Step-by-Step Guide to Install Windows 11 24H2 for Everyone

Windows 11 24H2 has transitioned from the Insider channel, where it was tested for nearly a year, to become available for all users. This marks the third version update for Windows 11 since its initial launch in 2021. In this article, we’ll explore several methods to download and install the Windows 11 24H2 update on your computers.

How to Install Windows 11 24H2

The most straightforward method to install the update is by using the Windows Update feature in the Settings menu. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Win key, type check for updates, and hit Enter.
2. Ensure that the Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available toggle is enabled. Check for updates again.
3. If the 24H2 update appears, click Download & Install. Restart your computer when prompted.

As a version update, the installation process might take some time before you can boot to the desktop.

Hardware Requirements for Windows 11 24H2

If you’re curious about the hardware requirements for Windows 11 24H2, they largely remain consistent with previous versions, with minor adjustments.

In addition to the standard requirements of a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, your processor must support the SSE4.2 instruction set with POPCNT.

This change is minimal and shouldn’t impact most users, as processors lacking POPCNT support are typically outdated.

For the first time, the Windows 11 24H2 update introduces new AI capabilities specifically designed for a category of computers known as Copilot+ PCs.

These features run locally, utilizing SLMs, and can generate images, create records of activities on your PC, and provide various forms of assistance.

If your PC meets the hardware specifications, you can still access the Windows 11 24H2 update. However, the new AI features, which require advanced hardware such as an NPU, will not function on non-Copilot PCs.

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 via Installation Assistant

If you’ve been hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 and are still using Windows 10, you can leverage the Installation Assistant to make the transition.

First, check your system compatibility using the PC Health Check app:

1. Visit the Microsoft website to download and install the PC Health Check app.
2. Once the app is open, click on Check Now. If it shows all checks as green, your PC is eligible for the Windows 11 24H2 update.
   
3. Proceed to the official Windows 11 download page.
4. Click on the Download Now button located beneath the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
   
5. Execute the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file and allow time for the checks to complete.
6. Click on the Accept and install button to commence the installation of the 24H2 update.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC when prompted.
8. After the installation completes, type winver in the Start menu and hit Enter to verify the current version and build of Windows 11 24H2 on your PC.

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 Using the Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool enables you to create a bootable USB drive containing the Windows 11 ISO file. Microsoft has now replaced the direct download ISO with the latest 24H2 version.

To create a bootable USB drive (make sure it has 8GB or more space), follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the official Windows 11 download page and click the Download now button under the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
   
2. Run the Media Creation Tool and agree to the EULA.
3. Select the USB flash drive option and follow the prompts to create your bootable drive.
   
4. Be aware that this process includes downloading the 24H2 ISO file, which exceeds 6GB, so it may take some time, especially with slower internet.
5. After completion, restart your computer, boot from the USB drive, and proceed to install the Windows 11 24H2 version.

Clean Install Windows 11 24H2 Using Rufus

If you prefer a clean installation of Windows 11 24H2, you can utilize Rufus, a reliable free tool for creating bootable drives for Windows and other operating systems. For this method, you’ll need the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file and Rufus.

Ensure you’ve downloaded both from the official links above. Then, connect your USB drive and launch Rufus, following these steps:

1. Rufus will automatically detect the USB drive; confirm you’ve selected the correct one.
2. Click on the Select button. Locate the 24H2 ISO file in your Downloads folder and click OK.
   
3. Scroll down and select Start.
4. Leave all options unchecked and click OK.
5. Rufus will display a drive format warning; click OK.
   
6. Once you see the Ready message in Rufus, exit the application.
7. Restart your computer and enter the boot manager.
8. Select the USB drive to perform a clean install of Windows 11 24H2 on your system.

Windows 11 24H2 introduces numerous changes previously discussed by Windows Latest. Some notable enhancements include:

• Significant migration of Control Panel items to the Settings app.
• Introduction of new Power mode settings.
• Improvements to Bluetooth accessibility settings.
• Support for Wi-Fi 7.

We will delve deeper into the changes introduced in the 24H2 update in our upcoming posts.

Source

---

---