Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 24H2 Release with New AI Features and More
In this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we discuss the launch of Windows 11 version 24H2, the debut of Office 2024, several new Windows 11 preview builds—including a release for Canary users—updates in gaming, and much more.
Table of contents:
Windows 11 and 10
In this section, we delve into all developments regarding Microsoft’s latest operating systems available in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, captivating discoveries, and more. Additionally, we will touch on older yet still supported versions.
On Tuesday, October 1, Microsoft made a multitude of announcements related to Windows. Notably, Windows 11 version 24H2 is now ready for download.
Moreover, Microsoft also released Windows 11 24H2 LTSC alongside the consumer version, providing crucial information for IT professionals on making the 2024 Update optional for office computers or addressing specific Defender bugs. Developers can also take advantage of significant file system enhancements, particularly the block cloning feature on Dev Drives.
Copilot+ PCs are gaining new AI-enhanced features, including AI-assisted Windows Search, Click to Do, Generative Fill and Erase, and Super Resolution in Photos. Additionally, Recall is set to return this month to Qualcomm-based Copilot+ PCs, with plans for availability on Intel and AMD-based Copilot+ devices in November.
A substantial part of the announcements focused on Copilot. Microsoft’s AI assistant introduced Copilot Labs, a section for experimental features currently accessible to a select group of Copilot Pro users. One of the initial capabilities from Copilot Labs is Think Deeper, designed to tackle more complex tasks by allowing additional response time.
Another feature is Copilot Vision, which can analyze your current webpage, providing extra information, answering queries, and suggesting content. This feature will only be available on a limited selection of pre-approved websites accessed through Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft also showcased a revamped Copilot experience featuring a new user interface, Copilot Daily, and enhanced voices, all of which are currently rolling out to users.
For those on Windows 11 version 24H2, a new optional non-security update is available for download. KB5043178 introduces new mouse settings and updates for the Start menu, taskbar, lock screen, and Settings app. Additionally, Windows will automatically download KB5043934 and KB5044075 to enhance setup and recovery processes.
You may recall that last week, Microsoft acknowledged issues with the latest non-security updates for Windows 11, leading to blue screens of death, USB and Bluetooth connectivity problems, unexpected reboots, and more. This week, Microsoft resolved these problems using the Known Issue Rollback technique.
This section of Microsoft Weekly concludes with the latest statistics from Statcounter and Valve. According to Statcounter, Windows 11 has reached a new record with a market share of 33.37%. In September 2024, it gained 1.74 percentage points, while Windows 10 saw a decline of 1.35 points.
On the gaming side, Valve reported that Windows 10 regained the top spot on Steam. Windows 11 experienced a slight dip in September 2024, but the previous generation of Windows is unlikely to hold its position for much longer.
This week, Microsoft released new testing builds in the Windows Insider Program:
| Windows 11 | Windows 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Channel | 27718 | Not Applicable |
| Dev Channel | 26120.191221620.1930 | Not Applicable |
| Beta Channel | 22635.429122635.4300 | Not Applicable |
| Release Preview Channel |
The most intriguing updates in the latest Windows 11 preview builds include the capacity to create 6GHz Wi-Fi hotspots along with UI enhancements in Task Manager. Additionally, users have recognized that Microsoft is developing a feature allowing for a smaller taskbar and buttons (finally).
Microsoft has also introduced a minor update for the Microsoft Store app, featuring a refreshed homepage with quick links to various app and game categories.
Available Updates
This section outlines software, firmware, and other significant updates (released and forthcoming) that bring new features, security patches, enhancements, and more from Microsoft and third-party developers.
This week, the most significant update was the launch of Office 2024. Microsoft’s latest perpetual software release, ideal for users preferring non-subscription solutions, is now available for purchase through the Microsoft Store and authorized partners.
Office 2024 introduces a multitude of enhancements, including OpenDocument Format 1.4 support, improved accessibility features and checkers, simplified image imports from mobile devices, dynamic charts and new functions in Excel, better document recovery in Word, new drawing tools in OneNote, closed-caption support in PowerPoint, enhanced search capabilities in Outlook, performance improvements, customizable navigation swipes on macOS, and more.
In other news, Microsoft has officially discontinued the HoloLens 2, confirming the cessation of manufacturing for both the first and second generations, allowing clients to place final orders promptly.
Additionally, support for the Surface Studio 2 has ended, marking the conclusion of firmware and driver updates for one of Microsoft’s priciest consumer devices.
In web browsing news, Firefox 131 has been released, introducing several important features: temporary one-hour permissions for websites and tab previews when the cursor hovers over them. The update also includes built-in translation improvements and bug fixes.
