Windows 11 users rejoice! Microsoft’s latest update, version 24H2, brings a welcome improvement to the update experience: significantly faster cumulative updates. This translates to quicker installations, swifter reboots after updates, and even less CPU usage during the process, all contributing to a smoother and more efficient user experience.
In a blog post, Steve DiAcetis, Principal Program Manager Lead at Microsoft, details the improvements brought by version 24H2. He highlights not only the faster installation times but also the rapid post-installation reboots, along with a noticeable reduction in CPU resource consumption during the update process.
But just how much faster are we talking? Microsoft conducted a test scenario involving a Windows 11 24H2 PC using the February 2024 security base image, upgrading it to the March security update. The results were impressive: the installation process was 45.6% faster with Windows 11 24H2, and the subsequent reboot was an impressive 39.7% quicker. Additionally, CPU usage time during the update dropped by a significant 15.3% with version 24H2, highlighting a substantial performance gain.
To ensure these improvements weren’t a one-off, Microsoft conducted a second test, this time involving an older system requiring an update. The results were remarkably similar: a 43.6% faster installation, a 33.5% faster reboot, and a whopping 25% reduction in CPU usage time.
Furthermore, Microsoft points out that the feature update downloads for Windows 11 24H2 are now approximately 200MB smaller, contributing to faster download times, especially for users with slower internet connections.
With these substantial speed enhancements, Windows 11 24H2 promises a significantly improved update experience. Users can expect smoother and faster updates, minimizing disruption to their workflows and maximizing productivity. This is a welcome development for all Windows 11 users, especially those who previously experienced lengthy update processes and noticeable performance dips during updates.