In brief: Microsoft's latest update to Windows 11, version 24H2, began rolling out earlier this month. Chief among the improvements is a speedier update process. The new version is a significant step forward in the Redmond firm's ongoing efforts to improve the Windows experience as slow updates have long been a source of frustration among users.
Windows 11 version 24H2 dramatically reduces the operating system's installation time, restart time, and CPU usage. Microsoft's internal tests show that the new update process is up to 45 percent faster installation, with restart times reduced by nearly 40 percent on some systems. These improvements come with up to 25 percent less CPU usage during the update process.
Microsoft added several new features to the Windows update architecture that led to these improvements. Parallel processing allows the new system to handle multiple update tasks simultaneously, significantly speeding up the installation process. Windows 11 now employs smart RAM usage, adjusting its memory consumption during updates based on system resources. This minimizes interference with other tasks. An optimized caching mechanism also ensures that only essential components are downloaded and updated, reducing unnecessary disk and network usage.
According to Steve DiAcetis from Microsoft's Windows fundamentals team, this approach has been extended to include built-in applications like Microsoft Edge. This has resulted in download size reductions of approximately 200 MB for some users, a boon for those with limited bandwidth.
To quantify these improvements, Microsoft conducted two tests. The first simulated a typical scenario of updating a well-maintained device from February 2024's security base image to the following month's update. The second test mimicked updating a device 18 months out of date, an atypical but challenging scenario. In both cases, the new servicing stack in Windows 11 version 24H2 significantly outperformed the older version used in 22H2 and 23H2.
Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces several new features and improvements beyond faster update and processing times.
New Copilot+ features include Click to Do, an overlay menu with suggested actions based on screen content, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator in Paint for AI-powered image generation and editing.
File Explorer sees enhancements with an improved context menu, expanded archive support for TAR and 7z formats, and PNG metadata editing. The taskbar and system tray receive updates such as scrollable Quick Settings, a new Wi-Fi connection animation, and a "Diagnose network problems" shortcut. Power and energy management improvements include a new Energy Saver mode and enhanced power controls in the Settings app.
Microsoft says OS updates are 45% faster starting with Windows 11 24H2 release
