Windows 11 24H2: Top 11 Game-Changing Features for 2025

Key insights

• File Explorer Enhancements: The update adds native support for 7z and TAR archives, a tabbed interface for easier file management, new keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Tab, Ctrl+Shift+Tab) for switching tabs, and the ability to drag files or folders to the breadcrumb bar.


• Energy Saver Mode: The new Energy Saver mode replaces Battery Saver, using smarter background task management to help extend battery life. A redesigned battery icon now shows charging status and percentage more clearly.


• Generative AI Features: The Recall feature lets users search through previous screen states locally without using the cloud, available on Copilot+ PCs. Users can also block certain apps from being recorded for privacy.


• Sudo Command Integration: Developers can use the sudo command within Windows, allowing them to run commands with elevated privileges similar to Unix/Linux systems. This makes advanced workflows easier.


• Paint and Snipping Tool Upgrades: The Paint app now includes Generative Erase, which uses AI to remove unwanted parts of images. The Snipping Tool offers a new “Copy as Table” option, making it simple to copy data in table format from screenshots.


• User Experience Improvements: Quick Settings are now scrollable for faster access, taskbar labels and icons have been improved for better clarity, and File Explorer’s context menu allows direct compression into formats like 7z and TAR.

Introduction to Windows 11 24H2: Major Update for 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 update, set for wide release in 2025, introduces a host of new features aimed at improving productivity, user experience, and system intelligence. In a recent YouTube video by Mike Tholfsen, viewers are guided through the update’s standout capabilities, ranging from AI-powered tools to streamlined interface changes. This article summarizes the key insights from Tholfsen’s demonstration, providing an accessible breakdown for readers interested in what the latest Windows iteration has to offer.

As users anticipate the rollout, it’s clear that balancing innovation and usability remains a core focus. The update not only refines familiar elements like File Explorer and the taskbar but also introduces bold advances such as local AI integration and improved device interoperability.

Enhanced File Management and Interface Upgrades

One of the most significant improvements in Windows 11 24H2 lies within File Explorer. The new version offers native support for popular archive formats such as 7z and TAR, eliminating the need for third-party compression tools. Moreover, a tabbed interface streamlines navigation, allowing users to switch between recent, favorite, and shared files with ease.

Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab now enable faster tab switching, while the ability to drag files or folders directly to the breadcrumb bar further enhances efficiency. These refinements, though incremental, collectively contribute to a smoother workflow, especially for users who manage large volumes of files daily.

Productivity and AI Integration

The update places a strong emphasis on local AI features, particularly for users with Copilot+ PCs. The new Recall functionality records screen snapshots periodically, letting users search through their desktop history without sending data to the cloud. This feature leverages advanced hardware, balancing powerful retrieval capabilities with privacy controls that allow specific apps to be excluded from recording.

Additionally, the Paint app now supports Generative Erase, utilizing AI to remove unwanted image elements seamlessly. The Snipping Tool introduces a “Copy as Table” function, making it easier to transfer structured data from screenshots directly into spreadsheets or documents. These enhancements underscore Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI in ways that are practical and user-friendly.

Energy Efficiency and Device Ecosystem Improvements

With the introduction of Energy Saver Mode, Windows 11 24H2 replaces the old Battery Saver with smarter, more adaptive background task management. The result is noticeably extended battery life, aided by a redesigned battery icon and percentage display for clearer status updates. This is particularly valuable for laptop and tablet users who need to maximize uptime on the go.

Furthermore, the update strengthens the PC-mobile ecosystem. A new Start Menu side panel now displays your phone’s battery status, notifications, and recent photos, making it easier to stay connected across devices. This level of integration, while convenient, does require careful management of cross-device data sharing to maintain user privacy and control.

Gaming, Connectivity, and Developer Tools

Gamers will find several notable upgrades in this release. AI upscaling for games on Copilot+ PCs enhances visual quality without compromising performance, echoing technologies like NVIDIA’s DLSS. Additional features such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage further boost graphics fidelity and reduce load times.

On the connectivity front, support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio ensures faster internet speeds and improved audio experiences. Developers also benefit from the introduction of the sudo command within Windows, enabling elevated privilege operations in a manner familiar to Unix and Linux users.

Tradeoffs and Challenges

While these advancements offer clear advantages, there are tradeoffs and challenges to consider. Many of the AI-driven features, such as Recall and AI upscaling, require Copilot+ hardware with advanced NPUs, potentially leaving users on older devices unable to access the full suite of new tools. Additionally, increased integration between devices and the system’s expanded capabilities may raise concerns around resource usage and data privacy.

Balancing innovation with accessibility and privacy remains an ongoing challenge for Microsoft. By enabling local processing for sensitive features and giving users granular control over what is recorded or shared, the company addresses some—but not all—user concerns. As adoption grows, feedback from a diverse user base will be crucial in refining these technologies.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Windows Users

Overall, the Windows 11 24H2 update, as highlighted by Mike Tholfsen, represents a significant step forward in delivering a smarter, more integrated, and user-friendly operating system. While some features demand newer hardware, the overall direction points toward a future where AI, efficiency, and seamless device interaction are central to the Windows experience.

As users begin to explore these features in 2025, Microsoft’s approach in Windows 11 24H2 sets a new standard for balancing advanced technology with practical usability, ensuring that both productivity and privacy remain at the forefront.

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