Microsoft is gearing up for its biggest Windows 11 update of the year with the imminent release of the 24H2 build. While the official public rollout isn't slated until September 2024, the 24H2 ISO is already available for download, allowing eager users to get a head start on experiencing the new AI-centric features.
The star of the show in this update is the Copilot App, powered by OpenAI's advanced GPT-4 language model. This AI assistant can be freely positioned anywhere on the screen, enabling natural voice interactions and seamless integration with various Windows functions. The Copilot App offers several handy capabilities:
- Windows Context Copilot allows users to capture content from any window and process the information using the AI model.
- A Power Automate Plugin facilitates local task automation driven by the AI assistant.
- Screen sharing allows users to visually collaborate with the Copilot AI during conversations.
However, the AI enhancements don't stop there. The update introduces a new "AI Explorer" that lets users search for past activities across apps, documents, photos, and web pages using natural language queries. Live video captions will also gain real-time translation capabilities, bridging language barriers effortlessly.
For devices equipped with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), some generative AI features like Copilot's text suggestions can run locally for faster performance. This level of hardware acceleration is exclusive to the new "Copilot+ PCs" powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Series processors.
These Copilot+ PCs, available from brands like Microsoft, Dell, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and others, boast a turbocharged NPU capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, ideal for AI-intensive tasks.
An exclusive "AI Super Resolution" feature leverages this NPU to upscale game resolutions on supported titles. Another Copilot+ PC exclusive is the "Recall" function, which captures screenshots and indexes their contents for easy searching later.
Beyond the AI advancements, Windows 11 24H2 brings several quality-of-life improvements.
What's New in Windows 11 24H2?
Microsoft has pulled out all the stops with this latest release, introducing a wide range of innovative features and improvements. Let's explore some of the highlights:
- HDR Background Support: Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with HDR background support on compatible displays. Experience vibrant colours and enhanced contrast for a truly captivating visual experience.
- Energy Saver: Prioritize power efficiency with the new Energy Saver mode. This feature allows you to extend battery life on laptops and reduce power consumption on desktops, contributing to an eco-friendly computing experience.
- Sudo for Windows: Linux enthusiasts rejoice! Windows 11 24H2 introduces the long-awaited sudo command-line tool, enabling you to run commands with elevated privileges seamlessly.
- Rust in the Windows Kernel: Microsoft has embraced the security-focused Rust programming language within the Windows kernel, enhancing system reliability and fortifying defenses against potential vulnerabilities.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Prepare for lightning-fast wireless connectivity with support for the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard, delivering blazing internet speeds and improved throughput.
- Voice Clarity: Enjoy crystal-clear audio quality during voice communications, thanks to the improved Voice Clarity feature, ensuring your conversations are crisp and natural.
- Scrollable Quick Settings: Declutter your taskbar with the new scrollable view for the quick settings flyout, providing easy access to frequently used settings without overcrowding your screen.
- New File Explorer Features: File management just got more convenient with the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives directly from File Explorer, alongside the existing support for opening these archive formats.
- Bluetooth Low Energy Audio Improvements: Seamlessly connect your Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices with enhanced support, offering a hassle-free wireless audio experience.
So, how can you get your hands on this AI-infused Windows experience?
Microsoft is rolling out the 24H2 update in phases, with Copilot+ PCs being the first to receive it pre-installed starting June 18, 2024.
For regular Windows 11 users, the update will be available for manual installation through Windows Update in September 2024, although an automatic push to all existing PCs may not happen until early 2025.
If you can't wait until then, you can download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO from the below link and do a manual installation.
Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO
Windows 11 24H2 will be released in two categories. One will be for Copilot+ PCs with all the exclusive AI features like Copilot+ Recall and AI Super Resolution. The other version will be for non-AI PCs which will include the rest of the features, excluding some AI capabilities.
Here is the Windows 11 24H2 ISO available for download and manually install it.
| File Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 ISO x64 [Home/Pro] |
Archive | Mirror (cloud) |
| Windows 11 24H2 ISO arm [Home/Pro] |
Archive | Mirror (cloud) |
Once the download is complete, you can use the ISO file to perform a clean installation or an in-place upgrade of Windows 11 24H2, ensuring a smooth transition to the latest operating system version.
How to Install Windows 11 24H2
To create such a bootable USB or disk, you can use the most popular USB bootable creation tool, Rufus.
Insert the USB flash drive into your system USB port that you want to make it bootable (if one is not already inserted).
- Download Rufus' latest version. You don't need to install Rufus to use 😉. Just double-click on the downloaded .EXE file to open it.
- Select the USB drive from the menu in Rufus if it's not already selected.
- Now at the 'Boot Selection' of Rufus, you can choose the Select option, if you have already downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file
- Browse the Windows 11 iso file by clicking on the Select option.
- Now finally click on the Start button. It will show a dialog box with a few options for bypassing Windows 11 install requirements like TPM 2.0, Secure boot and an online Microsoft account, you can use these options according to your choice.
- Just click on the check box and hit OK. It will start the process of creating a bootable USB by formatting your USB drive.
- Use the created bootable USB to install Windows 11 without any Microsoft account and TPM requirements.
Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2:
Embracing the latest version of Windows 11 can unlock numerous benefits, including:
- Access to cutting-edge features and improvements that enhance productivity, security, and user experience.
- Improved compatibility with the latest hardware and software, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
- Extended support lifecycle, providing you with regular security updates and bug fixes to keep your system running smoothly.
- Opportunity to leverage the power of AI and advanced technologies, such as the Copilot+ suite of features (available on compatible hardware).
Windows 11 24H2 promises to revolutionize your computing experience with its cutting-edge features, enhanced security, and improved performance.
By downloading and installing the 24H2 ISO, you'll gain access to the latest innovations, from AI-powered capabilities to energy-saving optimizations. Whether you're a home user, small business owner, or part of a larger enterprise, upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 is a surefire way to future-proof your systems and unlock the full potential of modern computing.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this exciting journey and embrace the future of Windows today!