to condense the list to five of the more significant new features that will be included in version 24H2 later this year. Writing from my personal experience of the update.
Updates to the Context Menu
Windows 11 introduced a new, modern context menu that simplified and streamlined the layout and options. It was functionally inferior in comparison to previous versions of Windows, despite its impressive appearance. The most significant issue was the relocation of common actions, including copy, paste, and cut, to a horizontal sequence at the bottom of the menu. This change lacked labels, which made it challenging to identify which icon represented which action.
Microsoft has modified this contemporary context menu in version 24H2 to facilitate the visibility and accessibility of these frequently performed actions. Copy, cut, and paste will now be located at the very top of the context menu and will be accompanied by labels to facilitate the identification of their respective functions. This is significantly superior.
Additionally, Microsoft has implemented enhancements to the File Explorer application with the release of version 24H2. File Explorer now supports the creation of various archive file formats, including.7z and.TAR, as of this release. It was previously capable of reading and extracting those archive formats; however, it has not yet been able to generate them.
Additionally, it is incorporating a new shared view into the File Explorer home site. This view will consolidate all files that are shared between you and other individuals, including friends, family, and colleagues. This view will display the most recent activity within those files, as well as the individuals who have shared them with you.
Better Performance on ARM PCs
Windows 11 has been redesigned from the ground up to accommodate Arm-based processors for those who are using it on an Arm-powered device. This results in enhanced system performance and the introduction of a new x86 program emulation, PRISM, on older Windows on Arm devices, including the Surface Pro X and ThinkPad X13s.
In certain scenarios, the new PRISM emulator can now execute emulated applications up to 10% faster than previous versions of Windows 11, which will be the most noticeable performance benefit. This will not be a straightforward process for all applications; however, you should observe minor improvements in certain areas after upgrading to version 24H2 on your older Windows on Arm device.
Redesign of Quick Settings
The Quick Settings flyout on the Taskbar has been redesigned by Microsoft to facilitate customisation in version 24H2. Currently, all fast actions are accessible through a new paginated layout that can be scrolled through. Additionally, the order of each action can be easily adjusted by dragging an icon to reposition it.
The Quick Settings panel now includes Live Captions, which can be easily enabled or disabled with a single click. The Wi-Fi list has been also updated with a refresh option, and the VPN menu has been streamlined.
Furthermore, Microsoft asserts that the new Quick Settings panel is significantly more speedy and efficient, which implies that it will no longer require a few seconds to appear when the Taskbar icon is clicked to access it.
Voice Clarity for all
Voice Clarity is a microphone enhancement feature that is fueled by AI and is designed to eliminate background noise during a call or recording. It is intended to facilitate the comprehension of your voice in a noisy office or coffee shop by eliminating background conversation or fan noise, for instance.
The feature was previously exclusive to Surface PCs with a dedicated NPU. However, it will now be available on all Windows 11 PCs without the need for a dedicated NPU processor with version 24H2. It functions automatically in any application that employs the Communications Signal Processing Mode.
A new Energy Saver mode
The battery saver feature in Windows 11 has been upgraded by Microsoft and is now referred to as Energy Saver. This feature is applicable to both desktop and mobile devices. It is possible to rapidly enable or disable it through the Quick Settings panel, and it can be configured to operate automatically when the battery reaches a specific low percentage.
Energy Saver is distinguished by its ability to extend the life of batteries by reducing system performance and services/processes. It also applies to desktop devices and laptops/tablets when they are plugged in, which is beneficial for individuals who are mindful of the amount of electricity they are drawing from the wall.
So when is the 2024 update being released?
Microsoft has not yet disclosed an official release date for the subsequent iteration of Windows 11. However, my own sources indicate that the company intends to commence the distribution of version 24H2 as an update to existing Windows 11 PCs in September or October, a date that corresponds with the release dates of previous annual feature updates.
