Late last year, in Fall 2024, Microsoft released its latest Windows 11 update in the form of Windows 11 version 24H2.
Since the update dropped, it’s safe to say that it has had its fair share of issues, which Microsoft is slowly taking care of, week by week. Nevertheless, we’ve still seen a sharp increase in the amount of people asking how to get help in Windows.
The good news is that, as is the case with updating dated versions of Windows 11, users can update and upgrade for free by simply using the Windows update function. As is always the case with a new Windows update, there are a few changes that users may be struggling with and may not fully understand.
For those wondering how to install Windows 11 or simply looking to understand more about the latest Windows update, the following should prove especially useful.
Here’s a look at several important things to know about the Windows 11 24H2 update.
More “Recommended” Apps
One feature of the Windows 11 24H2 update that users haven’t exactly been thrilled about is an increase in the amount of recommended apps they get.
Below pinned apps, users who have installed the update will note more recommendations for apps that have come directly from the Microsoft store. Now, the more optimistic amongst you would say that this is because Microsoft is being helpful and is recommending apps that it thinks you’ll benefit from. The more pessimistic amongst you will say that this is simply a way of them advertising their apps and trying to push more of their apps on you.
Whichever side of the fence you’re leaning, if you don’t want to see these recommendations in the Start menu, you will need to disable recommendations by going through the Start menu, selecting Settings, and then heading into the Personalization tab.
Older Hardware Becoming Obsolete
The disappointing news for any Windows users out there hoping to install Windows 11 version 24H2 on an older PC or laptop is that you may not be able to do so.
If your device does not meet the software and hardware requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, you will be unable to do so. Even if you’re running Windows 11 on an older model, you will still be unable to perform the update.
For example, for users running a PC with an Arm processor, to update to Windows 11 24H2, you will need Arm version 8.1 or above.
Copilot is Now an App
Despite AI functions being all the rage this time last year, it does appear that many developers are toning down their AI functions, and Microsoft is no exception.
Microsoft’s standard AI assistant, Copilot, was initially supposed to be directly integrated into the latest Windows 11 update, but plans changed, and this is no longer the case. Instead, Copilot is available as an app.
If users wish to utilize the Copilot feature, they will need to download it directly from the Microsoft app store.
Increased File Sharing Security
One of the features of the 24H2 update that users have been especially impressed with, and frustrated by in equal measure, is the increased file sharing security that users can now enjoy.
The update has increased default security for any SMB file-sharing connections. To prevent relay attacks, all SMB connections must be signed by default. Guest access for SMB shares will also need to be disabled in Windows 11 Pro Edition.
More advanced users are able to switch off both the guest fallback protection and SMB signing requirements via the Local Group Policy Editor.
WordPad is No More
Finally, for fans of the rich text editor known as Windows WordPad, one of the more disappointing features of the Windows 11 Version 24H2 update is the fact that this tool is no more. Yes, that’s right, the 24H2 update will remove WordPad for good.
WordPad may not have stood up against the likes of Word, but many users preferred it to Notepad, which, incidentally, has undergone more upgrades over the last couple of years than it had decades prior. For those looking to quickly create and edit plain text documents without using Word, it looks like Notepad is now their go-to on the Windows 11 update.
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