Reasons Not to Install Windows 11 24H2 on Your PC
- No, you shouldn’t upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, even though it’s officially available.
- It’s recommended to wait for at least three cumulative updates before installing a more stable version.
- Early adopters are likely to encounter problems and errors during the initial rollout.
- Microsoft typically rolls out features gradually, so not all users will receive updates at the same time.
UPDATED 10/4/2024: Microsoft began the rollout of Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) on October 1, 2024. However, the release process has been somewhat convoluted as the update is being issued in two phases. If you’re contemplating whether to install the latest version on your PC, the concise answer is “no.” During the initial rollout phase, encountering issues is common.
Version 24H2 was first available on June 18, specifically for new Copilot+ PCs that utilize Qualcomm’s latest ARM processor. These devices depend on many of the new features introduced in this version. Existing devices with Intel or AMD’s x86 processors had to wait until October 1, 2024, for compatibility with versions 23H2 and 22H2.
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2?
The straightforward answer is “No.” Despite some online platforms suggesting the upgrade based on the new features alone, the reality is that early adopters can expect to face various issues. Microsoft understands this, which is why they are implementing a gradual rollout strategy.
Furthermore, even with a fully compatible computer, you might not receive all the new features immediately. Microsoft employs Control Feature Rollout technology, which means new functionalities are enabled gradually as they become available for each device. Once the updates have been fully vetted, they will be enabled by default.
If your device hasn’t yet received the feature update, it’s advisable not to force the installation, as this could signify compatibility concerns.
Currently, Windows 11 24H2 is known to have several issues, including a small number of users experiencing Blue Screen of Death errors. Additionally, some applications are facing compatibility issues, and feedback from users has indicated problems with a variety of software.
Given these circumstances, Microsoft is only providing the new version to devices that are expected to experience a successful upgrade. As the update becomes more stable, its rollout will expand to additional hardware based on reliability metrics and user experiences.
Keep in mind that Windows 11 24H2 introduces new hardware requirements, which may limit the functionality of some features. For example, this update centers on new AI technology that requires advanced hardware, such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), while certain key features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.
If your machine has unsupported hardware, upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 is not advisable. Although there are methods to upgrade unsupported systems, doing so can put your device in an unsupported state, leading to potential crashes and no guaranteed updates.
Should I Wait to Install Windows 11 24H2?
Yes, it’s best to wait initially. Jumping into a new release too quickly can expose you to unknown bugs, errors, and compatibility concerns.
Once version 24H2 is available, your device will eventually receive a notification via Windows Update to manually upgrade. If you don’t get this alert, don’t force the upgrade; it’s likely an indication of potential issues ahead. If you’re eager to upgrade, refer to my guide on the ten strategies to mitigate problems when transitioning to the 2024 Update.
It is generally advised to wait until Windows 11 24H2 has stabilized after its official release.
If your current setup is operating on an older version without issues, you’re better off waiting a bit longer. However, it’s important not to completely skip the update, as doing so may eventually leave your system unsupported and vulnerable.
For users on version 21H2 or 22H2, Microsoft is actively pursuing automatic upgrades to ensure ongoing support. If you can hold off on upgrading to 24H2, it’s advisable to do so. For those running Windows 10 22H2, you can continue using it until October 15, 2025, when it will reach the end of support. However, upgrading directly from Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2 is an option.
Update October 4, 2024: This page has been updated to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.
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