Windows 11 2024 Update, also known as version 24H2, is now publicly available. Microsoft announced the rollout alongside the new AI-powered features that are coming soon to Windows Insiders with Copilot+ PCs and Copilot upgrades.
Unlike recent Windows 11 updates, version 24H2 is a "full operating system swap," so updating to it will take more time than usual. What is going as usual is the way the update is being offered to users. Microsoft is gradually rolling out the update to "seekers" with Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. That means you need to go to the Settings app and manually request the update.
If you want to be among the first adopters, go to Settings > Windows Update and toggle on the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option. After that, check for updates—if your system is eligible and there are no blocking issues, the Settings app will allow you to download Windows 11 version 24H2. You can find more information about how to download Windows 11 version 24H2 in our guide.
Note that updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 requires the May 2024 non-security preview update and newer. As usual, you can also download Windows 11 version 24H2 images from the official website and clean-install the operating system (note that BitLocker will be turned on by default on Home and Pro editions, but you can turn it off).
New features in Windows 11 version 24H2 include updated context menus, improvements for the Settings app, HDR wallpaper support, Wi-Fi 7 support, reworked battery saver and energy settings, updates to the Quick Settings menu, and more. You can read more about the update in our full review.
Here is the full changelog:
What's new for Windows 11, version 24H2
Windows 11, version 24H2 includes all the features and capabilities delivered as part of continuous innovation to Windows 11, now enabled by default. This scoped release also features enhancements designed to improve your overall experience with Windows 11. Highlights include:
Copilot+ PCs exclusive features:
Live Captions
Cocreator in Paint
Windows Studio Effects
Auto Super Resolution
Image Creator and Restyle Image
Wi-Fi 7 support
Bluetooth® LE Audio enhancements for assistive hearing devices support
System tray & taskbar enhancements
A more streamlined File Explorer
Smart power management for your PC
Join and share Wi-Fi networks with QR codes
Enhanced privacy controls for Wi-Fi network access
Effortless account management and notifications in Microsoft Teams
Expanding Voice Clarity across devices
Sudo for Windows: elevate the Windows command-line efficiency
Remote Desktop: enhanced connectivity and accessibility
Since Windows 11 24H2 is a "full OS swap," it comes with its own list of known bugs and issues. As of right now, the initial list is quite big, with six confirmed hardware and software issues. Some of them have workarounds, while others will be fixed in future updates.
All the following bugs are "blocking issues," which means Microsoft will not offer you Windows 11 version 24H2 until you apply a workaround or a fix (it may still take up to 24 hours before your computer gets the update). You can click each issue to learn more about it and its possible workaround.
| Issue | Workaround |
|---|---|
|
Safe Exam Browser application might fail to open Devices running version 3.7 or lower versions of this application are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2. |
A fix will be available in a future update. |
|
Some devices using Easy Anti-Cheat stop responding and receive a blue screen Older driver versions of the Easy Anti-Cheat application are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2 |
Try updating your games to the latest version. |
|
Fingerprint sensors might experience problems after a device is locked Several device models are affected. A compatibility hold is in place. Updating device firmware might resolve the issue. |
Try updating your device's firmware. |
|
Wallpaper customization applications might not work as expected Multiple applications are affected. A compatibility hold is in place. Updating applications might resolve the issue. |
Try updating your wallpaper app to the latest version |
|
Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers Windows 11, version 24H2 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen. |
Install drivers 10.30.00.5714 and later or 10.29.00.5714 and later. |
|
Asphalt 8 might periodically stop responding Devices running Asphalt 8 might see an exception and compatibility hold has been applied to safeguard update experience. |
A fix will be available in a future update. |
Windows 11 version 24H2 has the standard 24-month lifecycle for Home and Pro editions. Windows 11 LTSC 2024, which is also available starting today, has a 10-year support lifecycle. Commercial customers can download version 24H2 through WSUS, Windows Update for Business, and the Admin Center.
Are you updating today?
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