Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update
Installation time, restart time, and CPU usage are now all reduced when installing monthly Windows updates.
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When Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 version 24H2 (also known as theWindows 11 2024 Update), the tech giant shipped several new features to PCs. The update also brought improvements to the underlying platform of Windows 11, resulting in significant performance improvements. While the immediate impact of the Windows 11 2024 Update will be performance and the new features, the update also improves the process of installing updates in the future.
Windows 11 version 24H2 improves the installation of monthly updates when compared to previous versions of Windows 11. How much better the update process will be depends on if your PC is well-maintained. Microsoft saw 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% faster restart time, and 15.3 less CPU usage using Windows 11 version 24H2 to install an update compared to Windows 11 version 22H2. In that test, the PC was well-maintained.
Performing the same test but with a device that was 18 months out of date saw slightly less significant improvements of 43.6% faster installation time, 33.5% faster restart time. Interestingly, CPU usage was reducedmorewhen upgrading an out-of-date PC (25% less).
Microsoft outlined the improvementsto Windows 11 updates:
Traditional feature updates are now also slightly smaller, though I’m not sure a 200 MB reduction will be noticed by many. That change comes from some inbox apps being updated through the Microsoft Store rather than managed through Windows monthly updates. If your system is already running the latest version of an inbox app, such as Mail, Calendar, and Notepad, a feature update will not include changes to those apps.
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Windows 11 version 24H2
Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden has a fullWindows 11 version 24H2 review. He broke down the following topics in that written review, as well as in his video review of the latest version of Windows 11.
Desktop & Start
File Explorer
Apps
Settings & Misc
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
