Windows 11 24H2 update brings visual tweaks, new AI features
Microsoft has kicked off the rollout of its Windows 11 2024 update, or version 24H2. This latest update brings a bunch of minor yet impactful tweaks to the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and more. The Start menu now comes with a side panel for users of Microsoft's Phone Link software. This panel shows details about your phone's battery status and notifications, while offering quick access to messages, calls, and photos.
The update enhances HDR monitor support
The Windows 11 24H2 offers better support for HDR monitors, including an HDR background option. Plus, you can now easily switch monitor color profiles straight from the Settings page. File Explorer has also seen some changes, with a revamped home section that combines recent, favorites, and shared files into a neat tabbed view. And let's not forget, the context menus in File Explorer and throughout Windows 11 have been updated for easier navigation.
System tray and quick settings get a makeover
Microsoft has made some cool tweaks to the time and date UI in the system tray by ditching the year. They've also revamped the Quick Settings feature to include all quick actions by default. Plus, now you can drag and drop them however you like. And if you're a laptop user, you'll love the new Energy Saver mode in Windows 11, which is all about extending battery life.
Settings interface and developer tools enhanced
The Settings interface now lets you flip the mouse scroll direction without diving into the Windows registry. You can also toggle enhanced pointer precision for your mouse right from the Settings. And for the developers out there, this Windows 11 2024 update has added sudo, so you can use that popular command from Unix-based systems straight from a regular console session.
Unified Microsoft Teams app and new Outlook client introduced
The latest Windows 11 update rolls out a unified Microsoft Teams app that caters to both work and personal accounts. Plus, the Mail and Calendar apps have been swapped out for a fresh Outlook client. On top of that, the Copilot app is now a web app and doesn't interact directly with Windows 11 settings anymore. This update also brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio, along with performance boosts for the latest AMD desktop CPUs.
It introduces new Copilot+ AI capabilities
Windows 11 24H2 is rolling out some cool new Copilot+ AI features. One of the highlights is "Click to Do," which lets Copilot help you out with whatever's on your screen. Need to remove an object in Photos app or summarize a lengthy article? It's got your back. Plus, you'll be able to upscale pictures in Photos app by up to eight times their resolution. If you're a Paint fan, generative AI-based fill and erase options are on the way.
AI-powered search improvements and enhanced security features
The update also introduces AI-powered search enhancements, letting users hunt for files using their own words—no need to stress over complicated search syntax. The company's first Copilot+ feature for fetching anything that happens on your computer, Recall, has been revamped for better security. It's now completely opt-in, instead of being turned on by default. Windows Hello biometric authentication is required to use Recall.
