Enhancing User Experience with the Latest Microsoft Update for Windows 11.
Microsoft has recently unveiled a new release that promises to bring a host of improvements and features designed to enhance user experience and performance.
This release includes several under-the-hood enhancements, described as “new foundational elements required to deliver transformational AI experiences and exceptional performance.”
However, users will also notice several visible changes that are worth highlighting.
Key Features and Improvements
System Tray: Look forward to the introduction of a scrollable Quick Settings list in the taskbar, allowing users to easily navigate through its contents. File Explorer now features labels on the Cut, Copy, Paste, and Share icons in the shortcut menu.
More Security: Windows 11 H2 has many new security features, the most notable being that it saves and processes credentials even more securely and is more aware of multi-use PCs
For computers used by multiple people, files saved on the PC for other users will be locked down.
HDR Background Support: For users with compatible displays, the new release allows the use of high-resolution JPEG (JXR) files as desktop backgrounds, providing a more vibrant and visually appealing experience.
Energy Saver: This feature is designed to reduce power consumption and extend battery life by limiting certain background activities. It is particularly useful for users who need to maximize their device’s battery performance.
Sudo for Windows: Inspired by Linux, this option, available under System > For Developers in Settings, allows users to run commands as an administrator from a Terminal session opened as a standard user. This feature enhances security and control for advanced users.
Support for Wi-Fi 7: Although it may take a few years for widespread adoption, the latest Wi-Fi standard is now supported. Users with compatible hardware and network providers can take advantage of faster and more reliable internet connections.
Voice Clarity: Utilising AI technology, this audio processing capability removes background noise and enhances speech clarity during video calls. Previously available only on devices with specialized hardware, this feature is now accessible to a broader range of users.
Reviews
The Windows 11 24H2 update has received positive feedback for its new features and improvements.
According to PCMag, the update includes new core code, convenience features, and exclusive Copilot+ PC bonuses. Some of the splashiest additions include Live Captions and Cocreator image generation, which are available on a subset of Windows 11 computers called Copilot+ PCs. Non-Copilot+ PCs also benefit from enhancements such as a redesigned Copilot experience, a more secure underlying platform code, and better phone integration10.
How-To Geek highlights that the update is now available for all users and includes a scrollable Quick Settings list in the system tray, text labels for common File Explorer actions, support for 7-zip and TAR archives, an Energy saver feature, extended adaptive brightness control, and more. The update also introduces new deployment and management tools, including an updated security baseline and administrative templates
What can KARE clients expect for the update?
We are still testing and working through the best way to roll this out. Initial indications are that it can be quite disruptive and take up to an hour to update each PC. That makes our normal process to disruptive to users. We will keep you posted.
This update should work on most Ps that are up to 5 years old. Note that Windows 10 support ends in about a year so the update is important for any people still on the older versions.