This fall, Microsoft continues rolling out the Windows 11 2024 Updates, and this latest version involves AI features, new Arm PCs, and quality of life improvements. The version is dubbed “version 24H2”, and unlike version 23H2 from 2023, this version is anticipated to be a much more significant OS update – based on a new Windows platform that delivers performance and security improvements as well as noteworthy new features.
A new release of the Windows platform dictates that 24H2 will be installed using the “OS swap” methodology, as the entire OS is swapped out with a newer version. (In contrast, version 23H2 was applied by servicing the existing OS install.)
Insiders report that Microsoft is targeting a September release window.
Version 24H2 is the first release to support new Copilot+ PCs, which enables additional features such as Recall, a next-gen AI app that remembers everything you do on your computer and consolidates it into a searchable memory utilizing natural language. 24H2 is also the first version to support Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X Series SoC, which parallels Apple Silicon in regard to performance and efficiency.
Microsoft is branding this release as AI-centric, perfectly scheduled to arrive alongside the next-gen Copilot+ AI PCs being rolled out during 2024, with the first orders fulfilled by June if all goes to plan.
These PCs have robust NPUs that will leverage the new AI features that Microsoft announced on May 20.
Significant New Application: Recall
Windows 11 version 24H2 is a unique release, being the first Windows version to ship with features that are exclusive to new PCs with a dedicated NPU. Known as Copilot+ PCs, they begin shipping on June 18.
According to experts, Recall is most significant new feature. The application runs in the background and takes snapshots of all you see and do on your screen, using natural language to allow a search for anything you’ve ever done on your PC. A timeline interface sits at the very top of the screen and gives the user the ability to scroll through all the snapshots that have been captured. Recall documents all that it sees on screen, including apps, webpages, documents, sentences, videos, photos and more.
Microsoft claims that feature is focused 100% on privacy.
- All saved data is handled by the on-device NPU – not sent to the cloud.
- Recall data is not used to train Microsoft AI models
- the data simply never leaves your computer
- users can shut Recall down whenever they choose
Additional New Features in Version 24H2
Studio Effects: Microsoft is further updating Windows Studio Effects with artificial lighting and artistic filters for use with webcam video feeds in any application. The new lighting feature improves video quality when the environment does not provide adequate lighting, much like a ring or face light.
Live Captions: A new accessibility feature being introduced for Copilot+ PCs is the impressive Live Captions feature, which translates 40+ different languages from live or pre-recorded audio and video in real-time. This is achieved by AI and takes place directly on the device.
Cocreator: Microsoft enables new generative AI capabilities with Cocreator, which generates images and text on-device, led by user-provided prompts. The Photos app is being augmented with a built-in image generator, and Cocreator can be used in Paint to bring a user-designed sketch to fully-detailed life.
The IT experts at Alliance IT stay up to date with Windows updates so you don’t have to. If you have heard of the new updates and wonder if you need to install Version 24H2, call today for a consultation. We are here to assess your current environment, provide recommendations, and help you to integrate new versions and updates into your operations.
Alliance IT is a Sarasota-based managed services firm specializing in structured cabling, cloud solutions and Microsoft platforms for SMBs.
