Posts by fords8

    Currently in progress at Microsoft is the development of the upcoming significant iteration of Windows, known by the codename Hudson Valley. Anticipated for release later this year, it will be referred to as "version 24H2" and designated as the 2024 Update. Diverging from last year's version 23H2, the forthcoming version 24H2 is poised to be a substantial operating system upgrade, built on a fresh iteration of the Windows platform. This update promises enhanced performance and security, accompanied by noteworthy new features and quality-of-life improvements.


    Furthermore, there is considerable anticipation that version 24H2 will place a strong emphasis on next-generation AI experiences—a prospect Microsoft has been hinting at over the past year. Speculations are circulating about the introduction of an advanced Copilot designed to elevate the Windows user experience through the integration of AI and machine learning. This enhancement is expected to boost productivity across various applications and improve search functionality, among other aspects.

    There is widespread speculation that Microsoft might dub this update "Windows 12," especially considering its alignment with next-generation AI PCs and experiences. However, this remains speculative, and my sources indicate that this is now deemed unlikely, particularly following the departure of the ex-Windows chief, Panos Panay, from the company. As of now, the update is tentatively referred to as a significant Windows 11 update.

    Microsoft is presently in the process of testing features for this upcoming release in the Insider Canary Channel. Consequently, some of the anticipated new features have already been unveiled. I will continue to update this post as additional features are disclosed or discovered.

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Release date

    Microsoft would like the release around September of this year.

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Microsoft Copilot

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Snap Layouts

    Windows 11 version 24H2: File Explorer

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Quick Settings

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Phone Link

    Windows 11 version 24H2: Energy Saver

    Windows 11 version 24H2: General

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    Introducing Windows Server 2025!

    Today, we are thrilled to announce the official name of the next release of Windows Server, Windows Server 2025. Windows Server 2025 is driven by your feedback and your desire to embrace a hybrid, adaptive cloud. Here are a few areas we’re investing in:

    • Windows Server Hotpatching for everyone
    • Next Generation Active Directory and SMB
    • Mission Critical Data & Storage
    • Hyper-V & AI
    • And much more…

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    Introducing Windows Server 2025!
    Introducing Windows Server 2025! Today, we are thrilled to announce the official name of the next release of Windows Server, Windows Server 2025. Windows..
    techcommunity.microsoft.com
    • Microsoft released three new Windows 11 builds today
    • Windows 11 Dev Channel build 23615 introduces USB4 80Gbps support
    • Windows 11 Beta Channel build 22635.3061 brings an improved weather experience on the lock screen and updates to Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Store features
    • Windows 11 Builds 22621.3078 and 22631.3078 were released to the Release Preview Channel with some light bug fixes
    Windows 11 preview adds support for USB4 80Gbps
    The latest Dev Channel build adds support for the newer USB4 standard seen on laptops like the Razer Blade 18
    www.msn.com

    Just a quick look at this.

    Microsoft is giving Cloud PC a dedicated Windows mode (msn.com)

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    How to buy a new Windows 11 Pro license

    If you're set on upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro and you don't have a Pro license yet, you can buy the upgrade directly from the Microsoft Store. Here's how:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Click System in the menu on the left.
    3. Choose Activation.
    4. Expand the Upgrade your edition of Windows section to see your options. To buy an upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, click Open Store.
    5. You'll see a feature comparison between Home and Pro editions of Windows with the option to buy the upgrade. Since Windows 10 and Windows 11 licenses are the same, the Microsoft Store shows both operating systems, but it will work all the same.
    6. Click Get for $99.00 to get the new license. Pricing may vary depending on the region you're in.
    7. You'll need to enter your password and fill in your billing details if you haven't already.

    Close

    1. Once you buy and apply the upgrade, your PC has to restart to enable the new features.
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    Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro with a product key

    If you already have a product key for Windows 11 Pro, you can activate it using these steps:

    1. Navigate to the Activation page in the Windows 11 Settings app (as shown above), then click Change next to Change product key.
    2. You'll be asked for administrator permission to run the Windows Activation tool, then you can enter your Windows 11 Pro product key.
    3. Once the key is validated, you'll need to restart your PC to enable the Pro features.

    Windows 11 Home and Pro are actually based on the same installation files, so you don't have to reinstall Windows or anything to upgrade. A simple restart will configure your version of Windows, and you'll be good to go the next time you use your PC.

    Most of them are running Windows 10 Home, which means you'll also get Windows 11 Home when you get the update. Business laptops are usually the exception, since they tend to ship with Windows 11 Pro by default.

    Found this on: How to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro (msn.com)

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    Microsoft announces paid subscription for Windows 10 users who want OS updates beyond 2025

    What you need to know

    • Microsoft has announced an "extended security update" (ESU) program for Windows 10.
    • The ESU program will allow users to pay for monthly security updates beyond Windows 10's end of support date.
    • Windows 10 will reach end of life in October 2025.
    • For the first time ever, both commercial and consumer customers will be able to subscribe to Microsoft's ESU program.

    Microsoft announces paid subscription for Windows 10 users who want OS updates beyond 2025 (msn.com)