Exclusive: Microsoft announces release date of the Windows 11 24H2 feature update
While Microsoft still has to make a public announcement regarding the new feature update for Windows 11, the company has revealed the schedule in a hidden announcement. Windows 11 version 24H2 has been in testing since May 2024.
Update: Microsoft has removed the information. End
The details:
- Windows 11, version 24H2 will be released alongside this month's optional non-security preview update for Windows 11.
- The new feature update will be released publicly for all users with the October cumulative updates.
Confirmation comes in the September 16th blog post "Enhanced data protection with Windows and Microsoft Copilot". The blog post announces new Microsoft Copilot capabilities. The schedule is revealed under "When will this happen". There, Microsoft explains that the changes align with the annual Windows 11 feature update release.
Microsoft writes: " Changes will be rolled out to managed PCs starting with the optional non-security preview release on September 24, 2024, and following with the monthly security update release on October 8 for all supported versions of Windows 11. "
In other words, the feature update is just a week away for users who install the optional preview update for Windows 11. Those who do not get it on October 8, 2024 as part of the monthly security update on Patch Tuesday.
Note: Very old devices cannot run Windows 11 version 24H2 anymore. This is true for devices that have Windows 11 installed already.
The new feature update introduces a number of changes. Highlights are support for Wi-Fi 7, more AI functionality, sudo functionality for Windows, or energy saving improvements. The integrated AI Copilot offers an app-like experience now with a window that is moveable and resizable. The change does away with the few Windows-specific features of Copilot though, but it is likely that these are not mourned by many users of the operating system who gave them a test ride.
There will also be a few usability improvements. The right-click File Explorer menu shows common icons and names now, instead of just icons. You may also drag & drop files on breadcrumbs in File Explorer to copy or move them.
Another useful addition is that Windows updates will be smaller once the feature update is installed on a device.
We are currently preparing a full overview of the features and changes that you can expect when you install Windows 11, version 24H2.
What is your take on Windows 11, version 24H2. Will you install the new version, or wait some time before you do so? Let us know in the comments below.
The Windows 11 2024 Update (aka 24H2) ISO downloads are now available as of Tuesday October 1:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
Neowin’s recent “click bait” article – Microsoft officially confirms Windows 11 24H2 is ‘delayed’ with KB5043145 update:
https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-officially-confirms-windows-11-24h2-is-delayed-with-kb5043145-update/
recently from Neowin – Microsoft might just have delayed Windows 11 24H2 update release slightly
https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-might-just-have-delayed-windows-11-24h2-update-release-slightly/
I do not understand how you made the leap that 24H2 is being released on either of those days. The Microsoft blog post mentions nothing about the new Windows feature update. Even the quote that you included does not provide any evidence of a 24H2 release date.
I’ll install it as I need to be able to communicate with customers on what to expect. It’s always interesting to find out what unintentional feature breakages occurs also. Will we finally have an update that “just works”, or will many random issues popup. We’ll see soon.
Very good information
Wait, the “Feature” update will be installed as a “Security” update?
Well, on the same day.
“Those who do not get it on October 8, 2024 as part of the monthly security update on Patch Tuesday.”
… “as part”? not “at the same time” or “along with”.
People are getting very sloppy with words these days, or it’s AI writing everything, either way one or two words can change the entire meaning of a sentence or story.
I have security updates deferred 14 days and feature updates deferred 120 days. That’s usually enough time to let the Public (beta) release be debugged by other windows users before I download it.
Oh, looks like my .VBS scripts will still run. Phew!
Phase 1 (2024): VBScript will be pre-installed on all Windows 11, version 24H2 systems and will be enabled by default as FODs.
Phase 2 (2027): VBScript will transition to an on-demand feature, no longer enabled by default.
Phase 3 (undefined point): VBScript will be retired entirely from future Windows versions.
Rewrite them in PowerShell.
@Anonymous,
Easier said than done… dude
I am in no rush to install it, nothing really is in it to warrant an immediate install.
Windows 11 version system is the ugliest piece of crap ever done. 24H2 = Windows 11.4, so easy! 24H2 seems the number of a diesel car battery.
Thanks @Martin for the article! :]