It takes one easy Google search to learn that too many Windows 11 users have complained about their update struggles, especially if they have slow internet or limited storage. To address this, Microsoft is finally innovating its code with “checkpoint cumulative updates.” It was announced with the Windows 11 24H2 release, aiming to reduce the size and download time of their updates. This should ultimately save users time, bandwidth, and hard drive space, so let us examine the news and analyze its benefits and possible repercussions.
The Need for Smaller Updates
Of course, Windows updates are important—they make your computer more secure, add new features, and help the operating system work better. However, these patches can be problematic for people with slow internet or limited storage. Large updates do take a long time to initialize and take up a lot of “invisible” space, which is driving this release from Microsoft.
Introducing Checkpoint Cumulative Updates
With the launch of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is introducing a new system called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates’ to address specific issues. This new approach involves implementing smaller updates on top of milestone ‘checkpoint’ updates. These checkpoint updates serve as a new base version for the operating system, making subsequent updates much smaller and easier to manage.
Based on a blog post by Microsoft, this new method allows users to get updates in smaller packages, cutting down on wait times and freeing their storage space for other priority data like photos, games, and essential documents. These updates will contain only the changes from the last release, reducing the overall size.
Benefits of Streamlined Updates
Checkpoint cumulative updates come with several benefits. Their smaller update sizes and faster download times lead to less disruption to user workflows. Additionally, these smaller updates put less strain on your devices, which is especially helpful for laptops with limited capacity. This means users can easily keep their operating system up-to-date and secure without affecting their device’s performance.
A Step Forward by Microsoft
The introduction of checkpoint cumulative updates acts as a new base code version and focuses on recently applied fixes and patches instead of a whole new OS version. Microsoft has separated these updates from larger checkpoint updates to make the update process more efficient for users.
These changes will be automatically implemented through Windows Update, so users won’t need to take any additional steps. Users will experience faster download and installation times for most updates, as well as reduced storage requirements.
New Interface Tweaks in Windows 11
Besides the above-mentioned accelerated features, Windows 11 has just released a new beta build (preview version 22635) with some interface improvements and carries new time-saving features alongside the checkpoint updates. These changes bring useful tweaks to File Explorer.
File Explorer Improvements
The Home page in File Explorer now has an option to show all the files recently shared with you. This feature lists the most recently shared material in order of when it was shared and includes important details, such as the name of the person who shared it. It makes it easy to find files shared through Teams, email, or other methods.
Taskbar Streamlining
A new change is coming to the taskbar that aims to make it more streamlined. In the system tray, the time and date display will take up less space and will no longer show the year. Additionally, the notifications bell will no longer be visible, but users will have the option to turn it back on if desired.
Windows Studio Effects
You can now access Windows Studio Effects through Quick Settings in the system tray on Windows 11. This feature offers AI-driven camera and audio enhancements for PCs with an NPU. When using an app compatible with Windows Studio Effects, such as background blur or background noise filtering, an icon will appear in the system tray for easy access to the settings.
There are various other minor tweaks with build 22635, and Microsoft’s blog post explains them all at length.
Upcoming Features in Windows 11 24H2
In addition to the checkpoint updates, the Windows 11 24H2 release brings a host of new features and improvements. Highlights include HDR background support, an energy saver mode, Sudo for Windows, Rust in the Windows kernel, support for Wi-Fi 7, and enhanced voice clarity. Users will also benefit from various interface improvements, such as a scrollable quick settings layout and the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer.
One notable change is the evolution of the Copilot experience into a standalone app pinned to the taskbar. This shift allows for a more traditional app experience and enables Microsoft to optimize the feature based on user feedback. However, the new AI features, such as Recall, will not be available on all devices and will require a Copilot+ PC.
Future Implications for Windows 10
When Windows 11 first launched, Microsoft utilized new compression technology to streamline cumulative updates, reducing their size by 40%. This benefit was eventually extended to Windows 10 users. However, with Windows 10 nearing its End of Life, it is uncertain whether the new checkpoint update system will be implemented for this older operating system. Microsoft may decide that it is not worthwhile to apply this improvement to Windows 10 given its limited remaining lifespan.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes in Windows 11 updates mark a significant improvement, not only for people with slow internet connections or small SSDs but for tech companies and users worldwide. It is a big step towards further reducing the robust nature of software. By introducing checkpoint cumulative updates, Microsoft is ensuring that updates are less of a chore and occupy less space. By enhancing the overall UX with this streamlined approach, Microsoft is showing commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. And, since these updates will roll out automatically, those who subscribe to what Windows 11 offers can look forward to a more efficient and hassle-free update process.
