Windows 11 version 24H2 is set to be a significant update for the operating system, particularly for IT departments navigating the complexities of enterprise environments. Among the standout features is the introduction of checkpoint cumulative updates, which promise to streamline the update process, making it faster and less disruptive.
Historically, each cumulative update was tied to the original release-to-manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows, resulting in increasingly large files that consumed substantial storage and time during downloads and installations. Microsoft has revamped this approach; the new update system no longer references the RTM version. Instead, it utilizes the most recent cumulative update as a baseline, allowing future updates to include only the changes made since the last checkpoint. This shift not only reduces the size of update files but also enhances security by enabling quicker patch deployments and minimizing downtime.
Keeping up is required
However, this new method does come with its own set of challenges. Administrators may need a specific version of an earlier update to apply the latest one, which could pose difficulties for organizations that have delayed or skipped certain updates. While the new system offers advantages in terms of bandwidth and storage efficiency, it also necessitates additional steps to ensure all devices meet the required baseline, potentially offsetting some of the time savings.
Security enhancements are also a focal point of version 24H2. The Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) now features automatic account management, simplifying account security. Personal Data Encryption (PDE) safeguards user folders, such as Documents and Pictures, with encryption that requires user or administrator authentication, providing an extra layer of protection for sensitive data. Additionally, App Control for Business has been upgraded to bolster defenses against malicious code, while the Local Security Authority (LSA) now offers improved recognition of unauthorized code during login processes and prevents process memory dumping. Updates to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol further enhance network security with new support for NTLM blocking and SMB over QUIC, alongside improved encryption and signing capabilities.
Wi-Fi7 and Bluetooth LE Audio
On the connectivity front, Windows 11 24H2 introduces support for the latest standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio. This new Bluetooth functionality allows users to manage presets for connected peripherals directly from Windows, enabling audiophiles to customize their audio experience seamlessly. Additionally, the Voice Clarity feature enhances communication quality during virtual meetings by reducing echoes, background noise, and reverberation, ensuring professionals can engage effectively even in less-than-ideal conditions.
User experience improved
Microsoft has also focused on refining the overall user experience. The Quick Settings menu has been redesigned to offer a scrollable list that users can customize, while the Explorer context menu now includes clear text labels for common actions like cut, copy, rename, and delete. New support for creating 7-zip and TAR archive files adds to the functionality, and the power-saving mode has been made more accessible, allowing users to manually control settings or automate them for extended battery life. Numerous improvements related to AI and Copilot+ functionalities have also been integrated, enhancing the overall user experience.
Windows 11 24H2 is currently available in preview through various channels, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Devices running Windows 11 versions 23H2 or 22H2 that have at least the May 2024 non-security preview update or later can upgrade to 24H2. The rollout will be gradual, with Copilot+ PC owners being the first to receive the update.
Also read: Windows 11 24H2 available to everyone
