Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

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Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

  • Microsoft shipped Windows 11 version 24H2 recently, which includes several fixes and new features.
  • Among the changes are improvements to how Windows updates work.
  • Following the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2, future updates will see a reduction in installation time, restart time, and CPU usage.

As a seasoned analyst with decades of experience observing and analyzing the tech industry, I must say that the latest Windows 11 version 24H2 update from Microsoft is nothing short of impressive. Having worked on various operating systems, I can attest to the fact that performance improvements in an OS are always welcome, especially when they translate into real-world benefits for users.

When Microsoft introduced Windows 11 version 24H2 (often referred to as the Windows 11 2024 Update), they delivered a host of fresh capabilities to PC users. This update not only added new features but also optimized the fundamental structure of Windows 11, leading to substantial performance enhancements. Initially, the advantages of the Windows 11 2024 Update are evident in improved performance and the introduction of these new features. However, it’s worth noting that this update also streamlines the process for future updates installation.

The latest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, offers a more efficient installation process for monthly updates than earlier versions of Windows 11. However, the extent of this improvement depends on whether your computer is properly maintained. During tests, Microsoft observed that installing an update using Windows 11 version 24H2 was 45.6% faster, took 39.7% less time to restart, and required 15.3% less CPU usage compared to the previous version, Windows 11 version 22H2. It’s important to note that these improvements were observed on a well-maintained computer.

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Testing the process using a device that’s 18 months behind its current version led to noticeably enhanced results, such as a 43.6% quicker installation time and a 33.5% swifter restart time. It’s worth noting that upgrading an outdated PC resulted in a more substantial reduction (25%) in CPU usage.

Microsoft outlined the improvements to Windows 11 updates:

  • Parallel processing of component manifests. This complements the parallel hydration of newly serviced components using reverse and forward differentials first introduced in Windows 11, version 22H2.
  • Optimized reading and parsing of component manifests. After reading and parsing the first time, we cache the results to use later in the process. This helps efficiency if the same component is referenced across multiple packages.
  • Scalable use of available random-access memory (RAM). We use more RAM for storing the manifest cache if available and less if not.

Instead of traditional feature updates, some inbox applications will now be updated directly through the Microsoft Store instead of being managed via Windows monthly updates. This shift may lead to smaller updates, with a reduction of about 200 MB per update. However, it’s uncertain whether this decrease will be noticeable for most users. Additionally, if your system is already running the latest version of applications like Mail, Calendar, and Notepad, future feature updates won’t include any changes to these specific apps.

Windows 11 version 24H2

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In his comprehensive review, our Senior Editor, Zac Bowden, delves into various aspects of the newly released Windows 11 version 24H2. He addresses these topics both in his written piece and in his accompanying video review on the updated Windows 11 system.

Desktop & Start

  • Phone Link is now integrated with the Start menu
  • Taskbar system tray layout has been simplified
  • Quick Settings has been rebuilt to be faster and more customizable
  • Windows Spotlight image is now the default wallpaper setting
  • Taskbar app preview thumbnails now have an animation
  • You can now set HDR images as a desktop wallpaper

File Explorer

  • File Explorer home tab now includes updated layout with shared documents
  • You can now duplicate tabs by right-clicking the tab.
  • Context Menu layout has been updated with better labelling to be easier to use.
  • You can now create .7z and .TAR archive formats.
  • You can view your Android phone’s file system directly in File Explorer

Apps

  • A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contact is included
  • Microsoft has updated Copilot as a standalone web app
  • Photos now includes AI-enhanced generative erase and background editing
  • Photos can now generate AI images based on user criteria (Copilot+ PC)
  • A new Recall app uses AI to capture everything you do and makes finding things easier (Copilot+ PC)
  • Paint now has built-in generative AI capabilities based on user drawn sketch (Copilot+ PC)

Settings & Misc

  • Windows Update now supports checkpoints and hot patching for faster and less obtrusive updates
  • Voice Clarity uses AI to remove background noise picked up by your microphone in supported apps
  • Power settings for plugged/unplugged state can now be configured simultaneously
  • A new Energy Saver mode replaces battery saver and applies to both laptops and desktops
  • You can now configure mouse scroll wheel direction in Settings
  • Wi-Fi 7 hardware is now supported
  • New PRISM emulation layer makes x86 emulated apps run better on Arm
  • Arm-based devices should now run smoother
  • AutoSR uses AI to enhances the framerate and quality of games (Copilot+ PC)
  • Live Captions can now translate languages into English in real-time locally (Copilot+ PC)
  • Advanced Windows Studio Effects enhance your webcam with filters (Copilot+ PC)

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2024-10-28 16:09