Windows 11 24H2 Update Overview

Introduction

• New features and updates in Windows 11 24H2 release.
• Focus on security enhancements, system updates, and AI capabilities.

Security Enhancements

• Existing Security Improvements
  • Credential safeguards, malware shields, application protection.
  • 58% reduction in security incidents, 3.1x reduction in firmware attacks.
• New Security Protections
  • Personal Data Encryption (PDE)
    • Available for Windows 11 Enterprise and EDU editions.
    • Utilizes Windows Hello for Business authentication.
    • Protects desktop, documents, and pictures folders.
    • Locked to individual user profiles, inaccessible by other users.
    • Enforced through Microsoft Intune with a 7-day encryption period.
  • Windows Hello Extension
    • Now works with passkeys for secure, phishing-resistant MFA.
    • Uses cryptographic key pair for authentication.
    • Enhanced protection with virtualization-based security.
  • Local Security Authority Protection
    • On by default to prevent untrusted code from accessing LSA memory.
    • Mitigates malware attacks like token replay attacks.

System Experience Updates

• System Tray Updates
  • Scrollable view of quick settings.
  • Energy Saver option for extended battery life.
  • New refresh button for Wi-Fi settings.
  • Support for Wi-Fi 7 networks.
• Taskbar and File Explorer
  • Progress indicators for longer tasks like file transfers.
  • Text labels added to right-click context menu options.
  • Accessibility improvements with live captions and Bluetooth connections.

AI-Powered Features (CoPilot Plus PCs)

• AI Capabilities
  • On-device AI with over 40 models for intelligent local capabilities.
  • Power-efficient neural processing units for high-performance tasks.
  • Live Captions with Translations
    • Real-time translation across multiple languages.
  • Windows Studio Effects
    • Accessible via Quick Settings.
    • Features like Portrait Light, animated filters, enhanced portrait blur.
    • Automatic framing and eye contact enhancements.

Performance and Efficiency Improvements

• Battery life and productivity task improvements.
• Benchmark comparisons show Windows 11 outperforms Windows 10.

Deployment Considerations

• Compatibility
  • Most Windows 10 hardware will work with Windows 11.
  • 99.7% of Windows 10 apps are compatible.
  • Windows 10 EOS in October 2025.
  • Extended security updates available for Windows 10 22H2 and newer.
• Migration Tools and Services
  • Enhanced Windows Update deployment and migration tools.
  • Use of Windows AutoPatch and Windows Autopilot for seamless migration.
  • Managed cloud-native update solutions included in Microsoft 365 packages.

Conclusion

• Migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 made easier with 24H2.
• Further resources available at aka.ms/Windows11Enterprise.

Additional Notes

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