Quickly Install Windows 11 24H2 and Bypass Microsoft’s Wait Using Registry and Group Policy Editor

The rollout of Windows 11 24H2 is taking place gradually, as Microsoft is managing the release due to numerous bugs and anticipating updates from OEMs before providing the upgrade. However, if you are weary of the wait, there’s an alternative method to force the Windows 11 2024 Update on your current Windows 11 23H2 system.

Windows Latest discovered a ‘hack’ that has assisted many users of Windows 11 23H2 in obtaining the latest update. This process involves altering a system policy through the Group Policy Editor. Windows Latest tested this method on a Windows 11 23H2 device, and it proved successful.

If you are eager to obtain Windows 11 24H2 without awaiting the automatic updates from Microsoft, this process is particularly appealing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to execute the changes using the Group Policy:

1. Use Windows Search to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate within the Group Policy Editor to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
   
3. Select the Select the Target feature update version policy highlighted in the screenshot below.
4. Set the Enable option and enter Windows 11 and 24H2 in the corresponding text fields shown in the image.
   
5. Click Apply, then select OK to save changes.
6. Restart your device and check the Settings app for updates.
7. You should now see a prompt to download the 24H2 update.
   

When default settings are in place, your system may not scan for the latest updates, especially if they haven’t been recommended by Microsoft for your configuration or if they’re not yet broadly available.

By adjusting this group policy, you can bypass the waiting period.

What if Group Policy Editor is absent?

The Group Policy Editor is not available in the Windows 11 Home edition, but there’s no need to worry.

The Group Policy Editor serves mainly as a graphical interface to modify Registry keys and settings when adjusting a policy. Therefore, you can utilize the Registry Editor to make the necessary changes to obtain the Windows 11 24H2 update.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Win key, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear; click OK to proceed.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windowsupdate.
   
4. Right-click and choose New > String Value.
5. Name this value ProductVersion and set the Value Data to Windows 11, then click OK.
   
6. Create another entry by selecting New > String Value again. Name it TargetReleaseVersionInfo and set its Value Data to 24H2. Confirm by clicking OK.
   
7. As the final step, right-click, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Name this one TargetReleaseVersion and assign the Value Data to 1, then click OK.
   
9. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

After following these steps, the Windows 11 24H2 update should appear when you check for updates manually.

Utilizing either the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor methods allows you to compel Windows Update to present you with the 24H2 version. Alternatively, you can choose a more lengthy approach by performing a repair or clean installation on your device.

This process typically results in a faster download and installation experience. Once the update is successfully installed, be sure to either disable the policy or delete the associated registry keys.

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