Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, known as version 24H2. The update includes a number of small but useful additions to the Start menu, File Explorer and other options. Also added is support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth LE Audio, HDR backgrounds, and the ability for developers to use the Sudo command.
Image source: Microsoft
One of the key changes is the addition of a sidebar to the Start menu for Phone Link users, TheVerge reports. This panel displays your phone’s battery status, notifications, and provides quick access to messages, calls, and photos. HDR backgrounds have appeared for monitors with HDR support – users can easily switch color profiles right in the settings section.
File Explorer now lets you organize recent, favorite, and shared files into tabs, and makes things like copying, pasting, and renaming easier and more intuitive to use. It is also possible to create 7z and TAR archive files.
In the system tray, Microsoft has simplified the interface for displaying time and date by removing the year indication. In addition, a new power saving mode has been added that helps save battery power on laptops. Other improvements include changes to mouse scroll direction without having to go into the system registry. Also added is the ability to quickly adjust the accuracy of the mouse pointer through the settings interface (previously, the window for this setting had to be found in the control panel).
Image source: Microsoft
The 24H2 update also combined the Microsoft Teams apps for professional and personal accounts, the Mail and Calendar apps were replaced by a new Outlook client, and Copilot became a web app that doesn’t interact with Windows Settings. Introduced support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth LE audio, and improved performance for the latest AMD desktop processors.
Image source: Microsoft
It’s worth mentioning Sudo’s long-awaited feature for developers. Windows 11 24H2 will allow you to use the popular Unix command, which will give you the ability to run elevated scripts directly from a terminal session without setting elevated privileges.
Unlike the previous 23H2 update, Microsoft is using a complete operating system replacement method. That is, the update will be offered only to those devices that are fully compatible with it and ready for installation. The process will take place in stages. “We’re taking a phased approach to rolling out the 2024 Update based on your device’s readiness,” explained John Cable, vice president of Windows Program Management.