Windows 11 24H2 Update will bring Quality, Performance, and AI updates

As we head into September, Microsoft is preparing to start the rollout of their annual Windows 11 feature update, this time focusing on the underlying platform and surface-level quality-of-life improvements and updates as well as some major updates to Windows on Arm (WoA). Windows 11 24H2 (also known as the 2024 Update) is a huge update in fact, including everything from performance increases across the board, UX changes and new AI (of course) features.

The Windows 11 2024 Update is packed with OS improvements and new features across the board, with special attention given to those running an ARM-based device this time around.

This update is a much bigger release than last years’ 2023 H2 update, due mainly to a vast number of underlying platform enhancements. There are improvements to Windows Update process, an updated and faster x86 emulation layer for Arm PCs (such as Copilot Plus PCs), and new AI features that will take advantage of newer devices which have a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit.).

On Copilot+ PCs, this Windows 11 release is also the first include features exclusive to this new category of Windows devices. This means if you don’t yet have a Copilot+ PC, then you miss out on certain features when upgrading to version 24H2, such as the controversial “Windows Recall” AI feature.

Windows 11 24H2 also promised to be much better for gamers, since it includes many new capabilities that utilise the high-performance hardware of Copilot+ PCs and new software optimisations. An example of innovation is the new emulation engine, Prism. It operates seamlessly, converting x86 or x64 code to Arm64 instructions when you launch an x86 or x64 application on an Arm-based Windows 11 device, all without requiring extra effort from developers.

Why is this important? Well, given that many of today’s games are written for x86 or x64, Prism unlocks a large back log of games that work great on Arm under emulation. While Windows on Arm has had emulation in the past, the performance improvements of Prism, along with automatic super resolution and the new Snapdragon^® X Series processors together emerge as a game-changer.

So here is a summary of the key changes and updates you can expect in the Windows 24H2 update. Features in Bold are just for Copilot+ PCs.

Desktop and start menu

• Phone Link is now integrated with the Start menu
• Taskbar system tray layout has been further simplified
• Quick Settings has been rebuilt to be faster and more customisable
• Windows Spotlight image is now the default wallpaper setting
• The Taskbar app preview thumbnails now have an animation
• It’s now possible to set to HDR images as a desktop wallpaper

File menu

• The File Explorer home tab now includes updated layout with shared documents.
• Just like in Edge, you can now duplicate tabs by right clicking the tab.
• The context menu layout has been updated with better labelling making it easier to use.
• Added ability to create .7z and .TAR archive formats as well as ZIP files without the need for third party apps.
• If you use Phone Link, you can view your Android phone’s file system directly in File Explorer

Native Apps

• The new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contact is now included in the update (this will replace the mail and calendar app).
• Photos now includes AI-enhanced generative erase and background editing.
• The Copilot applet is now a standalone web app – meaning it can be resized and moved around like any other app.
• Photos can now generate AI images based on user criteria (Copilot+ PC)
• A new Recall app uses AI to capture everything you do and makes finding things easier (Copilot+ PC).
• Paint now has built-in generative AI capabilities based on user drawn sketch (Copilot+ PC)

Settings and other stuff

• Windows Update now supports checkpoints and hot patching for faster and less obtrusive updates.
• New PRISM emulation layer makes x86 emulated apps run up to 2x faster and smoother on Arm meaning Arm-based devices.
• New Voice Clarity feature uses AI to remove background noise picked up by your microphone in supported apps such as Teams.
• Power settings for plugged/unplugged state can now be configured simultaneously just they could previously in “control panel”
• Energy Saver mode replaces “battery saver” and now applies to laptops and desktop devices.
• Devices with the new “Wi-Fi 7” hardware is now supported.
• AutoSR uses AI to enhances the framerate and quality of games (Copilot+ PC)
• Live Captions translate languages into English in real-time locally (Copilot+ PC).
• Advanced Windows Studio Effects enhance your webcam with filters (Copilot+ PC) and some older ARM based PCs such as Surface Pro 9 5G.

Consumer and Gaming

• Updates to x86/x64 emulation on Copilot+PCs and other ARM based devices brings significant (up to 2x) performance updates for games running under emulation – needed for games and apps that are not yet “native” ARM.

Availability and Rollout

The Windows 11 2024 Update process is rather unique in its rollout and availability this time round. Unlike previous versions of Windows 11, this release is rolling out in two distinct waves. Wave one is has essentially already shipped, but only on new Copilot+ PCs that launched on June 18. If you recently purchased a new Copilot+ PC running the Snapdragon X chipsets then you are already running Windows 11 version 24H2.

For the rest of the world, Windows 11 24H2 for “non-Copilot+ PCs” is expected to begin rolling out gradually from late September, which is when Windows 11 feature updates normally begin rolling out to users.

Windows Insiders get it earlier…

If you want to try out the Windows 11 2024 Update ahead of general availability on non-Copilot+ PCs, you can do so today by joining the Windows Insider Programme.