How to force the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) on your computer
Yes, you can download and install the new version of Windows 11 on your PC, and here are four ways to do it.
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TheWindows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2)is slowly rolling out for compatible devices, and if you want to install it as soon as possible, Microsoft offers different methods to proceed with the upgrade process.
It’s important to note that since this is technically a new version of the operating system, this upgrade requires complete reinstallation. However, the setup should preserve your files, settings, and applications.
Currently, the company is gradually making available the new version ofWindows 11to devices known to have a good upgrade experience. Once the feature update is proven to be more reliable, the rollout will be more broadly available.
Typically, computers without compatibility issues will receive the installation notification almost immediately after the official release date, but it always takes time to reach every hardware and software configuration.
If you want to upgrade without waiting, you can force the installation through the Windows Update settings, the Installation Assistant tool, the Media Creation Tool, or the ISO file.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll outline the steps to get the Windows 11 2024 Update installed on your computer.
Important:The Windows 11 2024 Update has become partially available on June 18, 2024, forCopilot+ PCs, but it doesn’t include all the intended features, includingWindows Recall, as it has been postponed until further notice. On October 1, 2024, the feature update becomes more broadly available for existing devices. As a result, some of the new features and changes may not be available to everyone on day one. Also, some features (especially AI features) are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs to be available. Finally, keep in mind that the Media Creation Tool, Installation Assistant, and ISO file may take some time to become available.
How to install Windows 11 2024 Update via the Settings app
To force version 24H2 on your computer running version 23H2 or 22H2 through Settings, use these steps:
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Once you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the installation, and the computer will need to restart to apply the feature update.
If, after checking for updates, the new version isn’t available, it’s likely that the operating system is still not ready for your hardware and software configuration.
How to install Windows 11 2024 Update via the Installation Assistant
To get Windows 11 version 24H2 with the Installation Assistant (when available), use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the assistant will download the system files and install the new version of Windows 11, preserving your apps, settings, and files.
How to install Windows 11 2024 Update via the Media Creation Tool
Although you can’t use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade your computer, you can use it to create a USB bootable media that you can use to launch the setup from the desktop experience.
To install the 2024 Update on your device with the Media Creation Tool (when available), use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the feature update installation.
How to install Windows 11 2024 Update via ISO file
If you don’t want to download the Media Creation Tool, you can download the ISO file directly to upgrade to the Windows 11 2024 Update.
To use the official ISO file to install version 24H2 on your computer (when available), use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the setup will apply the Windows 11 version 24H2 on your laptop or desktop computer.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
