What’s new with the Windows 11 24H2 update?

Introduction 

Let’s face it: upgrading your operating system is probably not at the top of your to-do list. 

But the Windows 11 2024 Update, also known as the “24H2” update, is full of features both big and small that might be worth your attention—especially if you’re running a small business.  

From security upgrades to productivity enhancements, this update is about doing more with Windows 11…but with less hassle.  

What is the Windows 11 24H2 update? 

The Windows 11 24H2 update is Microsoft’s annual refresh, designed to refine the Windows experience for both home users and professionals. It began rolling out on October 1^st 2024.  

Unlike those service updates you install every once in a while, the 24H2 update is what Microsoft refers to as a “full operating system swap”. In a nutshell, this means that your OS is essentially uninstalled and then reinstalled as part of the update. Of course, everything will be just as you left it, but it’ll be sitting on a more optimised foundation.  

The 24H2 update focuses on improving a few areas of Windows 11, including usability, security, and future-proofing.  

So, without further ado, what’s included? 

Key features of the 24H2 update 

Before we focus on what’s specifically improved for small business users, here are the key highlights of the Windows 11 24H2 update: 

• Improved File Explorer. The revamped File Explorer introduces a tabbed interface and a streamlined home section, plus other quality-of-life changes like adding labels to cut, copy, and paste operations. You can also use the context menu to compress files to TAR or 7z file formats. 
• The Quick Settings menu, revisited. When you click the into the system tray in Windows 11, you’ll see a few different Quick Settings, which can now be customised to your liking using a simple drag and drop. This makes it easier to organise the shortcuts you use most.  
• A unified Microsoft Teams app. Forget juggling multiple versions of Teams. The new app supports both personal and professional accounts, allowing users to switch between work and home life without the faff. 
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio. These might not be life-changing updates, but they’re a way for Microsoft to future-proof Windows 11 for future devices which use more advanced protocols—and the Bluetooth update may also improve sound quality.  
• Advanced security enhancements. Tools like Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection prevent unauthorised access to sensitive credentials, while Personal Data Encryption ensures files in key folders like Documents and Desktop remain protected. 

What does the 24H2 update offer businesses? 

In addition to the overall improvements mentioned above, here are a few other updates which may be of interest to business users running Windows 11 devices as part of their network.  

1. Improved data security. Features like Personal Data Encryption (PDE) level up your data security by deploying user-authenticated encryption via a system of private keys, meaning only authorised users can access them. Other enhancements to Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) will help secure local admin accounts across your network, reducing the risk of breaches. 
2. Simplified checkpoint updates. With 24H2, Microsoft has introduced the concept of “checkpoint cumulative updates”. That’s a fancy way of saying that you’ll get features and security enhancements through smaller, more incremental updates that should be quicker to deploy across your organisation.   
3.  Introducing Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. The 24H2 release also marks the debut of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows 11 Enterprise. This version is designed for organisations that need reliability over the long term, for devices like ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and medical equipment. Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 comes with a 5-year lifecycle, meaning it’ll receive essential security updates, but no feature updates, for five years. 

How to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 

It’s a pretty straightforward process to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, but, as the old saying goes, proper preparation prevents poor performance.  

Here are our recommended steps: 

1. Confirm eligibility. Make sure your device is running Windows 11 version 22H2 or 23H2 with the latest updates installed. You can check this in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. 
2. Check compatibility. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm that your hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11 24H2. 
3. Back up your data. Protect your critical files by saving them to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss during the upgrade. 
4. Initiate the update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for Updates. If 24H2 is available, download and install it. 
5. Test the rollout. For businesses managing multiple devices, consider a phased rollout. Start with a test group of devices to ensure compatibility with your most-used software before upgrading the rest of your systems.  

To learn more about the 24H2 update, or to talk about upgrading to Windows 11 in general, just speak to your Get Support Customer Success Manager or call us on 01865 594000.