In PC-Active 337 we already wrote extensively about the ‘new’ version of Windows 11, namely Windows 11 24H2. This upgrade can now be installed on many computers with Windows, but when should you do it or not and what can you actually do with it (in advance)?
Ger Stok, Martin Bekelaar and Rob Coenraads
In the last months of 2024, many Windows computers running Windows 11 will be running the 24H2 update. In this article we discuss a number of adjustments and new features and what you need to do in advance before performing this upgrade.
Windows 11 24H2 presentations by HCCThis article is largely taken from the Windows 11 24H2 presentation made by HCC volunteers Ger Stok and Martin Bekelaar. However, this presentation covers much more regarding the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade. This presentation has recently been given in various places (HCC! knowledge day and South Holland) and will also be given in as many places as possible in the coming months. Keep an eye on the HCC agenda and the newsletter of your region when this presentation is given in your area. |
Before you upgrade
As with any Windows computer, you should update your computer as much as possible beforehand. That means updating Windows updates: enter the search box at the bottom of your screen update in, after which you leave Check for updates clicks. Also update the Microsoft browser Edge to the latest version and this is also a good time to update your apps and perhaps also to clean up?
If you use the Windows security program, fine. However, if you use third-party antivirus software, such as Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, ESET or AVG, it is preferable to disable it. This is often a bummer when installing a Windows upgrade and if any glitches occur during the upgrade, uninstall this external antivirus software now.
It is also important that you make a backup of your data and/or an image backup; take your time. The Backup and Restore Files workshop (https://www.pcactive.nl/workshops/9487-workshop-files-back-uppen-en-tegenzet) describes in detail how to back up your files and how to put them back if you want.
Install or wait a while?
As you have undoubtedly experienced before, every Windows upgrade is accompanied by glitches or even problems. And 24H2 also has this, as it turned out recently, with Microsoft itself also reporting that 24H2 is/was problematic (https://www.pcactive.nl/update/10902-windows-11-24h2-update-is- problematic-microsoft-also-now-reports). That is why it is certainly wise to wait with the upgrade until it is offered by Microsoft and that you do not install it manually, but via Automatic updates. It is even wiser to wait until the next cumulative update has been released (Patch Tuesday).
What about Windows 11 Updates?
You may be thinking: what is a cumulative update again? Well, Microsoft releases a lot of different updates and hopefully the following overview will make things clear:
- Cumulative updates (B-Update): this takes place on the second Tuesday (which means Wednesday in the Netherlands) of the month. It is a normal monthly update that is automatically downloaded and installed if you have indicated.
- Out Of Band Release Update (C-Update): this can happen any time of the month, because it is an update to fix security issues or must be released as soon as possible.
- Cumulative Preview Update (D-Update): is on the fourth Tuesday of the month and is a test release of the upcoming monthly B-Update.
- Annual Feature Update: this is the major annual update and takes place in the second half of the year, where the version number also changes
- Windows Moments (Controlled Features Rollout): this will come throughout the year as soon as it is ready. This involves installing or enabling new features in Windows.
 |
| The Windows 11 Upgrade 24H2 is offered and you have been given the green light. Determine the moment of the upgrade yourself |
After a successful Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade
Once you have successfully installed the Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade, you will have a list to check off:
- First, check whether your computer, devices (such as printer) and driver(s) still work properly
- Check whether your programs are still working properly
- Check your privacy and advertising settings
- Create a new Restore Point. To do this, type restore point in the search box at the bottom, then press Create a restore point and execute it.
If all goes well, everything has now gone according to plan. If necessary, create a new, complete one Image backup.
If you did not upgrade from a USB stick, you can provide a recovery/installation media (DVD/USB stick).
Upgrade does not work well or you are not satisfied
It is of course possible that the upgrade was successful, but that it does not work or that you are not satisfied. Good news: fortunately you can reverse the 24H2 upgrade. But you must do this within 10 days after the upgrade. To do this, click on the Windows logo at the bottom of your screen to the left of the search box and then click Institutions. Then click Windows Updatethen up Advanced options and on Recovery and finally up System restore. The system will be reset to Windows 11 23H2.
New: Wi-Fi 7
As we already wrote in PC-Active 337, 24H2 now also supports Wi-Fi 7. However, your devices (router, network card, chips, etc.) must also support Wi-Fi 7, and in many cases this will not yet be possible. be the case. If this is the case for you, you will notice a significantly higher internet speed, as you can see in the accompanying table. However, hardware equipped with Wi-Fi 7 comes with a hefty price tag.
Also new: telephone on your sidebar
Also new in Windows 11 is the link with your smartphone that can now be seen next to it Go-menu. This means that the data becomes yours Photos, To inform and To call to action visible.
What’s next with Windows 11 (and 12)?
The process regarding updating and upgrading your Windows version remains as usual. This means that (cumulative) updates are released every month and functional additions are made available by Microsoft in the meantime Moments are mentioned.
What will happen next with Windows 11 is still quite unclear. Will it be succeeded by Windows 12 in 2025, for example if security update support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025? The situation surrounding computers with Windows 10 is also still unclear. For example, Windows 10 may still be supported for a year after October 14, 2025 for a fee of $30. Of course, we will also keep you informed in 2025 about what the best choice is for you.