Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 update, bringing significant upgrades in security, connectivity, and AI capabilities.
Key highlights include:
- Wi-Fi 7 support: If your PC hardware is compatible, you’ll experience faster data transfers.
- Scrollable Quick Settings: A customizable, scrollable list for easier access to features like Wi-Fi selection and a Power Saver toggle (now available even when plugged in).
- AI-powered Copilot+ features: These include system-wide captions for all video players, which can transcribe and translate audio into your language using local AI models to keep latency low.
- Windows Studio Effects: Enhance webcam usage by blurring backgrounds, applying visual styles, removing background noise, and adjusting eye contact during presentations.
- Windows Recall: The controversial feature returns with added security, requiring Windows Hello sign-ins for saved snapshots. It will be available on Snapdragon X devices in October and Intel/AMD devices in November.
- AI-enhanced Windows Search: You can now search by describing what you’re looking for (e.g., “photos of a barbecue party”) instead of needing to remember file names.
- Super Resolution: This feature upscales old images by up to 8x using on-device processing, keeping your photos secure.
- Generative editing in Paint: New tools allow for generative fill and generative erase, enabling users to easily modify photos.
- Click To Do: Holding down the Windows key now brings up a context menu with actions like visual searches on Bing or editing photos.
- HDR desktop backgrounds and native RAR and 7z support in File Explorer add further convenience, while running apps now show a progress bar beneath their icons.
This update significantly enhances Windows 11’s functionality, especially for devices with NPUs (Neural Processing Units) branded as Copilot+, enabling faster and smarter workflows.
