ICYMI: Key Windows 11 24H2 Updates coming to Surface devices

As Microsoft continues to innovate across the Windows ecosystem, the latest updates bring powerful AI-driven experiences and improved security features to Copilot+ PCs, including Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition) and Surface Laptop for Business (7th Edition).

This post highlights key announcements that are available now or coming soon, giving IT professionals the tools they need to stay ahead.

Copilot+ brings a new experience to PC and Windows 11

Microsoft continues to drive innovation in the AI ​​space with new features in Copilot+ PC and Windows 11. These experiences are designed to streamline workflows, enhance security, and increase productivity for both personal and professional users. Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition) are among the devices that will benefit from these updates that leverage the power of AI.

Copilot+ PCs benefit from native apps optimized for Arm processors and improved compatibility across productivity, VPN, and entertainment apps. These innovations, available to Windows Insider users starting this fall, ¹ We’ve made significant progress in making PCs faster, smarter, and more secure.

Learn more from Pavan Davuluri, Corporate Vice President, Windows + Devices.

Windows 11 version 24H2: What’s new for IT professionals

The latest Windows 11 version 24H2 is now available through WSUS and Windows Update for Business. This release provides 36 months of support for the Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 24H2.² This is an ideal time for organizations to begin targeted deployments. The latest Surface devices are optimized to take full advantage of these updates.

For IT professionals managing deployment and security, new tools like Windows 11 Security Baselines and Group Policy Settings are now available. This release also includes updates to Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) and additional resources for Windows Enterprise Assessment and Windows Autopatch.

This release helps organizations ensure smoother deployments while improving security and user experience across devices, including Surface devices.

Learn more from Harjit Dhaliwal, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Cloud Endpoints.

Recall security and privacy architecture updates

As AI becomes a core part of Windows, Microsoft is committed to enhancing security and privacy, especially through features like Recall on Copilot+ PC. Recall gives you a new way to safely and privately discover what you’ve been watching on your PC. Recall is turned off by default for all commercial devices. ³

With advanced privacy controls and protections, Recall not only provides powerful AI-based features, but also maintains the highest level of security and privacy.

Stay tuned: Windows partners will share additional details about recall controls and other exciting Copilot+ PC updates. Microsoft IgniteNovember 19-21. Join the event to learn how these innovations can improve your Surface device experience.

Learn more from David Weston, Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft.

How to get a new experience with Windows 11

• Copilot+ AI-powered experience for PC: Starting in November, Windows Insiders will be the first to experience new AI features that provide more natural, conversational ways to get things done on your PC.
• Windows 11 24H2 Update: This update, available now, will be rolled out in phases, prioritizing eligible devices.⁴ Running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2⁵ We are ready to provide you with a seamless experience. To get it faster, go to: Settings > Windows Update Please select the latest update.
• Commercial and Education Customers: The 24H2 update is now available through Windows Server Update Services and other enterprise channels. This release also marks the launch of the next Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version, which provides up to five years of support for professional environments such as healthcare and manufacturing.

Learn more from John Cable, Vice President of Windows Services and Delivery Program Management.

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References

1. Please visit us aka.ms/copilotpluspcs Check back for more details on the release as they become available.

2. Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 receive 24 months of support. For more information, see: Windows Lifecycle FAQs.

3. Commercial devices are devices running an Enterprise or Education SKU, devices running a premium SKU managed by your IT administrator (via Microsoft Intune or another endpoint management solution), devices with a volume license key, or joined to a domain.

4. We’ll let you know when the Windows 11 2024 update is ready for your device. Look for the Windows Update tray icon, check the Power menu, or visit the Windows Update Settings page. We may also send you notifications so you don’t miss out on the latest improvements.

5. Windows 11 eligible devices on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 will require the May 2024 Non-Security Preview Update and a full operating system (OS) replacement to update to Windows 11 version 24H2.