Microsoft is working on the next big version of Windows, called Hudson Valley. It’s expected to come out later this year as “Windows 11 24H2” or “Windows 11 2024 Update.” Unlike last year’s 23H2 version, the 24H2 update will be much bigger. It’s based on a new version of the Windows platform, codenamed “Germanium,” which brings performance, security improvements, and new features.
The main focus of the Windows 11 2024 Update will be artificial intelligence. This update will introduce a new advanced Copilot that will deeply integrate with our PC to enhance our search experience, application usage, and more. We’re already seeing the first steps of this integration of Copilot with the operating system in the Windows 11 Canary Channel.
As for Windows 12, it won’t be released until at least 2025. The rumored UI change, which would introduce a MacOS-style top bar, won’t happen in Windows 11 24H2. This update will heavily emphasize artificial intelligence.
What’s new in Windows 11 24H2
Microsoft Copilot
With the Windows 11 2024 Update, Microsoft has moved the Copilot button to the right corner of the taskbar to facilitate its access.
In Windows 11 24H2, a new section in the Settings app will be called “Copilot on Windows.” This section will let users control the Copilot interface when starting Windows on PCs with large screens. Users can enable or disable the Copilot interface and configure chat providers and third-party add-ons from this section.
Furthermore, there are rumors that Microsoft is developing an “Advanced Copilot” for the Windows 11 2024 Update. Next-generation AI PCs will use this advanced version to enhance applications, files, and search productivity. One of the features Microsoft is reportedly working on is a new AI-powered history/chronology UI. This UI will enable users to easily find any word, file, image, or application previously opened on their PC.
Snap Layouts
With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft intends to introduce a feature that will use machine learning for Identify applications often used together and automatically suggest them in the Snap Layouts interface.
File Browser
The Windows 11 2024 Update will bring new features to File Explorer, including creating compressed files in 7zip and TAR formats alongside ZIP. While Version 23H2 allowed users to extract these compressed files, they couldn’t create them until now. Microsoft has also enhanced File Explorer’s performance when handling large ZIP files, promising smoother operations.
Moreover, PNG files will now support viewing and editing metadata. Users can set star ratings, edit descriptions, and add keywords to PNG files through the properties dialog, offering more customization options for organizing and managing images.
Quick Setup
Starting with Windows 11 24H2, the Quick Settings interface will undergo some changes. Now, the interface will be paginated, meaning users can scroll through all available quick settings instead of having a fixed selection manually placed. Furthermore, users can customize the position of these settings according to their preferences.
In the Quick Settings panel, the list of Wi-Fi networks will feature a new “refresh” button. This button lets users see newly available networks without needing to toggle Wi-Fi on and off as before.
Moreover, the configuration interface has been enhanced to include VPN settings. Users can now conveniently toggle VPN on and off with a single click directly from this panel.
Microsoft has also worked on improving the performance of the Quick Settings panel. Users should notice smoother performance, particularly when they open the panel after restarting their PC.
Mobile link
Microsoft enhances the connection and integration options between Windows PCs and Android smartphones. A new “mobile device management” app will be introduced, offering basic functions like photo notifications and the ability to use the phone as a webcam for the PC.
Additionally, the Mobile Link app will remain the preferred method for more advanced connectivity between PCs and phones.
Energy saving
Microsoft has revamped the battery-saver mode and power options in Windows 11 24H2. A new “Energy Saving” mode has been introduced, applicable to PCs with and without batteries.
This new mode reduces the power consumption of your PC by adjusting system performance, aiming to extend battery life on laptops and reduce energy usage on desktop PCs. When activated, a power-saving icon will appear in the system tray on desktop PCs, similar to the battery life indicator on laptops, albeit without the battery percentage.
Furthermore, Microsoft has expanded power controls in the Power & Battery section of the Settings app, gradually transitioning features from the old Control Panel. With Windows 11 2024 Update, users can configure lid controls and power buttons and decide when their PC enters hibernation after a specific time, directly from the Settings application.
Voice Clarity
In Windows 11 24H2, a new feature called “Voice Clarity” will be introduced, emphasizing the significance of AI. This feature utilizes artificial intelligence to eliminate background noise from microphones during calls and recordings.
Initially available exclusively on Surface devices with NPU chips, Voice Clarity will now be extended to all PCs running Windows 11 starting with the 2024 update.
Sudo
In Windows 11 24H2, support for sudo will be introduced, which is a widely used command in Linux enabling users to run processes with elevated permissions via the command line, offering various configuration options:
- In a new window: Executes the elevated command in a new window.
- With input disabled: Runs the elevated command online with its stdin closed in the window where the elevation was activated, preventing interaction with the elevated process.
- Online: Executes the elevated command inline in the window where the elevation was activated, providing an experience similar to sudo on other platforms.
Other changes in Windows 11 2024 Update
In addition to the major changes, Windows 11 24H2 will bring several small improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience:
- The offline installation interface will feature a slightly updated design for a more modern look.
- Microsoft is testing an “Install drivers” button on the Wi-Fi network configuration page of the Windows 11 installation wizard, giving users the option to install drivers during setup.
- Many pre-installed applications such as Cortana, Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Movies and TV, and WordPad will be removed from the operating system.
- A new Wi-Fi icon animation will be displayed on the taskbar while connecting to a network, and clicking on it will reveal a “Diagnose connection problems” context menu.
- The Task Manager icon will receive a new design for a refreshed look.
- A new feature called “Windows protected print mode” will enable printing exclusively using the modern printing stack, which is compatible only with Mopria-certified printers, eliminating the need for third-party software.
- Windows 11 24H2 will support USB 80Gbps speeds, allowing for faster data transfer rates over compatible USB connections.
When will Windows 11 2024 Update be available?
According to information from Zac Bowden’s sources, Microsoft intends to launch the Windows 11 24H2 update in September 2024 for all PCs currently running Windows 11. This update will be marketed as AI-focused and will coincide with the release of new next-generation PCs equipped with chips optimized to leverage the new AI features.
As Windows 11 24H2 is built on a new version of the Windows platform codenamed Germanium, there are specific timelines to consider. Microsoft aims to have the new platform ready by April, after which they will concentrate on refining and polishing the new features for inclusion in the 2024 update.
It’s worth noting that some PCs will be introduced as early as June with Windows 11 24H2 already installed, allowing users to benefit from the enhanced AI capabilities of their processors. However, the update won’t be available to the general public until September.
Of particular interest will be how this new version of Windows 11 interacts with the Qualcomm Elite processors, which could offer unique advantages and functionalities.