Microsoft has officially begun the broad rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update, making it available to all eligible devices via Windows Update. This release introduces a host of new features and improvements, focusing on AI capabilities, performance enhancements, and user experience refinements.

Key Features in Windows 11 24H2

The 24H2 update brings several notable additions:

AI-Powered Enhancements: Exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, features like Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and an improved Windows Search are now available. Recall allows users to search through past activities using snapshots, while Click to Do offers contextual actions such as summarizing text or editing images. The enhanced Windows Search utilizes natural language processing for more intuitive file searches.

Performance Improvements: Microsoft has optimized the update process, resulting in monthly updates that install up to 45% faster and use up to 25% less CPU. Restart times have also been reduced by nearly 40% on some systems.

New System Features: The update includes support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth LE Audio, and HDR background images. Additionally, users can now create 7-Zip and TAR archives directly from File Explorer, and a new Energy Saver mode has been introduced to extend battery life.

Security Enhancements: BitLocker device encryption is now enabled by default, providing automatic encryption of the Windows install drive and backup of the recovery key to a Microsoft account or Entra ID during setup.

Availability and Installation

Windows 11 24H2 is being offered as a full operating system update and is available through Windows Update for all eligible devices. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates.

For IT professionals and enterprise users, the update is also accessible via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

Known Issues and Considerations

While the update brings numerous enhancements, some users have reported issues during installation. Specifically, updates via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) may fail with error code 0x80240069 after installing the April 2025 security updates.

Additionally, certain features like Recall and Click to Do are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which are equipped with neural processing units (NPUs) capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second.

The Windows 11 24H2 update represents a significant step forward in integrating AI capabilities and performance optimizations into the operating system. Users are encouraged to review the new features and enhancements to determine how they can best leverage them in their workflows.

Source: Windows 11 Release Information Page

Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue the password storage and autofill feature in its Authenticator app, directing users to utilize Microsoft Edge’s built-in password manager instead. This change is part of Microsoft’s initiative to streamline credential management and enhance security by consolidating these features within its Edge browser.

Starting June 2025, users of Microsoft’s Autofill will no longer be able to save new passwords in the Authenticator app, and by July 2025, the autofill functionality within Authenticator will cease to operate, and any stored payment information will be deleted.

All saved passwords and unsaved generated passwords will become inaccessible in the Authenticator app in August 2025.

To maintain access to saved credentials, users are advised to transition to Microsoft Edge’s password manager. This involves installing Edge on their devices, signing in with their Microsoft account, and enabling password synchronization. Passwords can then be managed via the browser’s settings under the ‘Passwords’ section.

For those preferring alternative password management solutions, Microsoft provides an option to export passwords from the Authenticator app. This can be done by navigating to the app’s settings, selecting ‘Autofill,’ then ‘Export Passwords,’ and choosing a secure location to save the exported file. It’s important to note that while account passwords can be exported, payment information will need to be re-entered manually in the new platform.

Continued Support for Passkeys

Despite the discontinuation of the password autofill feature, Microsoft has confirmed that the Authenticator app will continue to support passkeys. Users employing passkeys for authentication purposes should ensure the app remains installed and updated to facilitate seamless sign-ins.

This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to enhance security and user experience by centralizing password management within its Edge browser, thereby reducing reliance on multiple applications for credential storage and autofill functionalities.

If you’re a parent using Google’s Family Link to manage your child’s device, there’s a major update you should know about: your child may soon be able to access Google’s Gemini AI chatbot.

Google recently announced that it is rolling out access to Gemini for children under 13, provided their devices are supervised through the Family Link app. The move is part of a broader push to integrate artificial intelligence into learning environments—but it also raises important questions about digital safety, age-appropriate content, and how much control parents will have.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, what Gemini can do, and what you, as a parent, should consider.

What Is Gemini and Why Is Google Making It Available to Kids?

Gemini is Google’s AI-powered chatbot, designed to answer questions, summarize information, and assist with tasks like writing, problem-solving, and storytelling. Think of it as a more advanced version of Google Search that interacts in a conversational format.

Until now, Gemini was available only to users 18 and older. The new update makes it accessible to children under 13 who use Google accounts managed through Family Link—a parental control service that lets guardians supervise screen time, app usage, and location.

According to Google, the intention behind this change is to support educational needs. Gemini can help with homework questions, explain academic concepts in a kid-friendly way, and even tell interactive stories. The goal is to provide children with safe, AI-powered tools to explore learning in a more personalized format.

