Microsoft said on Thursday that it is beginning the process of rolling out a major update to its Windows 11 operating system for PCs.

Today, Windows accounts for just 9% of Microsoft’s $245 billion in fiscal 2024 revenue, the acquisition of public companies Activision Blizzard and Nuance Communications. But revenue from Windows is very lucrative, and the widespread use of Windows on computers has helped Microsoft attract clients to its Azure cloud. So the product continues to grow before support for the popular Windows 10 ends in October 2025.

The Windows 11 2024 update, also known as version 24H2, aims to boost basic PC functions, such as downloading files over Wi-Fi, compressing documents and managing energy usage.

Here are some other new capabilities coming to PCs that can run Windows 11 in version 24H2.

Further controls energy consumption. You’ll have the option to reduce your computer’s power draw while it’s plugged in, even if it doesn’t have a battery.

Supercharged hearing aids. If you have hearing aids that support Bluetooth LE Audio, you’ll be able to connect them to your computer and stream audio directly and adjust the volume level and balance.

Faster internet. There is a new type of router that adheres to the Wi-Fi 7 standard, and these devices can send data at a higher throughput than Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Your computer should now be able to make the most of these routers at home or in the office, so you can download files faster and run more devices faster.

Easy WiFi sharing. In the Settings app, you’ll be able to bring up a QR code displaying information to log in to your Wi-Fi network, so you can quickly connect other devices.

Rich background. If your device or display supports high dynamic range, or HDR, signals, you can select an image file that uses the .JXR file extension and make it your desktop background. The result will be a greater contrast between the light and dark parts of the image.

Control mobile files. If you connect your phone to your PC via Bluetooth, you’ll be able to turn on a control in the Settings app that will show folders inside the File Explorer app on your phone. It’s a wireless alternative to connecting your phone to your computer with a USB cable.

Small watch. You can take up less space in the system tray in no time. To do this, open the Settings app, select Time and Language. Under “Show time and date in system tray” you’ll find a new option that says, “Show short time and date.”

Compression options. If you want to bundle your files in 7-Zip or .tar format, you won’t need to download a program from the web. Select a group of files in File Explorer, right-click, hover over “Compress to…” and then choose from the ZIP, 7z or TAR options. Or you can select “Additional options” which brings up a box where you can increase or decrease the compression level and select the compression method.

Schools and companies that want to distribute version 24H2 on their devices can consult Microsoft. Blog post.

Look: Gil Loria of DA Davidson explains his Microsoft downgrade.