SoftwareOperating SystemsWindowsWindows 11 24H2 is finally here and Microsoft’s calling it a ‘full OS swap’, it’s just a shame the new Windows update still has RecallWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
SoftwareOperating SystemsWindowsWindows 11 24H2 is finally here and Microsoft’s calling it a ‘full OS swap’, it’s just a shame the new Windows update still has RecallWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft’s been busy. As has the rest of the tech industry, seemingly. I leave the room for what feels like one second and everything’s “AI this” and “AI that”. Now, Microsoft’s rolling out what it’s calling a “full operating system (OS) swap” that seems at pains to pave the way for AI.
Yes,Windows 11 24H2 is finally here—at least for those included in the first update roll-out segment—and it has somesurprisingly neat features. I say “surprisingly” because all thatWindows Recall talkhad truly put me off 24H2 and its many pre-release Insider Preview builds. And because it seems to bea little buggy(viaWindows Latest)
Despite this, the new Windows 11 version does indeed have some pretty cool features—though whether this justifies the “full OS swap” designation is questionable. Here are a few of my favourite features included in the update:
This last one, in particular, is a breath of fresh air for hardware nerds like me. And I’m someone who was, until pretty recently and much to the annoyance of the other hardware folk here at PC Gamer, entirely on the “MHz” bandwagon. But it’s incorrect, okay? If I’ve accepted it, you can too.
Microsoft does also state that it’s about “enhancing connectivity with the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, boosting productivity with new quick settings, and improving accessibility with advanced assistive hearing devices support. Plus, it introduces energy-saving features that extend battery life and reduce energy consumption.” So notallAI.
No mention of the MT/s thing, though. That’s buried down in the update note weeds. Bummer.
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Of course, these issues are very platform-specific and might not happen to everyone even on affected platforms. And Win11 24H2 will roll out slowly, opening up to more and more people over time, depending on how Microsoft judges different devices to fare with the update, amongst other things.
Thinking of upgrading?(Image credit: Microsoft)Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
Thinking of upgrading?
(Image credit: Microsoft)Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows 11 review: What we think of the latest OS.How to install Windows 11: Our guide to a secure install.Windows 11 TPM requirement: Strict OS security.
Given the recentbugs associated with Windows 11 Previews, however, I shan’t hold my breath.
Despite the associated backlash, 24H2 will also push forward withgulpWindows Recall, the Black Mirror-esque software that aims to record everything you do on your computer for your AI-enhanced search and “recall” convenience. It will be available to Windows Insider participants. You should be able to turn the feature off, though, even though you won’t be able to uninstall it.
In addition to Recall, 24H2 will also push tons of other AI enhancements to various applications and system settings, such as Cocreator in Paint, Image Creator in Microsoft Photos, and Auto Super Resolution for OS-level, AI-aided upscaling.
So, what do you reckon? Are the new non-dystopian features worth the dystopian one? I’m not too fussed about all this AI malarkey, myself, and while a Wi-Fi refresh button and better right-click options are great, I’m not sure they overcome my concern over Recall.
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A debloating wizard has managed to get Windows 11 running on just 184 MB of RAM, and it looks like it can actually run appsWindows 11 24H2 is the unwanted holiday gift that keeps on giving thanks to Auto HDR game crashes, audio device woes, odd bouts of stuttering and more
A debloating wizard has managed to get Windows 11 running on just 184 MB of RAM, and it looks like it can actually run apps
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