One thing to sit up for: Microsoft has spent months teasing the subsequent main Home windows 11 replace within the Canary and Dev preview channels. With 24H2’s entrance into the Launch Preview channel, we now have a transparent image of what the OS model will supply most customers when it reaches normal availability later this yr. This replace will embrace a number of new options and enhancements, however the a lot talked about AI capabilities shall be unique to Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PCs.
Home windows 11 24H2 is now obtainable to customers within the Launch Preview channel. This replace contains new options equivalent to native assist for 7z, HDR backgrounds, Wi-Fi 7, and extra. The brand new construct intently resembles the replace most Home windows 11 customers will obtain later in 2024.
Launch Preview customers can manually obtain the replace by navigating to Settings > Home windows Replace, the place the choice seems close to the highest of the web page. These fascinated by becoming a member of the Launch Preview channel can join right here.
Companies taking part in Home windows Insider may receive the 24H2 replace via Home windows Replace for Enterprise and Home windows Server Replace Service. Availability on the Azure Market will come quickly. Insiders may obtain an ISO of the Launch Preview model.
File Explorer now permits customers to compress recordsdata into 7z and TAR codecs with out third-party software program. In comparison with the standard ZIP format, 7z presents greater compression charges and stronger encryption, whereas TAR is helpful for big knowledge units.
One other vital addition is Sudo, a function sometimes related to Linux that enables customers to run high-level instructions from regular accounts. It may be enabled below System > For builders > Allow Sudo.
Extra details about 24H2’s new options shall be obtainable as the overall launch attracts nearer. Up to now, Microsoft has talked about Wi-Fi 7, Rust within the Home windows kernel, improved assist for low-energy Bluetooth gadgets, voice readability, HDR backgrounds, and different options.
Reviews from final yr indicated that AI can be a serious focus for the subsequent Home windows 11 replace. Nevertheless, Microsoft will prohibit headline AI features like Recall to its new Copilot+ PCs. These new laptops from the Floor lineup and different distributors leverage NPUs and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors to run generative AI purposes with restricted reliance on cloud servers. These options could come to different PCs as soon as upcoming chips like Intel’s Arrow Lake begin delivery.
All Canary, Dev, and Beta channel customers will quickly obtain a brand new model of Microsoft’s Copilot software program, which shall be pinned to the taskbar. It may be manipulated like a traditional app window, and Microsoft plans to introduce additional updates based mostly on consumer suggestions.
Microsoft hasn’t revealed a precise normal launch date for Home windows 11 24H2, however it’s anticipated to reach through the second half of this yr.