Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 is the 'most reliable' version of Windows ever

Microsoft has released a major (optional) feature update for Windows 11 version 24H2, version KB5062660. This update brings intelligent search in Settings, Recall for customers in the European Economic Area (EEA), new "Click to Do" actions, and more. The company also announced a number of changes to the operating system, powered by the Windows Resiliency Initiative.

This latest version of Windows 11 comes with two major improvements. The first is Quick Machine Recovery, which leverages the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to detect, diagnose, and fix critical problems encountered during startup. Fixes are then distributed via Windows Update and applied, reducing overall downtime and reliance on IT teams.

The goal of Quick Machine Recovery is to create a system that allows a device experiencing a boot failure to recover 'smoothly' from a failed state with minimal disruption, while providing granular control to IT administrators. IT can disable the feature entirely, use it to manage the self-repair mechanism, and adjust scan and reboot intervals. The feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, but disabled on Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions. IT administrators can enable Quick Machine Recovery through Intune or Policy CSP.

As for future plans for Quick Machine Recovery, Microsoft will focus on Windows Server support, adding connectivity options, and enhancing tools for IT administrators.

Additionally, the latest update to Windows 11 also includes a new BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) — now called the Black Screen of Death. Microsoft emphasizes that this is more than just a cosmetic change. The new error screen is designed with the user experience in mind, reducing visual disruption while still providing important troubleshooting information (like hex codes) in a concise manner. Microsoft says it has improved crash dump collection in Windows 11 24H2 to the point where customers now spend just 2 seconds on this screen instead of 40 seconds.

All of this reinforces Microsoft's clear claim that Windows 11 version 24H2 is its most reliable version of Windows ever. The company notes a 24% reduction in unexpected BSODs compared to Windows 11 version 22H2. Interestingly, Microsoft doesn't compare it to version 23H2, implying that the difference from last year is probably negligible - or at least not enough to 'bragging' about.

Jessica Tanner

Update 24 July 2025