# Microsoft Initiates Windows 11 24H2 Update Rollout: What to Anticipate
Microsoft has officially commenced the phased deployment of this year’s annual Windows 11 update, identified as **Windows 11 24H2**, to consumers. The announcement took place during an event focused on Windows and Copilot, signifying the most substantial update to the operating system since its launch in 2021. This update features a range of new functionalities and improvements, such as enhancements to energy efficiency, compatibility with next-gen hardware, and AI-driven tools for select premium devices.
## Staged Rollout for Windows 11 24H2
The **Windows 11 24H2 Update** will be rolled out in stages, starting with PCs running **Windows 11 versions 22H2 or 23H2** that are set to receive feature updates promptly. This staged process ensures a seamless transition, permitting Microsoft to track potential issues and resolve them prior to the update being widely available.
### Major Features in Windows 11 24H2
The 24H2 update introduces a wealth of new features and enhancements aimed at improving both user experience and the fundamental performance of the operating system. Below are some key highlights:
### 1. **Energy Saver Capability**
Among the most significant updates is the launch of the **Energy Saver capability**, which takes the place of the older Battery Saver settings. This feature helps users to manage power consumption more proficiently, particularly on laptops and mobile devices. Energy Saver will intelligently modify system configurations to decrease power usage, thereby extending battery life more effectively than previous settings.
### 2. **Compatibility with Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 Version 2.0**
The 24H2 update also adds support for the newest hardware specifications, including **Wi-Fi 7** and **80Gbps USB4 Version 2.0 ports**. These improvements will facilitate faster data transmission rates and enhanced connectivity, making Windows 11 devices more equipped for the future. Wi-Fi 7 offers reduced latency and greater bandwidth, while USB4 Version 2.0 will support swifter data transfers, particularly advantageous for high-performance devices and external storage options.
### 3. **Refinements to Context Menu**
Microsoft has improved the usability of the **right-click/context menu**, incorporating **text labels for common actions** such as “Copy” and “Paste.” This update aims to make the interface more user-friendly, especially for those unfamiliar with the iconography from previous iterations. The inclusion of text labels represents a subtle yet meaningful enhancement that boosts accessibility.
### 4. **Adjustments to Quick Settings**
The **Quick Settings panel** has also undergone some adjustments, making it simpler for users to access and control frequently utilized settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and screen brightness. These improvements are tailored to optimize the user experience, minimizing the number of clicks required for routine operations.
## Copilot+ Program: AI-Driven Features for Premium PCs
For owners of high-performance PCs that qualify for the **Copilot+ program**, the 24H2 update will enable a collection of sophisticated AI-driven features. To be eligible, a PC must comprise at least **16GB of RAM**, **256GB of storage**, and a **neural processing unit (NPU)** capable of executing a minimum of **40 trillion operations per second (TOPS)**.
### Enhanced Features for Copilot+ Devices
1. **Revamped Recall Feature**: A standout addition for Copilot+ devices is the revamped **Recall feature**, which bolsters the security and privacy of the operating system. This functionality allows users to manage and recall files, apps, and settings more efficiently, thus enhancing productivity.
2. **Enhanced Windows Search**: The update also improves the **Windows Search** capability, making it quicker and more precise. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who depend on search functions to swiftly locate files, applications, or settings.
3. **Super Resolution in Photos App**: The **Photos app** will now feature a **super resolution** capability that utilizes AI to upscale older images, improving their visual quality. This is especially helpful for users aiming to enhance the detail of low-resolution pictures.
4. **Generative Fill and Erasure in Paint**: The classic **Paint app** will now include a contemporary upgrade with **generative fill and erase** functionalities. These tools leverage AI to smartly fill or eliminate portions of an image, simplifying the process of editing photos and graphics without requiring advanced software.
## A Significant Update for Windows 11
The **Windows 11 24H2 update** represents the most major update to the operating system since the **22H2 update** two years prior. While the **23H2 update** primarily continued the work of 22H2, resetting the timeline for security updates without delivering significant changes, 24H2 introduces substantial new features.
