O Windows 11 Build 26052 (now officially called Windows 11 24H2) will have a new feature that allows the camera app to scan QR codes for seamless Wi-Fi connection at public access points. Notebooks, desktops, tablets like the Surface Pro, and any other device with a camera (or that can use a connected camera) can now take advantage of QR codes designed for mobile devices. Once the camera app scans the QR code, it will provide the necessary SSID name and password for the connection.
Although many argue that this will only be useful for Windows tablets with integrated cameras, 2-in-1 laptops are another type of device that will benefit from this feature. As Windows 11 is also used on portable gaming devices, future devices with integrated cameras – or if someone makes a USB-C camera accessory for existing devices, like the ROG Ally and MSI Claw – will be able to easily access Wi-Fi networks.
Windows 11 24H2 and several BETA builds have included some promising settings and future features – whose combination should provide a better quality of life experience compared to previous Windows 11 (and Windows 10) builds. Many PC gamers have migrated to Windows 11 to take advantage of native features like HDR. Other features include ‘Low Latency Audio’ support for hearing aids and more support for file compression formats, as well as new color management updates, which will finally allow Windows users to take advantage of HDR-enabled OLED monitors.
Microsoft is still testing the native super-resolution scaling feature that was previously discovered by advanced users in the Windows 11 24H2 preview version. But there is no confirmation whether this will be included in the public release. The Windows 11 24H2 version is expected to be released in the second half of 2024. With the Canary Version of Windows 11 25977, users can create a QR code to share Wi-Fi access and mobile hotspots – although Microsoft has not confirmed if this feature will be included in the final version.
While the many quality of life updates of Windows 11 have, some may argue, resulted in the migration of almost 50% of Windows users to Windows 11 (at least according to Steam), it is possible that many have changed as a result of Windows’ constant insistence to do so. Regardless, users are beginning to get used to Windows 11 and these new quality of life updates should benefit many users.
With that said, it is known that attackers deploy malicious URLs through QR codes, taking advantage of unwary users. Therefore, Microsoft should likely incorporate some security features to protect its users from such attacks before the next version is released.