What's New in Windows 11 24H2, Explained Simply
Native TAR/7z, Sudo, Recall, and why this version is already being replaced automatically by 25H2.
Windows 11 24H2 brought important changes when it launched — though it's worth knowing that, as of today, it's already being replaced automatically by a later version.
Important current context: the Home and Pro editions of 24H2 reach end of support on October 13, 2026 — within a few months. If your machine is still on 24H2, Windows will automatically update it to version 25H2 unless you manage updates a different way. You don't need to do anything manually to receive that later update.
The most notable new features 24H2 brought
- Native TAR and 7z support: compressing and decompressing these formats with no additional programs, alongside the already existing ZIP.
- Sudo for Windows: running one-off commands with elevated permissions without opening an entire window as administrator, similar to how it works on Linux.
- New Energy Saver mode: applicable to both laptops and desktops, reducing consumption more intelligently.
- Quick Machine Recovery: if the machine can't start up, it automatically looks for and installs known fixes from the recovery environment, with no need for you to step in.
The most controversial feature: Recall
Recall analyses and saves periodic screenshots of your activity so you can search them afterwards with natural language ("find the document I sent 3 months ago"). It generated real privacy concerns, which led Microsoft to redesign its security controls before its final launch — only available on Copilot+ machines with specific hardware.
Tip: if your machine already received 25H2 automatically, you don't need to worry about 24H2 at all — the improvements from one build up in the next, like cumulative updates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything if my machine is still on Windows 11 24H2?
Not necessarily — Windows will automatically update it to 25H2 before 24H2 loses support in October 2026, unless you manage updates a different way.
Do I need special hardware for 24H2's AI features?
Yes, features like Recall or some Windows Studio Effects improvements require Copilot+ machines with a specific NPU processor — they aren't available on just any Windows 11 PC.
Is it safe to use Recall?
Microsoft redesigned its privacy controls after the initial controversy, including the option to delete the entire saved history. Even so, it's a feature worth understanding well before turning it on if privacy concerns you.