How to Force Install Windows 11 24H2 Update on Your PC

2024/10/02

Windows 11 24H2 is set for download availability starting October 1, 2024.
The feature update is accessible for all existing devices that meet the compatibility requirements for this version.
Notably, this release does not include AI features, as they are still under development.
AI functionalities such as Recall, Studio Effects, AutoSR, and others will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.

Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) is officially available for download on compatible PCs beginning on October 1, 2024. This major update, designated as build 26100.1876, represents the third feature update for Windows 11, bringing a host of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing productivity, security, and overall user experience. Learn more here.

In this update, Microsoft is emphasizing AI innovations, introducing features like Voice Clarity, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR). It’s important to note that these AI features will necessitate compatible hardware, meaning existing devices will not support them initially. The Windows Recall feature is forthcoming but will not be included in the initial rollout, being reserved for Copilot+ PC users.

This update will also bring numerous other enhancements beyond AI, including an Energy Saver mode for both laptops and desktops, a Sudo command feature akin to Linux, universal print drivers, modifications to the Taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, alongside improved support for hearing aid devices. The update will also address a variety of networking, security, and privacy issues.

Windows 11 24H2 Launch Date: October 1, 2024

Here’s what you should know regarding the rollout of the Windows 11 2024 Update for compatible devices.

Release Date for Version 24H2

The official launch of Windows 11 24H2 is set for October 1, 2024. Initially, the company made this feature update available only on June 18, 2024, exclusively for the latest Copilot+ PCs equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite ARM processor.

Why two release phases? Windows 11 24H2 includes various components essential for supporting new AI capabilities on cutting-edge hardware, especially ARM devices utilizing the Snapdragon X Series processor. Therefore, Microsoft opted to release the feature update early for Copilot+ PCs, albeit with only core features. By October 1, these new devices can download the remaining features of version 24H2. However, features like “Windows Recall,” “Click to Do,” and upgrades to Window Search will initially be available as a preview through the Windows Insider Program in October, followed by a rollout for Copilot+ PC users expected in November.

Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance Paint with a new “Generative Fill and Erase”capability and update the Photos app to include a “Super Resolution”feature.

Forced Automatic Installation

Windows 11 version 24H2 will not install automatically on your device. Instead, you will receive a notification when the update is ready for your system, but the upgrade must be initiated manually via the “Windows Update” settings.

Over time, if your device is nearing the end of support for its current Windows version, the feature update will eventually download and install automatically. (Typically, automatic installations do not occur in the first few months post-release.)

Reinstallation Requirements

Windows 11 24H2 will necessitate a complete reinstallation, being classified as a major update that will implement fundamental changes to the system setup, which means an in-place upgrade alongside a restart will be necessary.

It is crucial to plan ahead and back up your data before proceeding with the installation.

Features Rollout

Anticipating the typical hiccups in communication with Microsoft’s rollout process, understanding what features will be available on day one might be challenging. Allow me to clarify.

You are now able to download the final version of the feature update; however, you may not access all the features right away, as Microsoft generally employs its Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) strategy to release new features incrementally.

Furthermore, numerous innovations are being integrated into built-in applications, which are often distributed via the Microsoft Store rather than through the upgrade process. Therefore, checking for updates manually is advisable to obtain app upgrades as swiftly as possible.

Microsoft occasionally specifies that a feature from an app corresponds with a particular operating system version, but you might still receive those improvements on an older version prior to updating.

Finally, given that this feature update introduces new AI functionalities, specific hardware is required to utilize certain features, such as Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), and Windows Recall.

Updated Hardware Requirements

The minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 24H2 will align with those of the initial release, although there will be some modifications. While an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is not essential for upgrading from version 23H2 or Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2, it will be necessary for specific AI functionalities.

Moreover, Microsoft is adjusting the processor requirements, albeit in a manner you might not expect. Recent preview builds have indicated that version 24H2 necessitates the “POPCNT” instruction, impacting AMD and Intel processors released prior to 2007.

