Home windows 11 24H2 enters Launch Preview channel, including HDR backgrounds, Sudo, 7z, and extra

One thing to look ahead to: Microsoft has spent months teasing the subsequent main Home windows 11 replace within the Canary and Dev preview channels. With 24H2’s entrance into the Launch Preview channel, we now have a transparent image of what the OS model will provide most customers when it reaches normal availability later this yr. This replace will embrace a number of new options and enhancements, however the a lot talked about AI capabilities will likely be unique to Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PCs.

Home windows 11 24H2 is now obtainable to customers within the Launch Preview channel. This replace contains new options comparable to native assist for 7z, HDR backgrounds, Wi-Fi 7, and extra. The brand new construct carefully resembles the replace most Home windows 11 customers will obtain later in 2024.

Launch Preview customers can manually obtain the replace by navigating to Settings > Home windows Replace, the place the choice seems close to the highest of the web page. These eager about becoming a member of the Launch Preview channel can join right here.

Companies collaborating in Home windows Insider may get hold of the 24H2 replace via Home windows Replace for Enterprise and Home windows Server Replace Service. Availability on the Azure Market will come quickly. Insiders may obtain an ISO of the Launch Preview model.

File Explorer now permits customers to compress information into 7z and TAR codecs with out third-party software program. In comparison with the standard ZIP format, 7z provides increased compression charges and stronger encryption, whereas TAR is beneficial for giant information units.

One other necessary addition is Sudo, a function sometimes related to Linux that enables customers to run high-level instructions from regular accounts. It may be enabled below System > For builders > Allow Sudo.

Extra details about 24H2’s new options will likely be obtainable as the final launch attracts nearer. Thus far, Microsoft has talked about Wi-Fi 7, Rust within the Home windows kernel, improved assist for low-energy Bluetooth gadgets, voice readability, HDR backgrounds, and different options.

Experiences from final yr indicated that AI can be a serious focus for the subsequent Home windows 11 replace. Nonetheless, Microsoft will limit headline AI features like Recall to its new Copilot+ PCs. These new laptops from the Floor lineup and different distributors leverage NPUs and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors to run generative AI functions with restricted reliance on cloud servers. These options could come to different PCs as soon as upcoming chips like Intel’s Arrow Lake begin delivery.

All Canary, Dev, and Beta channel customers will quickly obtain a brand new model of Microsoft’s Copilot software program, which will likely be pinned to the taskbar. It may be manipulated like a standard app window, and Microsoft plans to introduce additional updates primarily based on consumer suggestions.

Microsoft hasn’t revealed a precise normal launch date for Home windows 11 24H2, however it’s anticipated to reach in the course of the second half of this yr.