Windows 11 version 24H2, set for release in October, will introduce a plethora of AI-driven features. Among them are AI Super Resolution, AI Cowriter integration in applications, AI Voice Clarity, and more. Notably, Microsoft has implemented a CPU cut-off for this version, affecting CPUs launched before 2010.
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Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 12 won’t be released in 2024. Instead, Windows 11 version 24H2 will be this year’s major feature update. Expected to introduce several new AI features and experiences, the Windows 11 24H2 update has become highly anticipated among users. In this guide, we’ve compiled all the details about the new features, release date, and system requirements for Windows 11 24H2.
Windows 11 24H2 Release Date
Windows 11 version 24H2, the next major update, is anticipated to be available to end users around September or October of 2024, following its general availability (GA). Microsoft is currently finalizing the 24H2 version, aiming to release it to manufacturers (RTM) by April.
To get an early taste of the 2024 update, you can install the Insider Preview build of Windows 11 version 24H2 (Build 26052) available in the Dev or Canary channel.
Many OEMs are set to debut laptops equipped with the potent ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chipset, slated to hit the market in June. These devices are expected to launch with Windows 11 version 24H2. However, additional features and AI experiences will be rolled out later through updates after 24H2 reaches general availability in September or October.
Windows 11 24H2 System Requirements
While the system requirements for Windows 11 version 24H2 remain largely unchanged, a X user suggests that much older PCs may face compatibility issues with the new version. This is due to Microsoft’s addition of a new system requirement: CPUs must support the “POPCNT” instruction (Population Count).
In the newer 24H2 version, system files including the kernel and drivers rely on the POPCNT CPU instruction. Thankfully, CPUs released after 2010 already come with the POPCNT CPU instruction, so most users should be safe from the new CPU cut-off. Simply put, if you have a much older PC with a CPU like the Intel Core 2 Duo, Windows 11 version 24H2 won’t boot.
Windows 11 24H2 New Features
01. AI Super Resolution
One of the most noteworthy features discovered in the Insider Preview 26052 build of Windows 11 24H2 is Automatic Super Resolution. It’s an AI-powered feature that uses the onboard NPU to upscale resolution in supported games. You can find this new setting under System -> Display -> Games.
It works similarly to AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS technology but uses the NPU instead of the GPU. It’s left to be seen how much of a difference it brings to gameplay, but it’s exciting that Microsoft is working to bring AI enhancements to Windows 11 in various forms.
02. AI Depth Wallpapers
Since September last year, rumors have circulated about Microsoft developing AI wallpapers that create a depth illusion on the desktop. The company is internally testing a “parallax effect” on wallpapers, which adjusts the background image subtly in response to cursor movement and interaction.
This feature wasn’t found in the recent Windows 11 26052 Insider build, but we’ll update this article when it’s live in Dev or Canary builds. However, it may launch with the stable 24H2 version later this year.
03. AI Cowriter in Notepad
The Notepad app in Windows 11 version 24H2 is expected to feature AI Cowriter functionality. Users can utilize AI to rewrite content, adjust formatting, modify tone, and edit paragraph lengths. Additionally, there will be an “Explain with Copilot” option in the context menu, offering further AI assistance. Access to this feature is anticipated to require joining a waiting list, with limited monthly credits available.
04. Advanced Copilot
Microsoft is enhancing Windows Copilot with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. Previously criticized for its lack of deep system integration, Copilot is set to see improvements in this regard with the upcoming update.
Copilot now prompts you to take further action whenever you copy text or images within the OS, appearing in the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar. Additionally, right-clicking on the Copilot button allows you to summarize or explain, addressing previous limitations.
Microsoft is widening the Copilot window, a visual change already implemented in the 23H2 build. We eagerly anticipate further improvements and will detail all new changes as we discover them in the upcoming months.
05. AI Voice Clarity
Microsoft is expanding Voice Clarity, a feature long integrated into Surface devices, to all Windows devices with the Windows 11 24H2 build. This functionality, powered by AI, suppresses background noise during video or audio calls using the on-device NPU. Utilizing low-complexity AI models, it effectively filters out noise and echo in real-time.
06. Live Captions
The upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update is expected to bring significant enhancements to Live Captions. This feature will gain the ability to translate speeches in different languages in real-time, along with providing live captioning support for both audio and video calls.
It remains uncertain whether Live Captions will retain its offline functionality, as was the case previously. Nonetheless, the inclusion of support for several non-English languages in live captions is a welcomed improvement.
07. Snap Layout Suggestions
Snap layout suggestion, initially scheduled for release with the 23H2 update last year, is now slated to debut with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Leveraging on-device machine learning, it swiftly proposes intelligent layouts according to active windows. This feature is a time-saving boon, eliminating the need for manual window arrangement.
08. Scrollable Quick Settings
The Windows 11 24H2 update may not bring the sweeping visual changes anticipated with Windows 12. However, it introduces a scrollable quick settings page for action menus, facilitating easy access to numerous quick actions. Furthermore, a refresh button has been added to the Wi-Fi action menu, enhancing usability. Notably, Microsoft has enhanced the performance of the Quick Settings panel, a significant improvement.
09. Sudo Command in Windows 11
Microsoft has made a significant addition to Windows 11 with version 24H2. Users can now utilize the well-known “sudo” command from Linux to elevate admin privileges seamlessly. Official support for the “sudo” command has been added in the Canary Build 26045, and reports suggest that this feature will be included in the stable channel with the 24H2 update.
10. Create 7-Zip and TAR Files
In the current version of Windows 11, you can open various archive file formats such as 7Z and TAR, but creating such files requires dedicated programs. However, with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, you’ll be able to create archive files like 7Z and RAR directly on your PC, eliminating the need for additional software.
11. New Update Mechanism
Windows 11 24H2 is transitioning to the new Germanium platform, a significant shift from the previous Nickel platform. As a result, when the next major update arrives in October, it will replace the 23H2 version, marking the end of its lifecycle. This platform change follows two previous major updates, namely Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, which were developed on the Cobalt and Nickel platforms, respectively.
12. Energy Saver Mode
With the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft introduces an Energy Saver mode designed to prolong battery life by sacrificing some system performance. Users can activate this mode from the Quick Settings panel to extend their laptop’s battery life, toggling it off when higher performance is desired. This feature functions similarly to the battery-saver mode found on Android devices.
13. Seamless Printing
Microsoft is streamlining the printing process with the Windows 11 24H2 update by introducing the modern print stack. This enhancement aims to eliminate the need for additional third-party software and drivers when setting up a printer, thus making printing more seamless for users.
Named “Windows protected print mode,” this feature enables compatibility exclusively with Mopria-certified printers at present. Utilizing the new IPP printing protocol, this functionality seamlessly integrates into the Windows environment, with Microsoft planning to introduce it in the upcoming major update.
14. QR Codes For Wi-Fi Sharing
Following the Windows 11 24H2 update, sharing your Wi-Fi connection will become easier with the introduction of QR codes. Additionally, creating a mobile hotspot will display a QR code for quick sharing, and viewing your Wi-Fi password in Wi-Fi properties will also show a QR code for convenience.
15. New Windows 11 Setup Experience
The new Windows Setup experience was initially introduced in the Canary channel with Build 26040. It’s expected that this updated installation experience will be available to all users with the stable 24H2 update. Microsoft has revamped the Windows OS Media Setup with a cleaner and more modern design.
However, it doesn’t appear to align closely with Windows 11’s design language. Nonetheless, the installation setup has changed since the release of Windows 8 in 2012, nearly 13 years ago. What are your thoughts on the new setup experience? Feel free to share in the comment section below.
