For most compatible PCs, Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 update is still only available as a preview (re-released to Windows Insiders after being pulled last week). However, Microsoft and major PC manufacturers are launching the first Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X-series chips today, and these PCs come with the 24H2 update pre-installed.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- Current Status: Most PCs are still on Windows 11 version 23H2, while a small number of Arm-powered PCs are running 24H2.
- Future Updates: Microsoft hasn’t provided a specific release date for the wider rollout of Windows 11 24H2, but most PCs are expected to receive it later this fall.
- Copilot+ Features: The Copilot+ features won’t be available on current PCs immediately, but they will get new improvements from Microsoft’s updates. When 24H2 rolls out widely, Copilot+ features should become available for Intel and AMD PCs that meet the hardware requirements. AMD aims to start shipping Ryzen AI chips in July, but exact dates for enabling Copilot+ features in software are unclear.
- Security Concerns: The Copilot+ PC program and the 24H2 update have faced issues, particularly with the Recall screen recording feature. Security researchers found significant security and privacy risks, leading Microsoft to delay its release for further testing. Microsoft plans to reintroduce Recall with better security and privacy measures and will test it publicly in Windows Insider builds.
- System Requirements: The main system requirements for Windows 11 aren’t changing with the 24H2 update. However, some older PCs that could run previous versions of Windows 11 might not be able to boot 24H2 due to the need for a newer CPU.
Overall, the 24H2 update brings new features and improvements, but the rollout and adoption are being carefully managed due to the associated security concerns and hardware requirements.
