What’s included in Microsoft’s major Windows 11 update?

Microsoft has started rolling out its new Windows 11 2024 Update – but it will be done in phases.

The update, known as version 24H2, opens the door to Microsoft’s new AI features on select PCs. The annual update also brings a new look for File Explorer, the sudo command to elevate privileges in a regular console session, new features and tools for IT teams, security updates, and more.

File Explorer and Quick Settings offer 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.

Other updates include:

• Scrollable view for quick settings: A new scrollable view for Quick Settings makes it easier to customize the list.
• New names and functions: These features are now available in File Explorer, expanding its capabilities. This includes a visualization of the current file location.
• Improved hearing aids: Support for advanced hearing aid devices, particularly Bluetooth Low Energy Audio devices, has been discontinued on compatible PCs. Microsoft has also expanded the Bluetooth & Devices settings page to include indicators for battery life and connection status, as well as audio settings for connected devices.
• Energy saving mode: In Quick Settings, Power Saving mode can be adjusted to reduce power consumption when the battery reaches a certain threshold, or turned on or off manually.
• Content-adaptive brightness control: This feature allows certain devices to automatically dim or brighten parts of the screen based on activity when they are plugged in, helping to save energy.
• Microsoft Teams updates: Easily switch between work and personal accounts in Microsoft Teams without having to close the application.
• Clarity of voice: A feature that suppresses background noise and distortion during calls and is expanding from Surface devices to other devices.
• Lock screen updates: Users now have additional options for displaying widgets on lock screens, as well as more ways to personalize lock screens.
• New Copilot AI features: This includes Windows 11 Copilot + PCs with live captions, Windows Studio effects for video calls, photo editing and more.

SEE: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative report shows the company is committed to redoubling its internal security efforts following its role in a US government hack.

The handy sudo command arrives in Windows

Developers can now take advantage of the general availability of the sudo command in the command line interface. Sudo allows elevated commands even within a regular console session.

The following features in 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 might be a pop-up alerting you to nearby Wi-Fi.

New privacy settings allow users to customize which apps have access to Wi-Fi networks in their physical location. For example, a prompt appears when a new application connects to location services. The aim is to prevent apps from determining the physical location of the device without the user’s consent.

Other security updates introduced with Windows 11 version 24H2 include:

• Windows 11 now supports SHA-3, a NIST-standard hash function algorithm that applies to various security efforts.
• Folder Personal Data Encryption allows data to be encrypted at the folder level.
• Deploy App Control for Business to protect against malicious code.
• Windows Protected Print Mode ensures print jobs remain confidential.

A full list of changes in the Windows 11 2024 update can be found here.

How to get Windows 11, version 24H2

IT professionals using Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 for business 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 are eligible for the update starting today. However, the rollout is gradual. Users who have checked the “Get latest updates as soon as they are available” checkbox in the Windows Update menu will be among the first to see the changes.

To check if you’re eligible for the update, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates or use the Windows Update shortcut.