Enhance PC Performance with Windows 11 24H2: Reduced CPU Usage for Windows Update
Windows 11 version 24H2 is packed with several impressive features, one of which is the lesser-known “checkpoint cumulative updates” designed to minimize the size of monthly update packages. Additionally, there’s another noteworthy enhancement that could improve your PC’s performance. After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, you’ll find that Windows updates no longer hinder your system’s speed.
This version of Windows 11 has experienced significant revisions aimed at reducing both the size of update packages and installation durations. According to a recent report from Microsoft, these changes in version 24H2 boost update efficiency, allowing users to escape the prolonged waits often associated with updates.
A comprehensive official document released by Microsoft elaborates on the methods employed to enhance the update speed. By utilizing reverse and forward differentials, caching parsing outcomes, and dynamic RAM allocation, the update process is accelerated. Instead of downloading the full update package each time, the system identifies missing files, corrects any faulty manifests, and only retrieves the essential update components.
| Category | Improvement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Update Improvements | Faster Installation Time | Utilizes parallel processing for component manifests and optimizes component data reading. |
| Reduced Restart Time | Enhancements in the servicing stack minimize system downtime during updates. | |
| Lower CPU Usage | Increased RAM efficiency for task handling, with improved caching of component metadata. | |
| Test 1 – Well-maintained Device | Installation Time | 45.6% faster |
| Restart Time | 39.7% faster | |
| CPU Usage | 15.3% decrease | |
| Test 2 – Outdated Device (18 months) | Installation Time | 43.6% quicker |
| Restart Time | 33.5% faster | |
| CPU Usage | 25% reduction | |
| Feature Update Improvements | Smaller Downloads | Approximately reduced by 200 MB. |
| Conditional App Downloads | Only obsolete or missing apps will be downloaded. | |
| Unified Update Platform (UUP) |
The data represented in the table above, compiled by Windows Latest, illustrates the differences in the update servicing stacks of Windows 11 22H2 and 24H2. The first test involved a fully updated PC with the 24H2 March 2024 update.
This upgrade completed at an astounding almost double the speed (45.6%) and required 39.7% less time post-restart for application. During this update, the system registered a 15.3% reduction in CPU usage, allowing more resources for simultaneous tasks.
In the second analysis, an older Windows 11 device, which still operated on the 22H2 version, showed that even it could upgrade 43.6% faster with 25% less CPU consumption. Additionally, the restart time improved by 33.5%.
Microsoft’s testing was conducted using Azure Virtual Machines equipped with 8 CPU cores, an SSD, and 16 GB of RAM, ensuring ample resources were available.
As a result, users can anticipate notable enhancements with the future monthly security and feature updates.
Reduced Footprint of Feature Updates
The upcoming feature updates will also see a size reduction since Microsoft has separated store app updates, including that of Edge, from the system update process.
This means that the overall update footprint becomes significantly smaller, focusing solely on essential system applications like File Explorer while leaving apps that can be updated through the Microsoft Store untouched.
Previously, Microsoft informed users about the implementation of checkpoint cumulative updates, which were discussed extensively in an earlier article. This update strategy involves releasing a checkpoint update followed by incremental differentials that add files absent from prior updates.
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