First 5 Things to Explore After Windows 11 24H2 Update

Windows 11 24H2 update marks the third major update for Microsoft’s most ambitious operating system overhaul. Microsoft has made key changes to commonly used operating system apps and elements and moved a lot of Control Panel settings to the Settings app.

The system requirements haven’t changed much since the last update, except for adding POPCNT support. It is an instruction set that is essential for 24H2 update, but don’t worry because the processors that don’t have it aren’t capable of running Windows 11 anyways.

Although Microsoft has temporarily paused the update rollout for some users, we successfully installed the 24H2 update and explored it thoroughly. Here are the top 5 things that we found interesting in Windows 11 24H2.

1. File Explorer

Windows 11 File Explorer now supports multiple archive formats. Earlier, you could only open archives like TAR and RAR, but now you can create 7Zip and TAR archives in File Explorer.

The context menu has new labels for copy, paste, and other common actions. So you won’t be confused about what each action does. You can view and edit PNG image metadata without opening it in another app.

All the shared files appear in a new tab under the Home section. It makes it easy to track and review all the shared documents. Other minor upgrades include reintroducing breadcrumb support – which lets you drag files between two locations in the address bar.

2. Power and Battery

More power and battery settings appear in the Settings app now. You can change the power button, screen, and lid actions, change the power mode, and set the sleep setting without opening the Control Panel.

The Windows 11 24H2 changes the name of Battery saver to Energy saver and adds a few more recommendations to help reduce carbon emissions. When the Energy Saver is active, a small icon appears in the system tray area.

3. Quick Settings and Wi-Fi 7

Windows 11 24H2 supports Wi-Fi 7. You can utilize better internet speed if your PC has a compatible wireless card and a compatible router. Quick settings have a scrollable layout, so you can add more icons and scroll to find the appropriate one.

You can also select a condensed version of the date-time format that takes up less space in the system tray area. You can remove the notification icon from the system tray with this update.

4. New Copilot App

When the Copilot app first debuted in Windows 11 23H2, it was a literal sideshow tucked in the right corner of the desktop. Now, you can use Copilot as a regular web app, maximize it, or pin it to the top. We like the new UI that packs animations and multiple features.

You can ask Copilot to tell you a story, cast the screen on another device, share the tab with others, take screenshots, and do much more. There are four voices to choose from, and each sounded unique when we asked it to tell us a story.

5. Phone Link and Managed Devices Improvements

The best part of this update is the Android’s integration with Windows 11 PC. You can check the phone files directly in the File Explorer. This feature is part of Managed device settings in Windows.

Phone Link also has multiple improvements, which include an auto-suggested reply for text messages. You can use AI to respond to all the incoming messages. But our favorite part is the Companion panel in the Start menu.

A Phone Link panel appears next to the Start menu that lets you check the incoming notifications, calls, and messages without opening the app. It also displays the battery levels and other phone statistics. The feature is gradually rolling out and is helpful if you use Phone Link daily.

Special Mention: New AI Features for Copilot+ PC

Windows 11 24H2 is the first update with a few extra AI features for Copilot+ PCs. Due to missing hardware, these features won’t work on standard Windows 11 PCs.

You can upscale images in the Windows Photos app with Super Resolution—no need to use a web tool for AI upscaling now. Similarly, Generative Erase in the Paint app lets you add or remove objects in an image using AI. Click to do is another feature that acts like a mini-assistant, suggesting actions for the task you do on your PC.

Copilot+ PC users can now search for files and folders using simple language like “find me the XYZ meeting file” or “show me the trek photos.” You don’t need to enter the exact file name to locate something. This update will also bring back Windows Recall.

Wrapping Up

Windows 11 24H2 solves the smallest troubles and adds some heavily-requested features. The rollout is paused for some users due to firmware issues, so don’t install 24H2 before the re-release. Otherwise, you may encounter a Blue Screen of Death and have to return to 23H2.

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First 5 Things to Explore After the Windows 11 24H2 Update