Microsoft is rolling out a 24/7 preview of Windows 11 with new features

Discover the latest features in Windows 11 Preview 24H2 from Microsoft, including HDR support, power saving mode, Wi-Fi 7 and more.

Microsoft has announced the latest 24H2 preview of Windows 11, which is now available in the Release Preview channel. This annual feature update introduces a number of new features and improvements designed to improve user experience and system performance. As part of the Windows Insider program, users can now preview these updates ahead of general release later this year.

Key features and improvements

HDR background support: One of the standout features in this update is HDR background support, which aims to provide richer, more vivid colors for compatible displays. This improvement is especially beneficial for users in creative fields such as graphic design and video editing.

Power saving mode: Microsoft has introduced a power saving mode designed to extend battery life by optimizing power consumption. This feature is especially useful for laptop users who want to maximize battery life without compromising performance.

Sudo for Windows: Taking inspiration from Unix systems, Windows 11 now includes Sudo for Windows. This feature allows users to execute commands with elevated privileges, providing greater control and security when managing system operations.

Rust in the Windows kernel: To increase security and reliability, parts of the Windows kernel have been rewritten in Rust, a programming language known for its security features. This change is intended to reduce security vulnerabilities and improve system stability.

Support for Wi-Fi 7: With the 24H2 update, Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster and more reliable wireless connections. This upgrade is expected to benefit users with compatible hardware by providing better network performance and lower latency.

Clarity of voice: Microsoft has also added a voice clarity feature to improve audio quality during voice calls and virtual meetings. This improvement provides clearer communication, which is essential in today’s remote work environment.

Improvements to existing features

Scrolling quick settings: The update provides a scrollable view of the quick settings flyout on the taskbar. This allows users to more conveniently access a wider range of settings, increasing overall usability.

Support for 7-Zip and TAR archives: File Explorer now supports creating 7-Zip and TAR archives, in addition to the existing ZIP format. This expanded functionality gives users more flexibility in file management and compression.

Bluetooth low energy sound: Improvements have also been made to the connection of Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices, improving the sound quality and connection stability of wireless audio peripherals.

The evolution of the co-pilot

Copilot as a taskbar application: In this update, Copilot evolves into an app that can be pinned to the taskbar. This change allows for a more traditional app experience by allowing users to resize, move, and snap the window according to their preferences. This flexibility is in response to user feedback for a more customizable interface.

Accessibility and user experience

Live captions: A notable accessibility feature included in the 24H2 update is live captions, which supports real-time translation in over 40 languages. This feature is integrated into Windows Control Center, making it easily accessible to users who need it during calls or while consuming Wi-Fi 7 content.

Windows Studio Effects: Windows Studio effects improvements introduce new artificial lighting and art filters for webcam video streams. These features are designed to improve video quality in low-light conditions and offer creative visual effects for virtual interactions.

How to get the update

Users enrolled in the Windows Insider program can access 24H2 updates through the release preview channel. To install the update, users must go to Settings > Windows Update and select the download and install option. For those who haven’t seen the update yet, Microsoft recommends using the ISO download option available on their website.

The Windows 11 24H2 preview includes a number of new features and improvements designed to improve the overall user experience. From background HDR support to advanced AI capabilities and better file management options, this update reflects Microsoft’s continued commitment to innovation and user feedback. As the rollout continues, we encourage users to explore and provide feedback that will help shape the final version.