Microsoft has started rolling out its new Windows 11 update for 2024 – but it will arrive in phases.
The update, known as version 24H2, opens the door to Microsoft’s new AI features in select PCs. The annual update brings a new look for File Explorer, sudo commands to elevate privileges in regular console sessions, new features and tools for IT teams, security updates, and more.
File Explorer and Quick Settings claim quality of life updates
With the new update, Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7, and users can use QR codes to share Wi-Fi networks.
Additional updates include:
- Scrollable view for quick settings: A new scrollable view for quick settings makes it easier to customize the list.
- New labels and abilities: These features are now available in File Explorer, expanding its capabilities. It includes visualization of the location of the current file.
- advanced hearing aids: Support for advanced assistive listening devices, especially Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices, has been turned off on compatible PCs. Microsoft also expanded the “Bluetooth and Devices” settings page, adding battery life and connection status indicators as well as audio settings for connected devices.
- energy-saving mode: Found under Quick Settings, energy-saving mode can be customized to reduce power consumption or manually turn on or off when the battery reaches a certain threshold.
- Content-adaptive brightness control: With this feature, some devices will automatically dim or brighten certain parts of the screen based on activity when plugged in, helping to save energy.
- Microsoft Teams Update: Easily switch between business and personal accounts in Microsoft Teams without closing the app.
- voice clarity: A feature that suppresses background noise and distortion during calls, extended from Surface devices to additional devices.
- lock-screen update: Users now have additional options for displaying widgets on the lock screen, as well as more ways to personalize the lock screen.
- New co-pilot AI Features: These include Windows 11 CoPilot + PC features like Live Caption, Windows Studio effects for video calls, photo editing, and more.
WATCH: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative report shows the company is committed to doubling down internal security efforts Following its role in the US government hack.
Windows comes with a convenient sudo command
Developers can now take advantage of the general availability of the sudo command in the command-line interface. Sudo enables advanced commands even within a regular console session.
The following features of version 24H2 may be of particular interest to IT and security teams:
- Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) now has a new automated account management feature and policy improvements.
- Rust is now supported in the Windows kernel.
Version 24H2 brings a variety of security rollouts
The most noticeable security change may be a pop-up that will alert you about nearby Wi-Fi.
New privacy settings allow users to customize which apps have access to the Wi-Fi network at their physical location. For example, a prompt will appear when a new application connects to location services. Its purpose is to prevent apps from determining the physical location of a device without the user’s consent.
Other security updates released with Windows 11 version 24H2 include:
- Windows 11 now supports SHA-3, which is a NIST-standardized hash function algorithm that applies to a variety of security efforts.
- Data can be encrypted at the folder level with individual data encryption for folders.
- Deploy App Controls for business to protect against malicious code.
- Windows Protected Print Mode keeps print jobs confidential.
The full list of changes can be found in the Windows 11 2024 update Here,
How to get Windows 11, version 24H2
IT professionals using Windows 11 for Business versions 22H2 and 23H2 can access the update through Windows Server Update services, including Configuration Manager, as well as Windows Update for Business and the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
Personal devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 will be eligible for the update starting today. However, the rollout is happening slowly. Users who have selected the opt-in “Get the latest updates as they become available” box in the Windows Update menu will be among the first to see the change.
To check if you’re eligible for an update, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, or use the Windows Update shortcut.