How Will Parents Be Notified?

If your child is eligible, you’ll receive an email from Google letting you know that they now have access to Gemini. The email will explain what Gemini is, what it can be used for, and how you can manage or disable it through the Family Link settings.

Google has also built in a notification for the first time your child uses Gemini. This means you won’t be caught off guard if they start using it without asking—you’ll be alerted automatically.

What Controls Do Parents Have?

As a parent, you remain in control. Through the Family Link dashboard, you can:

• Turn Gemini access on or off
• Monitor how your child uses Gemini
• Set screen time limits across apps
• Manage app downloads and permissions

Google emphasizes that the experience is designed to be “parent-managed.” So while kids will have access to the AI, the decision ultimately rests with the family.

What About Safety and Privacy?

This is likely the biggest concern for most parents—and with good reason.

Google has made it clear that interactions children have with Gemini will not be used to train the company’s AI models. This is an important distinction, as many AI systems improve by analyzing user input.

Still, there are caveats. Google openly acknowledges that Gemini may “sometimes produce inaccurate or inappropriate information,” even for younger users. The company encourages parents to talk with their children about these limitations and to remind them not to share personal or sensitive data when chatting with Gemini.

This means that, even with filters in place, the AI might offer information that’s confusing or simply incorrect. It’s not a substitute for a teacher, a textbook, or even a parent’s guidance.

Why Now?

Google’s update follows broader industry trends. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in everyday technology, companies are looking to make their tools more accessible to younger audiences—especially in educational contexts.

But the expansion of AI access to children has raised eyebrows. In recent years, platforms like ChatGPT and Snapchat’s My AI have drawn criticism for not doing enough to protect younger users from misinformation, bias, or suggestive content. Google appears to be trying to balance this by offering a parent-supervised model from the outset.

What Should Parents Do Next?

If your child uses a Family Link-managed device, take a few minutes to review your settings. Decide if you want them to access Gemini, and talk with them about what it is—and what it isn’t.

Here are a few practical steps to consider:

• Read Google’s notice when it arrives in your inbox
• Test Gemini yourself so you know how it behaves
• Set ground rules with your child about how and when to use it
• Monitor for changes in behavior or information they share

Gemini may offer helpful educational support, but it’s still a developing technology. Like any tool, it’s best used with oversight and conversation.

After more than two decades of connecting people worldwide, Skype has officially been retired by Microsoft. The decision marks the end of an era for the platform that once revolutionized internet-based communication.

Launched in 2003, Skype quickly became synonymous with video calling, allowing users to connect across continents with ease. Its distinctive ringtone and user-friendly interface made it a staple for both personal and professional communication.

Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into its suite of services. However, as technology evolved and user preferences shifted towards more integrated communication solutions, Skype’s prominence began to wane.

Transition to Microsoft Teams

In response to changing market dynamics, Microsoft has been steering users towards Microsoft Teams, its comprehensive collaboration platform. Teams offers features such as persistent chat, advanced meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, catering to the demands of modern, mobile-first communication.

The transition reflects Microsoft’s strategic focus on providing a unified communication experience, aligning with the needs of businesses and individuals in an increasingly digital world.

User Reactions and Migration

The announcement of Skype’s retirement has elicited a mix of nostalgia and concern among users. Many recall the platform’s role in maintaining personal connections and facilitating remote work. Some users have expressed apprehension about adapting to new platforms, particularly those less familiar with emerging technologies.

To ease the transition, Microsoft has provided tools for users to export chat histories and contacts. Additionally, Teams now supports sign-in with Skype credentials, aiming to streamline the migration process.

The Broader Landscape

Skype’s retirement is part of a broader trend of phasing out legacy applications in favor of more integrated, cloud-based solutions. Other notable retirements include MSN Messenger, Internet Explorer, and iTunes, each giving way to platforms better suited to current technological standards and user expectations.

As the digital communication landscape continues to evolve, platforms like Zoom have emerged as dominant players, particularly in the wake of increased remote work and virtual collaboration. Zoom’s user-friendly interface and widespread adoption have solidified its position in the market, highlighting the dynamic nature of technology adoption.

While Skype’s chapter has closed, its impact on digital communication endures, having paved the way for the myriad of tools and platforms that facilitate connection in today’s interconnected world.