Windows 11 24H2 is set to hit more users as the Microsoft operating system enters a “new stage of availability.”
Microsoft tweaked the status page for Windows 11 24H2 on its release health dashboard to announce the news.
The new stage is not a pause to let Redmond deal with the known issues it has identified. Instead, it means a broader range of eligible devices can now get it.
For now, users will need to head to Windows Update and select the “Download and install” option to get the new code. That said, if the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” switch is on, there is every chance Windows Update will kick off the download, ready or not.
Given Microsoft’s track record, when it comes to updates inadvertently breaking things, a wise user might want to check what is actually coming down before finding their system unexpectedly borked.
For the handful of Copilot+ PC users, “new features will soon become available to the Windows Insider community, with a phased rollout to select devices and markets.”
The Windows 11 24H2 expanded rollout excludes devices with safeguard holds applied. Among these are some ASUS devices (specifically the X415KA and X515KA models), which might get struck by a Blue Screen of Death during installation. More recently, Microsoft confirmed that hardware connected to devices that support the Scanner Communication Language (eSCL) protocol might also result in “issues,” and so, again, a hold was applied.
Compatibility or safeguard holds remain in place despite the widening of the Windows 11 24H2 release.
The holds also apply to gamers – problems have been reported with some Ubisoft games, including some Assassin’s Creed titles and the recent Star Wars Outlaws game. According to Microsoft, “These games might become unresponsive while starting, loading or during active gameplay. In some cases, users might receive a black screen.”
It’s all rather unfortunate, although it is worth noting that the vast majority of Windows users have not experienced problems with the update despite the lengthening list of known issues with the code.
With the widening of the Windows 11 24H2 release, that list stands every chance of further expansion. So it might be wise to check backups before clicking that download and install button. Just in case. ®
