Windows 11 24H2 is rolling out to everyone, but you might not see it pop up right away when you check for updates. If you want to download and install the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2), just go to Settings > Windows Update. In this guide, we’ll cover all the different ways to grab and install the update.
The Windows 2024 Update has been hanging out in the Insider channel for almost a year, and now it’s finally available for all users. This update marks the third major version release for Windows 11, which first launched back in 2021. Plus, it’s the biggest update we’ve seen for the OS in the past two years! (Via)
Where to Install Windows 11 24H2
To install the Windows 11 2024 Update using Windows Update, just follow these simple steps:
- Press the Win key on your keyboard.
- Type “check for updates” and hit Enter
- Ensure that the Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available toggle is active.
- Recheck for updates again
If the update is ready for your device, just click Download & Install. Once it’s finished downloading, make sure to reboot your PC when prompted.
As mentioned earlier, Windows 11 24H2 is still being rolled out, so it might not be available in all regions or on every device just yet. Microsoft refers to this as a “staged rollout.” Even if you do see the update, keep in mind that since it’s a major version upgrade, it could take some time to install and boot up your desktop.
You can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 from versions 23H2 and 22H2, but make sure you have the Windows 11 May 2024 Update or a newer version installed first. This is important because the May 2024 non-security update ensures that the full OS swap to Windows 11 24H2 goes smoothly.
That said, even if you check for updates, you might not find it immediately. For instance, I haven’t seen the update available on my HP Spectre (2024), which is one of the top flagship Windows laptops. It’s also missing on older models like the Legion 5 Pro.
Tip: If you’re eager to upgrade now, Microsoft has released ISO files for the Windows 11 2024 Update. You can download them directly and run the setup.exe file to update your OS right away.
Windows 11 24H2 System Requirements
If you’re curious about the hardware requirements for Windows 11 24H2, they’re pretty much the same as before, with just a few minor tweaks.
You’ll need the usual setup: a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and at least 64 GB of storage. Additionally, your system must support UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. One small change is that your processor now needs to support the SSE4.2 instruction set, along with POPCNT. Most users won’t be affected by this since processors lacking POPCNT are quite outdated.
Here’s the full list of system requirements for Windows 11 24H2 (2024 update):
- 1GHz dual-core CPU
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage
- UEFI
- Secure Boot
- TPM 2.0 (you can bypass this by tweaking the registry)
Additional Notes
- Recall AI: Your processor should handle up to 40 TOPs (trillion operations per second). Currently, only devices with Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips can use Recall AI.
- Recommended Specs for AI Features: For optimal performance with additional AI features, it’s best to have 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.
For the first time, the Windows 11 24H2 update introduces exclusive AI features aimed at a new category of devices called Copilot+ PCs. These features utilize locally run small language models (SLMs) and can generate images, track your PC activities with Recall, and assist in various tasks.
Even if your PC isn’t a Copilot PC, you can still get the Windows 11 24H2 update if it meets all the necessary hardware requirements. However, keep in mind that the exclusive AI features will require more powerful hardware, like an NPU, and won’t function on standard Windows 11 24H2 systems.
Clean Install Windows 11 24H2 with Rufus -Even Without Requirements
If you’re looking to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11 24H2, using Rufus is a great choice. This reliable freeware allows you to create bootable drives for Windows and various other operating systems. For this process, you’ll need two things: the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file and Rufus. When the System detects the Windows 11 ISO, you can even use it to remove the requirements and install it on old hardware without the required TPM or Secure Boot features.
Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Necessary Files: Grab both the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file and Rufus from the official links provided earlier.
- Prepare Your USB Drive: Plug your USB drive into your computer and launch Rufus.
- Select Your USB Drive: Rufus will automatically detect your USB drive. Ensure you’ve chosen the correct one to avoid data loss.
- Choose the ISO File: Click the Select button and navigate to the Downloads folder to find the 24H2 ISO file. Click OK to confirm your selection.
- Start the Process: Scroll down and click on Start to begin creating the bootable USB drive.
- Review the Options: Leave all the options unchecked and click OK.
- Confirm the Warning: Rufus will display a drive format warning. Click OK to proceed.
- Finish in Rufus: Once you see the Ready message in the Rufus window, go ahead and close the app.
- Restart Your PC: Restart your computer and enter the boot manager.
- Select the USB Drive: From the boot options, select your USB drive to begin the installation process.
- Install Windows 11 24H2: Follow the on-screen prompts to perform a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 on your PC.
Now you’re all set to create your bootable drive and proceed with the installation!
