Microsoft has officially stated that Windows 12 will not be released in 2024, shifting attention to Windows 11 24H2 as the major feature update for the year. Anticipation is building among Windows users for this significant update. Expected to introduce various new AI features and experiences, Windows 11 version 24H2 has become the focal point of interest. In this guide, we’ve gathered details on the upcoming features, release date, and system requirements for Windows 11 24H2.
Release Date for Windows 11 24H2
The upcoming significant update, Windows 11 version 24H2, is expected to be available around September or October of 2024 to end-users, upon reaching general availability (GA). Microsoft is in the final stages of preparing the 24H2 version, set to be released to manufacturers (RTM) by April.
To get a sneak peek at the 2024 update, you can install the Insider Preview build of Windows 11 version 24H2 (Build 26052) within the Dev or Canary channel.
However, numerous OEMs are gearing up to unveil their laptops featuring the potent ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chipset from June onward. Reports suggest that these upcoming devices will debut with Windows 11 version 24H2. Nonetheless, additional features and AI enhancements will be introduced later through updates after 24H2 achieves general availability in September or October.
System Requirements for Windows 11 24H2
The system requirements for Windows 11 version 24H2 remain mostly consistent. Nevertheless, an X user, has identified that significantly older PCs might encounter installation issues with the 24H2 version. This is attributed to Microsoft introducing a new system requirement; now, a CPU supporting the “POPCNT” instruction (Population Count) is necessary for Windows 11 24H2.
In the updated 24H2 version, essential system files such as the kernel and drivers are dependent on the POPCNT CPU instruction. Fortunately, CPUs manufactured after 2010 inherently support the POPCNT CPU instruction, ensuring most users are unaffected by the new CPU requirement. To put it simply, if you own an older PC equipped with a CPU like the Intel Core 2 Duo, Windows 11 version 24H2 won’t be able to boot.
Additionally, the previous Windows 11 prerequisites, including TPM 2.0, over 4GB of RAM, Secure Boot, and Intel/AMD CPUs launched after 2018, remain mandatory for the 24H2 version. Nonetheless, you can circumvent the Windows 11 system requirements by following our tutorial.
New Features in Windows 11 24H2
1. AI-Powered Super Resolution
A standout feature uncovered in the Insider Preview 26052 build of Windows 11 24H2 is the Automatic Super Resolution. This AI-driven capability utilizes the onboard NPU to enhance resolution in compatible games. You can locate this new option within System -> Display -> Games.
It operates akin to AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS technology, albeit leveraging the NPU instead of the GPU. While its impact on gameplay remains to be fully gauged, it’s promising to see Microsoft integrating AI enhancements into Windows 11 across different avenues.
2. AI Depth Desktop Wallpapers
Rumors have been circulating since September of last year suggest that Microsoft is developing AI-driven wallpapers designed to simulate depth perception on the desktop. Internally, Microsoft is experimenting with a “parallax effect” for wallpapers, which dynamically adjusts the background image based on cursor movement and user interaction.
This feature wasn’t found in the recent Windows 11 26052 Insider build, but we’ll keep this article updated once it becomes available in Dev or Canary builds. However, there’s a possibility it will debut with the stable 24H2 version later this year.
3. AI Cowriter in Notepad
Another eagerly awaited feature in 24H2 is the integration of AI Cowriter within the Notepad app. With this feature, users can leverage AI to rephrase content, adjust formatting, alter tone, and resize paragraphs within the Notepad app.
Additionally, users can opt for the “Explain with Copilot” feature from the context menu within Notepad. This functionality is anticipated to roll out with a waiting list, and there will probably be a restriction on monthly credits.
4. Enhanced Copilot
Microsoft is in the process of launching an upgraded iteration of Windows Copilot alongside the Windows 11 24H2 update. We’ve frequently criticized Copilot’s lack of comprehensive system integration, but there are improvements on the horizon.
Whenever you copy text or images within the operating system (not limited to the browser), Copilot now prompts you to take additional actions in the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar. Furthermore, you can now right-click on the Copilot button to provide summaries or explanations, addressing previous limitations.
