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Microsoft is releasing its next Windows 11 update to its Release Preview ring today. It’s the final ring of testing before the 24H2 update will be available to all Windows 11 users. The update includes HDR background support, energy saver, Sudo for Windows, Rust in the Windows kernel, and more.
Microsoft will officially roll the update out through Windows Update later this year, but you can grab the final version through the Windows Insider option inside the Windows Update section of Windows 11. Just follow the prompts to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, and make sure you select Release Preview.
Windows 11 24H2 includes HDR background support, which allows you to use JXR images as your wallpaper background. If you use multiple monitors, Windows 11 will adapt the wallpaper on a per-display basis.
Microsoft is also reworking how its energy saving modes work in this latest update. A new Energy Saver mode reduces energy consumption by reducing system performance to save on battery life on laptops. It will also work with regular desktop PCs, so you can reduce the amount of power a gaming rig uses.
Windows 11 24H2 also includes a built-in sudo command designed for developers. Microsoft is using sudo inside Windows to let developers run elevated tools directly from an unelevated console session. You can configure the sudo command in three modes: a new window; with input disabled; and inline. The most similar mode to Linux’s sudo is inline, whereas the other modes are more locked down.
Microsoft is also adding the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer with this update, alongside a scrollable view of the Quick Settings flyout that appears above the taskbar. A new AI-powered Voice Clarity feature is also part of 24H2, instead of being limited to just devices with neural processing unit (NPU) chips. Voice Clarity will remove background noise when you’re on a call or you’re recording audio.
The final tweaks in Windows 11 24H2 will impact the built-in Copilot assistant. Copilot is now a dedicated button on the right-hand side of the system tray, and it now understands more commands for changing settings, turning on Windows features, and more.
This update also includes all of the new AI-powered features that Microsoft unveiled earlier this week, but you’ll need a new Copilot Plus PC to use them. Copilot Plus PCs won’t be available until June 18th, starting at $999.
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