The long-awaited Windows 11 24H2 update might be arriving a bit later than previously rumored, or at least that's the latest talk and speculation online.
Windows Latest has spotted an update from Microsoft regarding the possible 24H2 release timeline (as part of the rollout of smaller updates for Windows 11 we just reported on).
Microsoft tells us that: “Windows 11, version 24H2 will be available as a traditional feature update for all devices later this year.”
Of course, that doesn't mention any specific time frame, but as Windows Latest and others have theorized, the wording Microsoft employs here — “later this year” — is an (admittedly vague) hint that it will be Q4 rather than Q3.
Well, technically, later this year could mean next month, but if we were thinking of an August 2024 release, that would be an odd choice of phrasing, let's face it.
The current rumor for Windows 11 24H2's debut is September 2024, but perhaps given this small hint Microsoft has dropped, we'll have to wait a little longer. There are other reasons to believe this could be the case, so let's dive into those below.
Analysis: A case of spinning too many plates?
The reality is that Microsoft is doing a very different kind of update this year, as the annual Windows 11 update is now available (at least on Copilot+ PCs). That said, this isn’t the whole truth, as what’s installed on those AI-focused laptops is a bare-bones version of Windows 11 24H2, which is necessary because Copilot+ devices need to have the underlying platform built with 24H2 (called Germanium).
That 24H2 installation on Copilot+ PCs doesn't have all the features that will be added with the full 24H2 update when it arrives later this year. All Windows 11 users, both Copilot+ and regular PCs, will receive that update, with all the added features, rolled out simultaneously as normal.
The problem is that Microsoft has had a lot more work to do with the annual update process in 2024, given that it had to do all the legwork for Copilot+ PCs (and the behind-the-scenes work on Germanium). Add to that a ton of effort needed to implement new AI features — and some big ones, too, including Recall, the controversial addition that was removed. In fact, Recall is a flagship AI feature, and one that Microsoft currently has to completely revamp (it’s even been pulled from testing builds for now). Again, that’s more work.
That’s why we’re no longer as optimistic about a September 2024 release date as previously rumored. Simply put, Microsoft is doing so much with 24H2 prep and other AI features, as well as dealing with a huge headache around Recall, that it’s very easy to believe that a Q4 release is at least somewhat likely for 24H2. After all, it could come as late as November (which has happened in the past with an H2 update for Windows), and Microsoft might simply need more wiggle room this time around.
Of course, this is pure speculation and 24H2 could arrive in Q3, or rather in September (we'd be very surprised if it launched in August, frankly). As always, we'll wait and see, but following 24H2's progress in testing should give us more clues as 2024 progresses.
