Enhanced Windows 11 version touted as the "most dependable Windows release ever"; users updating from Windows 10 will notice an upgraded experience
Windows 11 version 24H2, the latest update to Microsoft's operating system, offers significant improvements that make it one of the most reliable and user-friendly Windows releases ever.
Key enhancements in this version include a redesigned Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), replacing the old anxiety-inducing blue screen with a new Black Screen of Death (BSOD) that creates crash dumps quicker[1]. This change reduces the amount of time Windows takes to create a crash dump from 40 seconds to just 2 seconds[4]. The new BSOD also features a simpler interface, displaying detailed stop codes and faulty driver information to help with troubleshooting[1].
To further improve system resilience, Microsoft has introduced Quick Machine Recovery. This feature enables faster system recovery from disruptions with minimal downtime[1][3]. In the event of a faulty driver or update, Quick Machine Recovery automatically troubleshoots and attempts to fix the issues causing a boot loop[3].
Additional notable features include:
- An AI-enhanced search bar in the Settings app (for Copilot+ PCs), which intelligently suggests relevant settings and actions based on natural language queries, making configuration more intuitive[2][3].
- Improved gaming support with enhanced controller navigation in the touch keyboard's gamepad layout and new controller shortcuts, aimed at better handheld gaming experiences[2][3].
- Updates to File Explorer, including duplicate tab support and new keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab) for better multitasking[4].
- Enhanced Energy Saver mode with a new battery charger icon and percentage display, improving power management awareness[4].
- New functionality in Paint and Snipping Tool such as Generative Erase and copying as table, respectively, adding usability features to system apps[4].
- Privacy and data control improvements through the "Recall" feature for snapshot management in the European Economic Area, offering export and reset options for user data[3].
These changes contribute to a smoother, smarter, and more resilient Windows experience, with less downtime and more control. Users who upgrade to version 24H2 will experience these improvements[1][3][4].
For users running Windows 10 or an older version of Windows 11, Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 PCs will no longer receive security updates automatically after October 14[5]. It is advised to consider upgrading to Windows 11, either through an in-place upgrade or by buying a new PC with Windows 11 installed[5].
Moreover, Microsoft offers an optional extended security updates program for an additional year of security updates for those who wish to continue receiving updates after mainstream support ends[6].
Version 25H2 of Windows 11, due for release, will not have compatibility issues or platform instability concerns[7].
[1] Microsoft (2022). Windows 11: The Most Reliable Version of Windows Ever Made [2] Microsoft (2022). What's New in Windows 11, Version 24H2 [3] Microsoft (2022). Privacy and data control improvements in Windows 11, version 24H2 [4] Microsoft (2022). Windows 11, version 24H2: A smarter Windows experience [5] Microsoft (2022). End of Mainstream Support for Windows 10 PCs [6] Microsoft (2022). Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 [7] Microsoft (2022). What's New in Windows 11, Version 25H2
- The redesigned Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11 version 24H2 creates crash dumps quicker, reducing the time from 40 seconds to just 2 seconds.
- Microsoft's Windows 11 update offers a new AI-enhanced search bar in the Settings app for Copilot+ PCs, suggesting relevant settings and actions based on natural language queries.
- Quick Machine Recovery, a feature introduced in Windows 11 version 24H2, enables faster system recovery from disruptions with minimal downtime.
- Improvements in gaming support with Windows 11 version 24H2 include enhanced controller navigation and new controller shortcuts for better handheld gaming experiences.
- File Explorer in Windows 11 version 24H2 includes updates such as duplicate tab support and new keyboard shortcuts for improved multitasking.
- Enhanced Energy Saver mode in Windows 11 version 24H2 offers a new battery charger icon and percentage display for better power management awareness.
- For users running Windows 10 or an older version of Windows 11, it is advised to consider upgrading to the newer version, either through an in-place upgrade or by buying a new Surface Laptop or Surface Pro with Windows 11 installed.
