The Windows 11 24H2 update, expected to launch in September or October 2024, is set to bring a host of new features and improvements. Microsoft is offering an early preview of this update to test and refine the operating system before the final release. In this guide, I’ll explain how you can access this early version.
Although upgrading to a pre-release version can be risky due to potential bugs and stability issues, there are a couple of methods you can use to try out Windows 11 24H2 before its official launch. One option is to join the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, which allows you to receive updates ahead of the general public through the “Windows Update” settings. Alternatively, you can download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO for either a clean installation or an in-place upgrade. The latter also allows you to flash it on PCs that do not meet the proper requirements.
Microsoft began rolling out version 24H2 to Copilot+ PCs with ARM-based processors on June 18, 2024. The final version for other devices is anticipated to be available in October 2024, but there may be an opportunity to install it early in September 2024.
Windows 11 2024 Update and All Goodies Included
The Windows 11 2024 Update introduces several new features, including AI-driven innovations powered by the Windows Copilot Runtime. These features include Windows Recall (delayed), Voice Clarity, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR). Non-AI enhancements include a new Energy Saver mode for both laptops and desktops, Windows Protected Print Mode, support for the Linux Sudo command, updates to Bluetooth and sound settings, and the integration of “Color Management” settings into the Settings app.
If your computer already runs Windows 11, you can upgrade directly to Windows 11 24H2 since the system requirements have not officially changed. For those still on Windows 10, upgrading is also possible, but you’ll need to ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Specifically, you should have an Intel 8th Gen or newer, AMD Zen 2 or newer, or Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series processor, along with TPM 2.0 and at least 64GB of storage.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2. If you encounter performance issues or compatibility problems with the new version, I’ll also cover how to uninstall Windows 11 24H2 and revert to your previous setup.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the needed steps for a fresh Windows 11 24H2 install.
How to Install Windows 11 24H2 Update Via Insider Preview Program
- Open Settings on your Windows 11 computer.
- Click on Windows Update in the sidebar.
- Select the Windows Insider Program page.
- Click the Get Started button.
- Click the “Link an account” button.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
- Click the Continue button.
- Under the “Pick your Insider settings” section, select the Release Preview Channel option.
- Click the Continue button.
- Click the Continue button to agree to the terms and conditions.
- Click the Restart button.
- Open Settings after the reboot.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “Check for updates” button
- Click the “Download & install” button to download the latest preview of Windows 11 24H2.
- Click the Restart button.
After completing the steps, Windows Update will download and install the 24H2 update on your computer.
Once the upgrade is complete, you can opt out of the Insider Program by going to the Windows Insider Program settings page and toggling the Stop getting Preview Builds switch. This will end your participation in the preview builds, but you will continue to receive updates for version 24H2 until its final release. After the final version is officially released, your computer will be automatically removed from the Insider Program.
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For those using Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program and click the Get Started button to enroll your device in the Release Preview Channel. Following these steps, you will be ready to receive the update via the Windows Update. There are other options like Beta, Dev, and Canary Channel. However, these can be highly unstable and aren’t meant for regular users.
How to Install Windows 11 24H2 via ISO File
To download the Windows 11 24H2 update ISO file from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page.
- Quick note: Microsoft will make the final version of the ISO file available on the official download page once it is officially released. As of now, the ISO can be downloaded either from the Insider download page or using the UUP Dump tool.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- In the Select edition setting, choose the option labeled “Windows 11 Insider Preview (Release Preview Channel) – Build 26100.xxxx.
- Click the Confirm button.
- Select the product language.
- Click the Confirm button.
- Click the 64-bit Download button.
Once you’ve downloaded the ISO file, you will need a third-party software tool to flash it via a USB Stick. If you’re trying to install it on your current PC, then you can proceed by mounting the ISO and trying to install clicking on the installer. However, if you want to try it on another computer that does not meet the Windows 11 requirements, you can use Rufus to build a bootable USB Stick and to remove the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements.
Download and Launch Rufus
Next, follow these steps to prepare a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
- Visit the Rufus website and scroll down to the Download section.
- Click the link to download the latest version of Rufus suitable for your version of Windows.
- Run the downloaded EXE file to launch Rufus—no installation is required.
- Insert a USB stick into your PC. Keep in mind that Rufus will completely reformat this USB drive with the Windows 11 installation files, so ensure any important data is backed up.
Creating a USB Stick to Bypass Windows 11 Requirements
In the Rufus window, follow these steps to create a bootable USB drive:
- Click the Select button near the top and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
- Under the Image option, ensure that the field reads Standard Windows installation.
- At the top of the screen, verify that the Device field is set to the USB drive you intend to use. If it is not, click the drop-down menu and manually select the correct drive.
- You can leave the other settings as they are.
- When you’re ready, click the Start button at the bottom of the window.
Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Windows 11 installation files to it, creating a bootable drive ready for installation.
Bypassing Hardware Requirements Using Rufus:
- Open Rufus and configure it as described previously to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO.
- When Rufus is ready, a pop-up window will appear.
- In this window, check the box labeled “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0.” This option will allow you to bypass the standard hardware requirements, so your PC won’t be blocked from installing Windows 11 if it doesn’t meet them.
Note: Microsoft advises against running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, as it may lead to stability and security issues. This method is an unofficial workaround and should be used with caution.
- Click OK to confirm the removal of hardware requirements.
- Click OK again to start setting up your USB drive.
- Wait for Rufus to format the drive and copy the Windows 11 installation files to it.
Once the process is complete, ensure that the USB drive is connected to the computer you wish to upgrade or to the PC where you want to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11. After that, reboot the computer and select the option to boot straight from the pen drive. After that, you will be able to install Windows 11 via the conventional method.
