Windows 11, version 24H2 improved update fundamentals

Windows 11 version 24H2 is a significant improvement to the already strong Windows Update base. The latest version reduces installation time, restart time, and central processing unit (CPU) usage for Windows Monthly Updates. We’ve also improved feature update handling and expanded conditional downloads to include Microsoft Edge, further reducing download sizes for most endpoints. Let’s take a closer look at these developments.

Monthly update improvements

Now, let’s start with a quick primer on the internals of Windows to better understand the improvements coming each month in Windows 11 version 24H2.

A Windows OS is similar to a collection of files and states (mainly binaries) containing compiled source code. These files are grouped into individual components. It is these components that are updated or serviced when you update Windows with monthly cumulative security and non-security updates. Components are grouped together into logical packages. A package may also contain other packages. For example, a top-level package groups together all the files required for a specific version of Windows. Additionally, metadata files describe these components, packages, and editions. Component metadata is also called the manifest.

Windows 11 version 24H2 includes several improvements to how monthly updates are installed compared to the previous Windows 11 client servicing stack.

• Parallel processing of component manifests. This complements the parallel hydration of newly serviced components using reverse and forward differentials, first introduced in Windows 11 version 22H2.
• Optimized reading and parsing of component manifests. After first reading and parsing, the results are cached for use by later processes. This helps increase efficiency when the same component is referenced in multiple packages.
• Expandable use of available random-access memory (RAM). Uses more RAM to store the manifest cache, if available, and less RAM if not.

Let’s review these improvements.

First tests of Windows 11 version 24H2

For our first test, we started with a typical scenario: updating well-managed devices using the February 2024 secure base image (build 22621.3155) to next month’s updates. By integrating the new servicing stack into Windows 11 version 22H2, we were able to test installation of the same security update payload using the old and new servicing stacks. We then compared the Windows 11 version 22H2 servicing stack with the changes in Windows 11 version 24H2.

Test parameters are:

• Startup OS image: Windows 11 Enterprise, version 22H2 (February 2024 Secure Base Image, Build 22621.3155)
• Security updates installed: March 2024 security updates
• Devices tested: Azure virtual machine (VM) with Standard_A8_v2 size VM (8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, SSD storage)

Second test of Windows 11 version 24H2

The second test mimicked updating a device that was 18 months old, which was an unusual scenario. Once again, we compared the Windows 11 version 22H2 servicing stack with the changes in Windows 11 version 24H2. As with the first test, we tested the same security update payload installation using the old and new servicing stacks.

Test parameters are:

• Startup OS image: Windows 11 Enterprise, version 22H2 (original base image, build 22621.1)
• Security updates installed: March 2024 security updates
• Devices tested: Azure virtual machine (VM) with Standard_A8_v2 size VM (8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, SSD storage)

In summary, both tests showed that the latest Windows release uses less CPU time (15.3 to 25 percent improvement) for monthly security updates. Our tests also show significantly faster update installation (43.6-45.5%) and faster restarts, resulting in less offline time (33.5-39.7%).

Feature update improvements

Existing feature update downloads are also smaller, about 200 MB, in Windows 11 version 24H2.

How is that possible?

That’s thanks to the redesign and conditional downloads of Microsoft-developed apps, first seen in Windows 11 version 22H2. A subset of these inbox apps include system apps like Settings and File Explorer. These system apps are updated today with Windows Monthly Update. However, other Microsoft Inbox apps are updated only through the Microsoft Store. This includes Mail, Calendar, Notepad, etc.

1. We’ve redesigned the way inbox and non-system apps are structured in the Unified Update Platform (UUP) file collection.
2. When you initiate a feature update through Windows Update, the app version is automatically compared to the currently installed version. If you purchased the latest versions of these apps through the Microsoft Store previous To receive a feature update, your app’s version may be newer than what’s available in the feature update.
3. that conditional download During feature updates, you won’t be able to get the latest apps from Windows Update. Apps are conditionally downloaded and installed only when needed, saving download time.

None of this requires any extra time or effort.

For Windows 11 version 24H2, we extended this design to include Microsoft Edge, saving approximately 200 MB for some endpoints.

Are you ready for Windows 11 version 24H2?

Windows 11 version 24H2 continues to improve Windows Update fundamentals. You can now get faster monthly updates and smaller feature update downloads thanks to improved handling of inbox apps, including Microsoft Edge. For more information about what’s new, see: Windows 11 version 24H2: What’s new for IT professionals. When you’re ready, learn more about: How to get a new experience with Windows 11.

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