In a somewhat unusual move, Microsoft has decided to release a version of Windows 11 24H2 Feature Update to Windows Insider Program members in the Release Preview channel. The build number is 26100.712.
This Release Preview version has a number of features and also removes others, such as Cortana, Tips and WordPad. ISOs for this version will be available for download later today on this site.
Here is the blog post that reviews the new features:
Windows 11, version 24H2 includes a range of new features such as HDR background support, Power Saver, Sudo for Windows, Rust in Windows kernel, Wi-Fi support 7, voice clarity and much more. It also includes many improvements on Windows. For example, we’re introducing a drop-down view of the taskbar’s Quick Settings drop-down menu, the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer (in addition to ZIP), and improvements for connecting files. Bluetooth Low Energy Audio devices. We will share more details in the coming months on many new features and improvements included in Windows 11, version 24H2 leading up to general availability. Please note that new AI features such as Recall announced earlier this week will not be available on your PC after installing this update today as they require a PC Copilot+. For more information on these new AI features and Copilot+ PCs, check out this blog post here.
As part of this update, we’re also evolving the Copilot experience on Windows as an app that will be pinned to the taskbar. This allows users to enjoy the benefits of a traditional app experience, including the ability to resize, move, and align the window – feedback we heard from users throughout the preview build of Copilot in Windows. This model also allows Microsoft to develop and optimize the experience in a more agile way based on user feedback. This change will be available soon to Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels:
Windows 11, version 24H2 shown as available as an optional update highlighted in a red box.
Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11, version 24H2 through our “finder” experience in Windows Update. This means that if you are an Insider currently in the Release Preview Channel on a PC that meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, you can go to Settings and Windows Update and choose to download and install Windows 11, version 24H2 if you wish it. Once you update your PC to Windows 11, version 24H2, you will continue to automatically receive new service updates through Windows Update (the typical monthly update process). For instructions on how to join the Windows Insider Program and connect your PC to the Release Preview channel, click here.
Business customers enrolled in the Windows Insider for Business program can begin validating Windows 11, version 24H2 on PCs in their organization. For these customers, Windows 11, version 24H2 feature update is available through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Service (WSUS). Azure Marketplace will be available soon. You can learn more about deploying preliminary feature updates using these deployment methods here. If any issues arise, IT administrators at organizations deploying Release Preview updates can request Microsoft Support.
The blog post states that Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area will soon be able to get Copilot as a Microsoft Store app.
