windowscentral[.]com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-begins-testing-potential-rtm-build-for-windows-11-version-24h2
There’s still a fair amount of uncertainty when it comes to the next version of Windows, Win11 24H2. The core pieces are already set, with Microsoft scheduled to release the RTM version this month, though RTM in this case *might* be overstating things. An RTM release used to mean it’s ready, and while there would likely be a couple few updates added when it’s released to everyone, RTM meant that the new version of Windows was essentially baked. In this case that state of completion won’t happen until June or July, but Microsoft has to give manufacturers something to install on all those new AI laptops coming this summer. And then there will likely be additional feature updates before it’s officially released to you and me this September or October.
Microsoft changed the exec in charge of Windows, and may potentially be subject to stock prices dropping, based on perceptions of how its AI efforts are going, so there are incentives to add flashy stuff to catch investor attention. There’s also no real reason to believe that the coming crop of AI laptops will be a success, or even work well for that matter, not to mention much of the excitement around AI is dying down among consumers. Long story short, Microsoft may be doing a bit of last-minute reengineering before or soon after 24H2’s released.
As at least an annoyance, Insiders are reporting that with Microsoft getting closer to the RTM, they’ve started blocking 3rd party software add-ons like StartAllBack & ExplorerPatcher. Neowin also reports: “The latest builds ship with the flag that prevents restoring the old taskbar from the Windows 10 era enabled by default.”
neowin[.]net/news/microsoft-blocks-even-more-customization-apps-in-windows-11-version-24h2/
One thing that has been figured out is the new Copilot key that’s required to get the new AI PC label. It’s up to you to change the keycap, use a label etc. for whatever key [or keys] you decide to use, just map then to Left Shift + Windows key + F23. [F23 is an ancient, uncommon key on some old IBM keyboards.]
tomshardware[.]com/software/windows/windows-copilot-key-is-secretly-from-the-ibm-era-but-you-can-remap-it-with-the-right-tools