Given that the operating system requires processors from Intel 8th Gen, AMD Zen 2, or Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series processors or newer, those with supported devices already running Windows 11 should find this updated requirement manageable.

Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade Process

As with prior releases, utilizing the “Windows Update” settings is the simplest method to force the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2. However, you can also install the new version using the Installation Assistant, by mounting the ISO file in File Explorer, or creating a bootable USB flash drive. An in-place upgrade via the official ISO file is also viable.

Regardless of whether you are upgrading from the original release of Windows 11 or moving from Windows 10, the upgrade process will mandate a complete reinstallation. Your files, settings, and applications will be preserved. Even though this is categorized as a non-destructive upgrade, it is always wise to conduct a full backup prior to executing the installation.

In instances where a clean installation of Windows 11 2024 Update is performed, all your files, apps, and settings will be erased.

If you’re looking for additional resources, check out these guides for downloading installation files, creating bootable installation media with Rufus, and more:

Installing Version 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

While it’s not advisable to install the operating system on unsupported devices, if you have hardware that doesn’t meet the requirements, upgrading to version 24H2 is still an option.

To do this, however, the process must not be conducted through the “Windows Update” settings; you would need to perform a clean installation using specially prepared bootable USB media. Follow these instructions to install version 24H2 on unsupported hardware.

Keep in mind, your device will be in an unsupported state, meaning Microsoft won’t provide support for installation, updates, or drivers.

Even if you choose to upgrade, the minimum requirements include a 64-bit processor with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage space, and an enabled TPM 1.2 chip.

Early Preview of Version 24H2

If you’re a participant in the Windows Insider Program with your device enrolled in the Release Preview Channel, you likely already have access to the latest version of the Windows 11 2024 Update.

If you wish to stay on the latest version, now is the time to activate the option “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” in the Windows Insider Program settings.

By enabling this setting, your device will gracefully exit the program but will continue receiving updates for as long as version 24H2 remains supported.

New Features of Windows 11 24H2

The upcoming major update for Windows 11 promises a plethora of new features, visual enhancements, and improvements, with a significant focus on AI innovations.

For an extensive overview, you can check my comprehensive guide detailing everything coming in 2024 as details become available. Here is a short summary of features and changes to anticipate with version 24H2:

HDR image support for desktop wallpapers.
Wi-Fi 7 support, compatible with supported hardware.
Sudo command functionality on Windows 11.
Windows Copilot Runtime.
A new Energy Saver mode for laptops and desktops.
Quick Settings with scrolling options.
Share Wi-Fi passwords via QR codes from Settings.
New Windows Protected Print Mode.
New pause and rename features in printer settings.
Updates to Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
Improvements to the Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS).
Enhanced support for hearing aids through Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.
New microphone testing functionality comparing audio processing modes for applications.
Settings app now includes Color Management settings to change color profiles without the Control Panel.

The user interface of the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) will also be updated, refreshing the design of the installation wizard.

For more information, you can follow these instructions in my video tutorial on my YouTube channel. (Don’t forget to like and subscribe!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P53ot5qkWk

🔴 Windows 11 24H2: All NEW features complete guide (Official) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P53ot5qkWk)

It’s important to understand that devices lacking AI-specific hardware may still access some of the new features but with limited functionality. For example, there are two iterations of Voice Focus: one requiring an NPU and another leveraging software to filter out background noise from audio streams.

Expected AI features coming for Copilot+ PCs in November include:

Windows Recall.
Windows Studio Effects.
Live Captions.
Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR).
Voice Clarity.
Generative Fill and Erase for Paint.
Super Resolution for Photos.
Voice Focus.
Copilot suggestions in applications.

Getting Started with Windows 11 24H2

For a seamless transition to the new version, refer to these guides:

These additional guides cover changes with version 24H2 for existing features:

For more tutorials, refer to the Windows 11 24H2 help page.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming version of Windows 11? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.

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