Major Feature Update for Windows 11 24H2: Enhanced Settings, New BSOD, and Additional Improvements

Major Feature Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2

Microsoft has unveiled a significant new feature update for Windows 11, designated as version 24H2. The optional update is identified as KB5062660 and carries the build number 26100.4770. This release includes an array of enhancements designed to improve user experience, particularly for those with Copilot+ PCs. New functionalities include agentic search capabilities in Settings, Quick Machine Recovery, Recall for European Economic Area (EEA) users, improved Click to Do actions, enhancements in File Explorer, and much more.

Key Features Introduced

Here’s a breakdown of the new features being gradually rolled out:

Recall
- New Recall Feature for the EEA: Recall technology is now available for users in the EEA. This feature enables users to share snapshots with trusted third-party applications and websites. When enabled, a unique Recall export code is generated during the initial setup, which is essential for decrypting exported snapshots. To export snapshots, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots > Advanced Settings and authenticate via Windows Hello. Users can export past snapshots or initiate a continuous export. It’s important to note that if the export code is lost, users must reset Recall to generate a new code.
- Global Recall Reset: All Recall users can now reset their data and delete all associated snapshots via the new advanced settings page found under Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
Click to Do Actions
- Practice in Reading Coach: This new Click to Do action assists users in enhancing reading fluency and pronunciation. After selecting text on their screen, users can engage with Reading Coach, which provides real-time feedback. To access this feature, the free Microsoft Reading Coach app must be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
- Read with Immersive Reader: This action promotes a distraction-free reading environment, allowing users to customize text size, spacing, and background themes while receiving read-aloud assistance. Install the Microsoft Reading Coach app from the Store to utilize this feature.
- Draft with Copilot in Word: This functionality allows users to effortlessly convert any recognized text into a draft by simply selecting the text and pressing Win + Click. A Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription is required to make the most of this feature.
- Streamlined Microsoft Teams Actions: Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs now integrates with Microsoft Teams, enabling users to quickly send messages or schedule meetings by selecting recognized email addresses on their screens, facilitating seamless communication without disrupting workflows.
Settings Enhancements
- Agent Assistance: The new agent feature within Settings aims to alleviate common user frustrations associated with navigating and modifying PC settings. Users can articulate their needs, and the agent will use AI capabilities to provide solutions and automate tasks upon user consent. This experience is currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with plans to extend support to AMD and Intel PCs in the near future.
- Refined Search Accessibility: The Settings app now features a centrally located search bar to enhance usability when navigating through settings.
- Various Fixes: The update also addresses issues causing Settings to become unresponsive and resolves problems with saving Wi-Fi network credentials.
Windows Resiliency Initiative
- Quick Machine Recovery: This new feature automatically detects and repairs widespread issues on Windows 11 devices via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), minimizing downtime. IT administrators can customize this experience under System > Recovery > Quick machine recovery.
- Streamlined Restart Interface: An updated, user-friendly interface now appears during unexpected restarts, ensuring a quicker return to work.
Start Menu Customization: New options have been added to allow administrators to implement Start menu pins that can be optionally altered by users post-configuration.
Snap Enhancements: Users will now notice inline messages aiding in understanding Snap functionalities, improving the overall usability of window management.
Improved Windows Search: Windows Search settings have been consolidated for easier access under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search.
Touch Keyboard Updates: A revamped gamepad layout in the Windows touch keyboard now supports enhanced navigation for gaming enthusiasts.
File Explorer Adjustments:
- Fixes have been implemented to rectify various display issues and enhance overall responsiveness in File Explorer.
Desktop Icons and Notifications: Adjustments have been made to ensure desktop icons display correctly post-update and that notifications function as intended.

Immediate Fixes and Improvements

Additionally, the update introduces several immediate fixes:

Authentication Fixes: This update resolves an issue with the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) stopping unexpectedly during machine password changes.
File Explorer Glitches: Users will no longer encounter unexpected single-folder displays in File Explorer Home. This fix enhances the normal viewing experience.
Graphics Reliability: Users can now expect consistent recognition of external graphics cards connected via Thunderbolt.
Input Method Improvements: Issues affecting Microsoft Changjie IME and Phonetic input methods, including the Hindi and Marathi keyboards, have been corrected.
Stability Enhancements: This update addresses rare scenarios where devices become unresponsive due to past updates.
Firewall Update: Issues concerning Event 2042 for Windows Firewall have also been resolved.

Getting the Update

To update to KB5062660, navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for Updates.”Alternatively, it’s also obtainable through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

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