New Features Coming to Windows 11 24H2 in February

In December 2024, Windows 11 and 10 users only received a Patch Tuesday update, with no additional optional updates rolled out. The lack of optional updates was attributed to most engineers being on holiday for the Christmas and New Year festivities, which is quite common during this season.

These optional updates play a crucial role as they often introduce new features. Anticipation is building around the January 2025 optional patch, which is expected to be larger than the two updates preceding it. As a result, February 2025 is set to be an exciting month for users of Windows 11 24H2, as new features, particularly enhancements to File Explorer, will be enabled by default.

Let’s delve into the upcoming features slated for the Windows 11 January and February 2025 Updates. This information is drawn from the release notes of the Windows 11 beta channel, and many of these enhancements will also be backported to Windows 11 23H2, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to continuous improvement across versions.

Enhancements in the Magnifier App

One of the subtle yet significant improvements arriving with these updates is in the Magnifier app. Users have frequently expressed the need for a more intuitive zoom reset feature.

Now, a new button has been added to the toolbar that allows users to reset the zoom level in one swift action. Additionally, there is an option to revert to your last set zoom preference, significantly enhancing usability.

magnifier options comparison in windows 11 24h2

For quick adjustments, users can also utilize the keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Alt-Minus to modify the zoom level effectively.

File Explorer Improvements

In the realm of File Explorer, users can expect several quality-of-life enhancements rather than groundbreaking new features like tabs. A significant addition is the capability to create new folders directly from the new context menu within File Explorer.

Previously, creating a folder was limited to the left navigation pane, requiring users to click Show more options. Now, this feature is conveniently integrated into the main right-click menu, streamlining the file management process.

new option in the Windows 11 24h2 file explorer context menu

Moreover, the tabs feature will receive several refinements. Users who prefer to have File Explorer restore their open tabs after a restart can now do so, simply by enabling the “Restore previous windows on logon” option found in the app’s View settings.

restore previous folder windows at logon setting in File Explorer

For instance, if you check the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” setting and shut down the computer while having multiple tabs open—like Documents, Pictures, and Downloads—windows will remember and reopen them seamlessly during your next session.

Furthermore, a new smart tab control feature aims to optimize system resources by preventing the unnecessary launch of multiple application windows. If a user attempts to open a folder from another location while a File Explorer window is already active, Windows 11 will open the new folder in a new tab within the same window.

File Sharing and Other Key Fixes

When it comes to file sharing within File Explorer, recent updates have laid the groundwork for a more streamlined experience. Sharing a file currently involves selecting an option from the context menu, which then opens a mini-window for app selection. In forthcoming updates, users will gain access to a sub-context menu for several applications, eliminating the need for this intermediate step.

Moreover, a critical upgrade addresses a time zone setting issue that affected non-administrative users of Windows 11 24H2. Previously, many users could not change their PC’s time zone settings, a function they had access to before. Interestingly, the traditional Control Panel applet remained unaffected, allowing users to change their time zone through that interface.

All these updates are slated to roll out as an optional update in January and as a mandatory update in February 2025, enhancing the overall user experience.

Additional Insights

1. What are optional updates in Windows 11?

Optional updates in Windows 11 are additional packages that introduce new features, improvements, or fixes outside of the regular Patch Tuesday updates. They can enhance system performance or add new functionalities.

2. How will the January 2025 update differ from previous updates?

The January 2025 update is anticipated to be larger than previous releases, with significant enhancements, particularly in File Explorer and the Magnifier app, making it a substantial upgrade for Windows 11 users.

3. Can I control the installation of optional updates on my device?

Yes, users can manage optional updates through the Windows Update settings. You can choose when to install these updates or defer them if necessary, allowing control over when new features are applied to your system.

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