Microsoft is expanding the Copilot window width, a visual modification that has already been implemented in the 23H2 build. We eagerly anticipate additional Copilot enhancements and will continue to highlight any new changes we discover in the upcoming months.
5. AI-Powered Voice Clarity
Voice Clarity, a long-standing feature of Surface devices, is now being extended to all Windows devices beginning with the Windows 11 24H2 build. As the name suggests, this feature effectively reduces background noise during video or audio calls utilizing the on-device NPU. Employing low-complexity AI models, it actively filters out noise and echo in real-time.
6. Enhanced Live Captions
Live Captions is expected to receive significant enhancements with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update. The feature will now have the capability to translate speeches in real-time across different languages. Additionally, it is reported to support live captioning for both audio and video calls.
However, it remains uncertain whether Live Captions will retain functionality in offline mode, as it did previously. Nonetheless, the inclusion of numerous non-English languages for live captions is a positive development.
7. Snap Layout Recommendations
Originally slated for release with the 23H2 update last year, Snap Layout Suggestions was postponed, but it’s now set to debut with the Windows 11 24H2 update. This feature utilizes on-device machine learning to swiftly propose intelligent layouts based on active windows. It offers a time-saving solution by eliminating the need for manual window arrangement.
8. Scrollable Quick Settings
While the Windows 11 24H2 update may not introduce the sweeping visual changes anticipated with Windows 12, it does include a notable enhancement: a scrollable quick settings page for action menus. With an expanded panel of quick actions, users can conveniently scroll to access all available options.
Furthermore, a refresh button has been added to the Wi-Fi action menu. Microsoft has also improved the performance of the Quick Settings panel, which is great.
9. Sudo Command Integration in Windows 11
In a surprising move, Microsoft has introduced support for the venerable “sudo” command from Linux in Windows 11 version 24H2. This allows users to easily elevate administrative privileges. Official support for the “sudo” command was added in Canary Build 26045, with expectations for it to roll out to the stable channel alongside the 24H2 update.
10. Creating 7-Zip and TAR Files
Although you can currently open 7Z, TAR, and various archive file formats on Windows 11, creating such files requires dedicated programs. However, Windows 11 24H2 will enable users to generate archive files like 7Z and RAR directly on their PCs. That’s quite impressive, isn’t it?
11. Updated Update Mechanism
Windows 11 24H2 is constructed on the new Germanium platform, implying that it will be installed by replacing the current operating system with the newer version. Consequently, when the next major update arrives in October, it will supersede the 23H2 version, which was based on the Nickel platform.
This platform transition occurs after two significant updates – Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Initially released as 21H2, Windows 11 was developed on the Cobalt platform.
12. Energy Saver Mode
With the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft introduces an Energy Saver mode. This feature allows users to prolong battery life by sacrificing some system performance. You can activate the Energy Saver mode via the Quick Settings panel to extend your laptop’s battery life and deactivate it when seeking better performance. It operates similarly to the battery-saver mode on Android devices.
13. Streamlined Printing
Addressing the hassle of setting up printers with third-party software and drivers, Microsoft is enhancing printing functionality with the Windows 11 24H2 update, which introduces the modern print stack.
Known as “Windows protected print mode,” this feature currently supports only Mopria-certified printers. The new IPP printing protocol ensures seamless functionality, and Microsoft plans to roll out this feature with the next major update.
14. QR Code Wi-Fi Sharing
Following the Windows 11 24H2 update, users can conveniently share their Wi-Fi connection using QR codes. Additionally, when creating a mobile hotspot, a QR code will be readily available for sharing with others. Moreover, viewing your Wi-Fi password under Wi-Fi properties will now display a QR code for easy access.
15. Enhanced Windows 11 Setup Interface
Microsoft initially unveiled the new Windows Setup interface in the Canary channel with Build 26040. However, it’s expected that this revamped installation experience will be made available to all users with the stable 24H2 update. Microsoft has overhauled the Windows OS Media Setup with a sleeker appearance and modern design.
Yet, some observers note that it may not entirely align with the design language of Windows 11. Nonetheless, this marks the first significant change to the installation setup since the release of Windows 8 in 2012, almost 13 years ago. What are your thoughts on the new setup experience? Let us know in the comment section below.
