The big Windows 11 24H2 update is now available to everyone

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as Windows 11 Update 2024, to everyone starting today. This is supposed to be the start of 36 months of support for the Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for the Home and Pro editions.

Windows 11 version 24H2 Update is available for download through various sources, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, Microsoft 365 admin center, and Software Download Service. The Windows 11 2024 Update will first be released to devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 that have opted in to receive the latest updates as they become available. To get new updates first, go to Settings, then Windows Update and enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they become available.”

This update includes a drop-down quick settings list in the system tray, text labels for common File Explorer actions, support for 7-zip and TAR archives, a power saving, expanded adaptive brightness control, and more users can use Voice Clarity for better sound. . There are also new deployment and management tools, including an updated security baseline, administrative templates, a reference spreadsheet for Group Policy settings, and remote server administration tools for Windows 11. Microsoft also released Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024. to the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), which extends their support lifecycles. It also includes support for Wi-Fi 7.

The 24H2 release introduced many updates to the Server Message Block protocol, including changes to firewall rules, support for NTLM blocking, dialect management, alternate network port connections, SMB over QUIC, and SMB signature and encryption changes. Security enhancements include improvements to the Windows local administrator password solution, personal data encryption for sensitive folders, App Control for Business to prevent malicious code execution, Windows Protected Print Mode and the protection of local security authorities.

The 24H2 release introduced many updates to the Server Message Block protocol, including changes to firewall rules, support for NTLM blocking, dialect management, alternate network port connections, SMB over QUIC, and SMB signature and encryption changes. Security enhancements include improvements to the Windows local administrator password solution, personal data encryption for sensitive folders, App Control for Business to prevent malicious code execution, Protected Print Mode Windows and local security authority protection.

Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on October 14, 2025. So there is just over a year left before an upgrade is absolutely necessary for all users still on Windows 10. However, Windows has been working on this update. for some time, telling users that it will encrypt PC folders to make it more secure.

Source: Microsoft, Windows IT Pro blog