Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/02/windows_11_24h2/
Source: The Register
Title: Microsoft hits go on Windows 11 24H2: Fresh features, bugs, and a whole lotta AI
Feedly Summary: Complete with Copilot Vision – but sessions won’t be stored, insists Redmond
Microsoft has made Windows 11 24H2 generally available, dishing out several new features – some that are even useful and interesting – as well as a generous dollop of known issues.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The release of Windows 11 24H2 introduces several security and functionality enhancements, particularly for enterprises and IT professionals. Key updates include improved SMB protocol security, new encryption features, and various innovations focusing on generative AI and user experience enhancements, including advanced tools for Copilot+ PCs.
Detailed Description: Windows 11 24H2 comes with a range of features designed to enhance both security and user experience, particularly in enterprise environments. Here are the significant updates and innovations:
* **Security Enhancements:**
– **Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol Changes:**
– Firewall rule enhancements.
– Support for blocking NT Lan Manager (NTLM).
– Transition from TCP to QUIC for SMB transport protocol, improving performance and security.
– Modifications to SMB signing and encryption for better data protection.
– **Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection:**
– Enhanced protection mechanisms to help secure authentication and identity management.
– **Personal Data Encryption (PDE):**
– Enables user-authenticated encryption for specified folders on Windows, bolstering data security posture.
– **App Control for Business:**
– Adds layers of defense against malware and unauthorized code execution.
* **Generative AI Innovations:**
– **Copilot+ Features:**
– **Auto Super Resolution:** Enhancing gaming experiences through improved graphics.
– Introduction of features like Live Captions and Windows Studio Effects, providing accessibility tools and audio enhancements.
– **New Tools in Paint:**
– Generative Fill and Erase features that leverage AI to manipulate images creatively.
* **User Experience Improvements:**
– Features that improve File Explorer usability, like drag-and-drop file operations and newfound support for additional archive formats.
– Bluetooth LE Audio support for streamlining assistive technologies.
– Improved quick settings access for better user control of system settings.
* **Copilot Updates:**
– Introduction of new voice interaction, the Copilot Vision visual search tool, and personalization capabilities based on user interaction.
– Clear privacy statements regarding data retention and security during Copilot Vision usage, addressing past privacy concerns.
* **Known Issues:**
– Users and administrators are cautioned about potential glitches with specific hardware and functionalities, particularly those affecting gaming and biometric features.
– Microsoft cites compatibility checks and provides a staggered rollout of the update to mitigate widespread issues.
These developments reflect an ongoing commitment to security, cloud, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring Windows 11 continues to meet the needs of modern enterprise environments while addressing privacy regulations and user experience design. Compliance professionals can pay special attention to encryption updates and user data handling practices integrated into this release.