The Windows 11 2024 Update, also known as version 24H2, started rolling out last week. If you haven’t noticed it yet, your PC may have already installed it. The continuous feature development in Windows 11, combined with phased rollouts from Microsoft, can make it tricky to track the exact updates available on your device.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting changes in the 24H2 update, excluding major announcements like Copilot or hardware-specific features such as Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 support.
Start Menu: More Recommendations
One of the first things you’ll notice is how the Start menu changes. Historically, Windows has auto-installed apps from the Microsoft Store that you didn’t ask for. The 24H2 update takes this a step further by expanding the “recommendations” section at the bottom of the Start menu.
Previously used for recent files or newly installed apps, this section will now also display app suggestions from the Microsoft Store. These recommendations change each time you open the Start menu—sometimes you’ll see no recommendations, and other times you’ll see one or more apps Microsoft suggests. The key difference is that unlike apps you intentionally installed, recommended apps don’t have a timestamp or “recently added” tag. This could lead to some confusion, as the interface makes it look like you’ve already installed these apps.
Right-Click Menu: Return of Text Labels
In an effort to clean up the right-click (context) menu, Windows 11 replaced standard text labels for basic commands (like cut, copy, and paste) with icons. The 2024 Update adds text labels back alongside the icons, addressing user feedback and making the menu more intuitive.
While icons alone can be efficient, text labels are universally understood and often provide clearer functionality. This tweak makes the interface easier to navigate, especially for users unfamiliar with the glyphs.
Smaller and Faster Updates
Another key change with the 24H2 update is the introduction of “checkpoint cumulative updates.” These updates are smaller and faster to install, reducing downtime and making the update process less disruptive. This improvement is especially beneficial for users who want to keep their systems up to date without long installation times.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) brings some small but significant changes, from expanding Start menu recommendations to reintroducing text labels for basic commands. Additionally, the introduction of smaller, faster updates ensures that users can receive these features with minimal disruption.