Furthermore, the Firefox add-on review team has faced backlash for allegedly hostile review practices, prompting the creator of uBlock Origin to withdraw his extension from the store following unfounded accusations regarding machine-generated code. Even though Mozilla later acknowledged its errors, Raymond Hill decided to move uBOL to self-hosting, making it unavailable for download from the Firefox Add-ons Store.
Regarding uBlock Origin, Google will soon remove the option allowing its continued use in Chrome with MV2-based extensions.
In terms of updates for Microsoft Edge, the browser will migrate its Settings section to WebUI2, which should enhance page responsiveness and improve overall usability. This update is forthcoming. Meanwhile, the latest improvements in Microsoft Edge 131 are currently available for testing in the Dev Channel.
Other significant updates are as follows:
- OneDrive is enhancing file search capabilities.
- Microsoft Feed will be discontinued from Microsoft 365 next month.
- Visual Studio Code 1.94 has been released with improved startup speed.
- Microsoft has expanded the generative search experience in Bing.
- KT Corporation and Microsoft have announced a five-year, multibillion-dollar partnership.
- New HD voices with enhanced expressiveness have been introduced in Azure AI Speech.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi detection is now functional in more regions through Microsoft Defender.
- Microsoft is investing 4.3 billion Euros in Italian AI infrastructure and data centers.
- Microsoft will not enforce a five-day in-office mandate for its employees.
- Stardock announced that several of its popular applications are now compatible with Windows 11 24H2.
- Microsoft has formed a partnership with Rezolve AI.
Finally, here are the latest drivers and firmware released this week:
- Nvidia 565.90 WHQL, supporting MechWarrior 5: Clans, Throne and Liberty, among others.
- AMD Radeon 24.9.1 WHQL, featuring support for Frostpunk 2, GoW Ragnarök, and more.
- Surface Pro 7 received fixes for camera performance and display flashing issues.
- Surface Studio 2+ also received fixes related to Wi-Fi connectivity.
Gaming Updates
Starfield: Shattered Space is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC. This expansion for the much-anticipated game immerses players in a mysterious experiment gone awry on a previously unreachable planet. You can purchase this expansion through the Microsoft Store and Steam for $29.99.
Forza Horizon 5 has announced a new free update titled “Back to the 90’s.”This update includes four new cars and the return of the Backstage Pass feature, allowing players to exchange earned passes for exclusive vehicles. Players will also have the opportunity to vote for the next car duo featured in Backstage Pass. The update is scheduled for release on Monday, with the playlist commencing on Thursday.
Microsoft has also unveiled the initial wave of Game Pass additions for October 2024. New games arriving on Game Pass include MLB The Show 24, Open Roads, Sifu, Mad Streets, and Inscryption. Some titles will be leaving the service soon, so be sure to check them out before they’re gone.
Nvidia GeForce NOW is adding 22 new titles to its library, including Black Ops 6, Throne and Liberty, and more.
The original DOOM continues its legacy of running on unconventional devices. After successfully running on printers and cameras, it’s now available for quantum computers—yes, you can experiment with a DOOM port designed for quantum systems, even if you don’t own such a device.
GSC Game World recently launched a documentary detailing the development of STALKER 2 amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, featuring stories about staff evacuations, relocating the development process, and more.
Civilization VII is on the horizon, and if you plan to acquire the game, ensure that your computer meets the hardware requirements to run it. The developers have released complete system requirements, which include the RTX 4070 graphics card for 4K gameplay.
Deals and Freebies:
If you’re on the hunt for new games at a discount or free offers, check out this week’s Weekend PC Game Deals. This article highlights deals from Steam’s turn-based RPG event, Warhammer specials, an indie gem from the Epic Games Store, and an extensive array of discounts on various games from different platforms.
Other notable gaming news includes:
- Grounded on Steam no longer requires a Microsoft Account for its multiplayer functionalities.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 7 has been launched for consoles and macOS.
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II is receiving new Operations maps and 4K textures.
Each week, we cover a wide range of deals on hardware and software. The following discounts remain available, so be sure to check them out—you might find something that piques your interest.
Devices and Accessories:
- Amazon Fire TV Cube – $99.99
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro – $139.99
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kid – $114.99
- 42-inch Samsung S90D TV – $997
- 65-inch Hisense CanvasTV 65S7N – $1,098
PCs and Components:
- Kingston NV3 PCIe Gen 4 SSDs – up to 21% off
- 500GB Western Digital WD Blue SN580 PCIe Gen 4 SSD – $32.99
- 6TB SanDisk G-Drive HDD – $179.99
- 48TB SanDisk Professional 48TB G-RAID HDD – $1418
- 34-inch Dell S3422DWG Curved Gaming Monitor – $299.99
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3i – $316
- ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 X3D – $2,969
This link will direct you to other editions of the Microsoft Weekly series.
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