Windows 11 24H2 Update Will Arrive Soon
By now, most Windows users are accustomed to receiving periodic updates to their computer’s operating system. And now we have confirmation from Microsoft that the Windows 11 24H2 Update will arrive soon. There’s much to unpack here, so let’s dive in and see what the update offers.
Who Gets The Update And When?
If you use a Copilot + PC, you may already have access to the 24H2 update. Specifically, Microsoft has been shipping Copilot + PCs with the hardware for several months. Therefore, you likely already have the update if you use such a device.
If you don’t run a Copilot + PC, Microsoft will “push” the updated operating system to qualifying users over several months. This rollout will likely begin in October, when Microsoft will begin pushing the update to existing Windows 11 users. So, if you see a notification on your device that there’s an update pending to your device, it’s quite possible that your update is ready for installing.
But I Want My Update Now!
If you don’t want to wait to receive the update, you can jump to the front of the line. To do so, join the Windows Insider Program. Upon joining, you can gain early access to Windows 11.
What If I’m Still Running Windows 10?
If you still run Windows 10, you will not receive the Windows 11 24H2 update. Note that this update is specifically for Windows 11. Thus, you cannot install the update on a device running Windows 10. However, you can upgrade your Windows 10 device to Windows 11. Then you can download and install the 24H2 update.
What’s The Cost Of Upgrading From Windows 10 To Windows 11?
Technically, there is no out-of-pocket cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. That is, there is no charge from Microsoft to upgrade your operating system. However, there can be a catch. Specifically, if your Windows 10-based device does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you will incur out-of-pocket expenses to upgrade or replace the device. Of course, hardware upgrades or replacements will require out-of-pocket expenses.
What Are Some Of The Key New Features?
Some of the key new features you can expect to see in Windows 11 24H2 Update include those listed below.
- A redesigned Start Menu, including direct access to Phone Link. Phone Link is an app you can install to integrate your smartphone into the Windows environment.
- Access to a newly redesigned File Explorer.
- Access to Voice Clarity, a tool that “cleans” your calls and reduces background noise to provide clearer interactions with your device and other users.
- A redesigned method for accessing Copilot. Specifically, Copilot will work more like a traditional app, instead of a link in a browser.
- Sports, traffic, and finance content will appear along with the weather on the lock screen.
- You can now also pin apps from the Start menu to the taskbar by dragging and dropping items directly to the taskbar from the pinned section in the Start menu.
- Windows 11 24H2 offers numerous new emojis to help you express your thoughts.
- In File Explorer, you can use your mouse to drag files between breadcrumbs in the File Explorer address bar.
- If you sign-in using a Microsoft Entra ID, you can share to specific Teams channels and chat in the Windows share window.
- You can create QR codes without using third-party apps.
Summary
The majority of Windows users do not yet use Windows 11. In fact, Statcounter indicates that only 31.6% of Windows users run Windows 11, as of August 2024. However, if history is a guide, that number will grow significantly over the following eighteen months. Therefore, it’s necessary for all Windows users to become familiar with new features and proficient in using them. Begin your preparations now to take advantage of all Windows 11 has and will have to offer!
At K2 Enterprises, our commitment lies in providing unwavering support and expert instruction to CPAs. Explore the wealth of resources on our website, where you’ll find valuable insights on selecting the most suitable accounting software, ensuring your firm is equipped with the right tools for the journey ahead. If you work in accounting or finance, K2 Enterprises provides continuing education programs to enhance your skills and credentials. Need help learning how to solve your business’s accounting technology needs and selecting the right software for accounting or CPA Firms? Visit us at k2e.com, where we make sophisticated technology understandable to anyone through our conferences, seminars, or on-demand courses.
