Windows 11: The autumn update brings these new features

After months of testing, the autumn update for Windows 11 is now ready. Version number 24H2 brings changes to the settings and File Explorer. It also brings smartphones and PCs closer together, removes apps that have become superfluous and introduces a new command for the console in the form of Sudo.

Better connection to the smartphone

Microsoft is upgrading Phone Link. The software connects smartphones with Windows. With 24H2, it gets its own side panel in the start menu - if you use the tool. This shows the battery status and notifications from the mobile phone. It also gives you quick access to messages, photos and calls on the connected device via the computer. This makes Phone Link more prominent and tends to be easier to use than before.

Design customisations for the File Explorer

In File Explorer, Microsoft is redesigning the start area. "Recent", "Favourites" and "Recommended" appear in a tabbed view. In the context menu, the actions at the top, such as "Copy" or "Paste", have been relabelled and are no longer just icons.

If you want to pack files, "7z" and "tar" are also available as file types with Windows on-board tools after the update.

Taskbar without year, but with customisable quick settings

Microsoft is customising the UI in the taskbar. The year disappears from the date and time. The quick settings also have a new look. They can be freely arranged using drag & drop and now also include "Quick Actions".

New energy-saving mode

In the settings for "Power and battery", there is a new energy-saving mode designed to extend the battery life of notebooks. You can now also set what happens when you press the power button or open the lid of the laptop

Support for HDR screens

If you have an HDR screen, the 24H2 update finally gives you support for HDR background images and suitable monitor profiles in the settings.

Mouse settings

Microsoft has added two options for mice to the settings that previously required you to go into the system. The scroll direction of the mouse can now be adjusted more conveniently and the "Enhanced Pointer Precision" can be switched on and off. This function adapts the sensitivity of the mouse to how fast you move it.

Sudo becomes part of Windows 11

The sudo command, which is popular in the Unix world, will also work under Windows after the update. Developers can use it to test scripts and run programmes directly from the command prompt, aka the console.

Teams and Outlook Outlook are now part of Windows 11.

Teams and Outlook replace other apps

As already announced, Windows 11 24H2 removes the distinction between personal and work or school teams. From now on, there will only be one Teams app

In addition, the Mail and Calendar apps are no longer available. Their functions are now only available in Outlook - at least in the Microsoft cosmos. Thunderbird and other alternative programmes from third parties can still be installed.

Microsoft is also converting the Copilot app into a web app that no longer interacts directly with the Windows 11 settings.

Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio

With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is adding support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio to its operating system.

The latest desktop CPUs from AMD should also benefit from increased performance. This has already looked good in initial tests.

It is also important to know that the autumn update automatically activates Bitlocker.

In the meantime, Microsoft also tested adverts in the Start menu. However, this no longer seems to be a topic.

If in doubt, you can also deactivate adverts.

Generous rollout

The rollout of Windows 11 24H2 has begun, but will continue over the next few weeks. Microsoft is not revealing when the update will be available on which devices and in which countries. If you don't want to wait, you can already download the update and install it manually

Unlike 23H2, this year's autumn update is not a service update, but a completely new operating system and replaces the old one completely. As a result, the update is only available on devices that fulfil the requirements. You can check this with the PC Health Check from Microsoft.