Windows 11 version 24H2, which made its debut on October 1, introduces a host of new features that enhance user experience. However, the most significant advancements may not be immediately visible. Microsoft has unveiled a series of enhancements to Windows Update that promise to streamline installation processes and optimize resource usage.
Performance Enhancements Under the Hood
With the latest servicing stack improvements in Windows 11 version 24H2, users can expect remarkable performance boosts. The installation time is now 45.6% faster, while restart times have improved by 39.7%. Additionally, CPU usage during the installation of cumulative updates has decreased by over 15% compared to its predecessor, Windows 11 version 22H2, and version 23H2, which share the same servicing stack. This efficiency is particularly noticeable on “well-maintained devices.”
Even systems that have lagged behind in updates for an extended period have experienced similar enhancements. In a test involving a device with a Windows installation that was 18 months out of date, results showed a 43.6% improvement in installation time, a 33.5% reduction in restart time, and a 25% decrease in CPU usage. Such statistics highlight the effectiveness of the updates.
Microsoft attributes these advancements to several key changes:
- Parallel processing of component manifests: This feature complements the parallel hydration of newly serviced components, utilizing reverse and forward differentials first introduced in Windows 11, version 22H2.
- Optimized reading and parsing of component manifests: By caching the results after the initial read and parse, the system enhances efficiency, especially when the same component is referenced across multiple packages.
- Scalable use of available random-access memory (RAM): The system intelligently allocates RAM for storing the manifest cache, utilizing more when available and less when necessary.
Moreover, the improvements extend beyond cumulative updates. Feature updates have also become more efficient, thanks to enhancements in how the operating system manages its inbox applications. This optimization, first introduced in Windows 11 version 22H2, now includes Microsoft Edge, effectively reducing the overall feature update size by an additional 200MB.
For those eager to experience these enhancements and enjoy improved Windows Update performance, a comprehensive guide is available detailing how to update to Windows 11 version 24H2, even on unsupported devices.
