How Windows 11 24H2 Enhances Download and Install Speeds for Updates

• Windows 11 24H2 introduces major enhancements for update processes.
• The improvements feature quicker installation times, reduced restart durations, and optimized processor utilization.
• Microsoft is also adopting a more efficient strategy for app downloads, resulting in smaller file sizes.

With the arrival of Windows 11 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, users can expect a variety of new features along with substantial upgrades to the operating system’s update and installation mechanisms.

Quicker Installation Times

Starting with version 24H2, Microsoft has implemented changes that significantly speed up the update process compared to earlier iterations. The company reports that the updating procedure is now 45.6 percent faster, while processor usage during cumulative updates is reduced by 15.3 percent, and restart times are shortened by 39.7 percent.

The analysis was carried out on a device running Windows 11 22H2, which had not received updates for nine months. Since version 23H2 shares many of these characteristics, the same improvements are applicable to users of that version as well.

Another test involved a device that had not been updated for 18 months, revealing that while there were notable enhancements, they were less pronounced than in the nine-month outdated device. In this case, installation speed increased by 43.6 percent, restart speed improved by 33.5 percent, and processor usage dropped by 25 percent.

What led to these advancements? Microsoft attributes these improvements to updates in parallel processing and optimized handling of component manifests, in addition to better management of system memory.

Parallel Processing of Component Manifests: The new update allows for simultaneous processing of multiple component manifests (metadata files that describe system components), enhancing pre-existing parallel hydration of those components and leading to swifter update times.

Dynamic Memory Utilization: Moreover, the Windows 11 2024 Update can now intelligently scale the amount of physical memory allocated for the manifest cache based on current availability, meaning that if your computer has more memory, “Windows Update” can operate more efficiently.

These three optimizations work synergistically to markedly enhance the speed and effectiveness of updates.

Reduced Download Sizes

Additionally, Microsoft is reducing the size of feature updates by approximately 200MB with the launch of Windows 11 24H2. This was achieved through improvements in the design and conditional download processes for built-in apps.

When initiating the upgrade to version 24H2 or later, the “Windows Update” service will compare the versions of pre-installed applications. If the current versions are either the same or newer, the update process will bypass those files, only downloading essential components and applications that require updates.

This refined update strategy mainly affects Microsoft-developed applications, including Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Notepad, among others. Furthermore, certain Microsoft applications, like Outlook, can now be updated via the Microsoft Store independently of Windows updates.

In summary, Windows 11 24H2 employs a smarter approach for delivering feature updates, enhancing the efficiency of download sizes while expediting installation timelines.

Additional Update Enhancements

It’s crucial to recognize that while Microsoft highlights these improvements, it has not fully disclosed other new features associated with Windows Update’s handling of updates. For instance, version 24H2 introduces checkpoint cumulative updates, which utilize incremental differentials to deliver smaller and quicker updates, thereby conserving time, bandwidth, and storage space. This innovative mechanism establishes checkpoints that act as baselines for future updates, eliminating the need to revisit changes from the initial release.

The new version also incorporates a fresh update mechanism referred to as “hot patching,” negating the necessity for mandatory reboots with every security update.

The hot patching technique operates by refreshing the code of currently running processes in memory, averting the need to restart, thus increasing availability and minimizing disruptions.

The only limitation is that while hot patching reduces reboots, it does not eliminate them entirely, as baseline updates requiring a restart will still occur every few months. However, this will significantly lessen the number of times you need to reboot your PC throughout the year.

Even with these notable changes to the update mechanics, it’s worth noting that an immediate upgrade may not be advisable. Currently, the feature update has numerous known issues impacting user experiences, including some leading to a Blue Screen of Death.

If you are considering upgrading from an earlier version, it would be wise to wait for three to four cumulative updates before making a decision on installation. Additionally, verify that existing issues have been resolved and ensure you create a comprehensive backup before proceeding.

What are your thoughts on these enhancements to the Windows Update system? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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