AI Enhancements WIFI7 and USB4

Windows 11 24H2 Adds Wi-Fi 7 and Improved USB4 Connectivity

The Windows 11 version 24H2 update introduces support for the latest connectivity technologies, including Wi-Fi 7 and USB4. This update significantly enhances both wireless and wired communication capabilities. Unlike previous Windows 11 versions that only partially supported Wi-Fi 7, version 24H2 fully incorporates features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO). MLO allows multiple Wi-Fi bands to be used at the same time, increasing bandwidth efficiency and lowering latency. This is especially important in high-demand environments, providing more stable and faster internet connections.

Additionally, the update includes support for USB4 with data transfer rates of up to 80 Gbit/s in both directions. Although USB4 2.0 devices are not yet widely available, this compatibility ensures that Windows 11 users will be ready to use next-generation peripherals and high-speed data transfers when these devices become available.

The update also improves the Wi-Fi settings interface, giving users better control over their connections. A new refresh button has been added to the quick settings accessed through the system tray’s Wi-Fi icon, allowing users to manually search for available networks. This is useful for connecting to new hotspots, ensuring the system quickly finds and connects to the desired network. In the detailed network settings, the option to show the Wi-Fi password has been moved to the top and now includes a QR code. This makes it easier to connect new devices without having to enter the password manually, enhancing the user experience. However, the network settings window still has a design similar to Windows 8, with a bright blue background, which some users might find outdated.

Another important feature in Windows 11 24H2 is the support for the Discovery of Network-designated Resolvers (DNR) protocol. DNR allows automatic setup of encrypted DNS servers using HTTPS or TLS, improving network security and privacy. Previously, setting up encrypted DNS required users to manually enter IP addresses and other settings, which could be difficult. With DNR, the setup is automatic, reducing the chance of errors and enhancing the network’s protection against threats like DNS hijacking and eavesdropping.

Technical Enhancements to HDR, File Explorer, and System Settings

The latest Windows 11 update introduces significant improvements for users utilizing HDR monitors. With this update, HDR background support is now enabled, allowing for enhanced visual experiences on compatible displays. Additionally, users can seamlessly switch between different monitor color profiles directly through the Settings interface, providing greater flexibility in display customization. These changes ensure that users can optimize their visual setups without the need for third-party software or complex configurations.

File Explorer has received a series of updates aimed at enhancing usability and functionality. The home section has been redesigned to integrate recent, favorite, and shared files into a streamlined, tabbed view, making file navigation more intuitive. Context menus within File Explorer and across the Windows 11 environment have been updated to include labeled options for common actions such as copy, paste, and rename. These labeled actions are now larger and clearer, improving accessibility and ease of use. Additionally, the update introduces the capability to create 7z and TAR archive files directly within File Explorer, expanding the range of supported file formats and simplifying the compression process for users.

System-level adjustments are also a key focus of the Windows 11 2024 update. The system tray’s time and date interface has been simplified by removing the display of the current year, resulting in a cleaner appearance. Quick Settings have been overhauled to include all available quick actions by default, and users now have the ability to drag and drop these actions to customize their layout according to personal preference. Power management features have been enhanced with the introduction of an Energy Saver mode, designed to extend battery life on laptops. Users can easily adjust power settings, including configuring actions for the power button or laptop lid and selecting power profiles through the Settings menu. Additionally, the Settings interface now allows users to reverse the mouse scroll direction and toggle enhanced pointer precision without accessing the legacy Control Panel, streamlining the process for adjusting mouse behavior. For developers, the inclusion of the sudo command facilitates the running of elevated tools from an unelevated console session, aligning Windows more closely with Unix-based systems. Other notable changes include the unification of the Microsoft Teams application for both professional and personal use, the replacement of the Mail and Calendar apps with a new Outlook client, and the transition of the Copilot app to a web-based platform that no longer interacts directly with Windows 11 settings. These updates collectively enhance the overall functionality and user experience of Windows 11, addressing both general user needs and specific requirements of developers.