Microsoft Splits Windows 11 24H2: Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 update has arrived, but with a twist. While the update is now available, it’s currently limited to a select group of devices – those equipped with Snapdragon X Elite processors and participating in the Copilot+ program. This has created a two-tiered rollout for the Windows 11 24H2 update, leaving traditional x86-based PCs waiting for their turn.
Microsoft Splits Windows 11 24H2
Copilot+ First, x86 Users Wait
The focus on Copilot+ PCs in the initial rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update highlights Microsoft’s prioritization of the ARM architecture for this update. This is further emphasized by the lack of any mention of a specific release date for the x86 version. While educated guesses place the timeframe “later this year,” it could be as late as the fourth quarter.
For x86 users eager to experience the 24H2 update, the options are limited. Joining the Windows Insider program’s Canary, Dev, or Release Preview channels offers access to test versions, but these come with the caveat of potential stability issues. The Beta channel remains stuck on the previous 23H2 version.
Limited Impact for Most Users (For Now)
The delay in the x86 version’s release might not significantly impact most Windows 11 users. Many of the 24H2 update’s headline features are tied to Copilot+ functionalities powered by AI. These features, including the controversial Recall screen recording tool, are currently unavailable on x86 devices.
Beyond the Copilot+ features, the 24H2 update offers a mix of user experience improvements and bug fixes. Highlights include Wi-Fi 7 support, integration of 7-Zip and TAR support in the file manager, the introduction of the sudo command in the command line, and a revamped Copilot interface. Additionally, Microsoft has rolled out a checkpoint cumulative update to streamline update downloads and installations.
Uncertainties Around Phone Link and Copilot+ Features on x86
While the Windows 11 24H2 update brings a major update to Phone Link, with direct integration into the Start menu, it’s unclear whether this will coincide with the x86 release.
The bigger question mark surrounds the availability of Copilot+ features on x86 machines later this year. While Microsoft has confirmed the wider 24H2 update rollout will enable these features on compatible Intel and AMD machines, the exact timeline remains shrouded in mystery. Hardware supposedly meeting the requirements might be available as early as July, but neither Intel nor AMD has provided clarity on software enablement for Copilot+ functionalities.
The rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update has been somewhat overshadowed by the Recall feature’s rocky journey. Unveiled without undergoing the usual Windows Insider testing process, security researchers quickly identified vulnerabilities that could expose a user’s entire Recall database and detailed activity screenshots.
Microsoft initially planned a limited release with additional security measures and a disabled-by-default approach. However, the company ultimately delayed Recall altogether, committing to public testing through the Windows Insider program before its reintroduction to Copilot+ PCs “in the coming weeks.”
While the Windows 11 24H2 update doesn’t introduce significant changes to the base system requirements, it does have a caveat. Some older PCs that could run previous versions of Windows 11 might not be compatible with the 24H2 update due to a slightly newer CPU requirement.
In conclusion, the Windows 11 24H2 update rollout has taken an unusual turn. The initial focus on Copilot+ PCs and the delay for x86 users create a two-tiered system. While the update offers some user experience improvements for x86 users later this year, the flagship Copilot+ features remain shrouded in uncertainty. It’s a situation that leaves many questions unanswered and highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding the security and implementation of AI-powered features in Windows 11.
