Microsoft has confirmed that the newest update for Windows 11, version 24H2, will be available solely to systems with the new Copilot+ PC specs for AI features. This means a shift in how the company is distributing its updates, affecting the accessibility of the new version of Windows.
Currently, testing of Windows 11 24H2 is confined to Copilot+ hardware, leading to inquiries about whether new Copilot+ PCs will ship with 24H2 already installed or if the users will need to update the systems themselves. Despite the strong focus on AI-capabilities, there is some ambiguity surrounding the update distribution method.
Exclusive Rollout to Copilot+ PCs
Windows 11 version 24H2 is being deployed through the Release Preview Channel with Build 26100.863. Microsoft has stated in a support document that this update is “only available for Copilot+ PCs devices“. This move breaks away from Microsoft's typical practice of offering a universal code base for all users. Windows 11 version 24H2 for x64 architecture devices can be expected in September or October, possibly offering a somewhat different feature set.
The 24H2 upgrade rolled out in June brings a suite of features tailored to Copilot+ hardware, such as Wi-Fi 7 support, HDR backgrounds, and a Sudo for Windows feature. Microsoft plans to provide more information on these features in the near future.
The rollout of the controversial Windows Recall feature has been delayed for more testing in the Windows Insider program. Users with older ARM64 devices will need external workarounds to activate the feature. Recall is exclusive to Windows Insiders for now, with no public release date confirmed.
Recall employs local AI models in Windows 11 to capture extensive activity snapshots, creating a searchable timeline of user actions. Microsoft assured that these screenshots remained local, avoiding external use of the data for training Microsoft's AI models.
Privacy advocates and security experts have voiced concerns, suggesting that, without significant changes, Recall could seriously compromise cybersecurity. Analyst Kevin Beaumont demonstrated how malware could be adapted to steal Windows Recall data and images for offline analysis. Following these alerts, Beaumont and others urged Microsoft to either retract or secure the feature before launch.
Consequently, Microsoft announced on June 7 that Windows Recall would now be an optional feature, with encrypted databases accessible only via authentication through Windows Hello. Microsoft's plan to delay the feature and enhance its security reflects a further response to concerns.
