Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Latest Version

Updated: 15 Apr, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Microsoft has officially launched the highly anticipated Windows 11 2024 Update, also known as Version 24H2. This significant feature update is designed to bring further innovation and enhanced user experience to the vast Windows ecosystem, serving over 1.4 billion users globally. This latest iteration of Windows 11 aims to refine performance, introduce new functionalities, and bolster security, ensuring users can leverage the most advanced and efficient operating system. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to successfully upgrade your current PC to the Windows 11 24H2 update.

Preparing for the Windows 11 24H2 Update¶

Before initiating the upgrade process to Windows 11 24H2, it is crucial to ensure your system is adequately prepared. A smooth and successful upgrade hinges on several preparatory steps that minimize potential issues and safeguard your data. Taking the time to prepare properly can save you from encountering unforeseen problems during or after the update.

Verifying System Compatibility¶

The first and most important step is to verify whether your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has specific hardware prerequisites to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Attempting to install Windows 11 on an incompatible system can lead to performance degradation, feature limitations, or even installation failures.

Key system requirements to check include:

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
RAM: 4 GB of RAM.
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
Internet connection and Microsoft account: Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use.

You can utilize the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to automatically assess your system’s compatibility. This tool provides a comprehensive report, highlighting any components that do not meet the requirements and might need upgrading or consideration before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update.

Backing Up Your Important Data¶

Data loss is a potential risk during any major operating system upgrade. Although the Windows 11 upgrade process is generally reliable, unforeseen issues such as power outages, hardware malfunctions, or software conflicts can occur. Therefore, backing up all your important files, documents, photos, videos, and other critical data is an indispensable precaution.

Consider these backup options:

External Hard Drive: Copy your files to an external hard drive with sufficient storage capacity. This is a straightforward and widely used method.
Cloud Storage: Utilize cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to upload your essential files. This provides off-site backup and accessibility from other devices.
System Image Backup: Create a full system image backup. This captures the entire state of your hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and settings, allowing for a complete system restore if necessary. Windows has a built-in tool for creating system images, or you can use third-party backup software.

Ensuring you have a recent and comprehensive backup will provide peace of mind and a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the update process.

Freeing Up Disk Space¶

Windows 11 24H2, being a feature update, requires a certain amount of free disk space for the installation files and the subsequent installation process. Insufficient disk space can lead to installation errors or a partially installed and unstable operating system.

It is recommended to have at least 20-30 GB of free disk space on your system drive (usually the C: drive) before attempting the upgrade. To free up space, you can:

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications: Remove programs you no longer use or rarely use.
Delete Temporary Files: Use Disk Cleanup utility in Windows to remove temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary data.
Move Files to External Storage or Cloud: Transfer large files such as videos, photos, and documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Empty Recycle Bin: Ensure you empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete files you’ve previously removed.

By optimizing your disk space, you ensure a smoother and faster upgrade process and prevent potential issues related to storage limitations.

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 on Windows 11¶

If your PC is currently running Windows 11, upgrading to the 24H2 version is a relatively straightforward process through the Windows Settings application. This method is generally the most recommended and convenient way to obtain the latest feature update.

Step-by-Step Guide via Windows Settings¶

Follow these steps to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 directly from your Windows 11 system:

Open Windows Settings: Press the Windows key + I simultaneously. This keyboard shortcut will directly open the Settings application. Alternatively, you can click on the Start button, then select the Settings icon (gear icon).
Navigate to Windows Update: In the Settings window, locate and click on the “Windows Update” tab, usually found on the left-hand side menu. This will take you to the Windows Update settings page, where you can manage updates for your system.
Check for Updates: Windows typically checks for updates automatically. You may see a message indicating “Updates are available” or “You’re up to date.” However, to manually initiate a check for the latest updates, including Windows 11 24H2, click the “Check for updates” button.
Identify and Initiate the Feature Update: After clicking “Check for updates,” Windows will scan for available updates. If the Windows 11 24H2 update is available for your system, it should appear as “Feature update to Windows 11, version 24H2” or similar. It will likely state that it is ready to download and install. Since feature updates are not automatically installed, you will need to click the “Download & install” button to begin the upgrade process.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Once you click “Download & install,” the system will begin downloading the update files in the background. The download time will depend on your internet connection speed and the size of the update. After the download is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer to begin the installation process. Ensure you save any open work and close all applications before restarting.
Installation and Restart: The installation process will commence upon restarting. This phase may take a considerable amount of time, often ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your system’s hardware. Do not interrupt the installation process by turning off or restarting your computer manually. The system will restart several times automatically during the installation.
Post-Upgrade Configuration: After the installation is complete and your system restarts for the final time, you will be greeted with the Windows 11 welcome screen. You may need to review and adjust privacy settings and other configurations as part of the post-upgrade setup. Once done, you will be logged into your updated Windows 11 24H2 system.

Addressing Update Visibility Issues¶

In some cases, the Windows 11 24H2 update might not immediately appear in Windows Update even if it has been officially released. This can be due to several reasons:

Staged Rollout: Microsoft often releases feature updates in a phased manner to ensure stability and minimize potential issues. Your system might be in a later phase of the rollout.
Compatibility Holds: If Microsoft detects potential compatibility issues with your system’s hardware or installed software, it may temporarily withhold the update to prevent problems.
Update Server Congestion: High demand on update servers during the initial release period can sometimes delay the availability of updates.

If you don’t see the update right away, you can periodically check for updates manually over the next few days or weeks. If the update remains unavailable for an extended period and you have verified your system compatibility, you may need to consult Microsoft’s support resources or community forums for further assistance.

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 on Windows 10¶

Users currently running Windows 10 can also upgrade to Windows 11 24H2. The process is similar to upgrading from within Windows 11, primarily utilizing the Windows Update mechanism. However, it is even more critical for Windows 10 users to verify system compatibility as they are transitioning between major operating system versions.

Ensuring Windows 10 System Readiness¶

Before proceeding with the upgrade from Windows 10, double-check the Windows 11 system requirements mentioned earlier. Specifically, ensure your Windows 10 PC meets these minimum specifications. Using the PC Health Check app is highly recommended to confirm compatibility.

Step-by-Step Guide via Windows Update on Windows 10¶

Once you have confirmed your Windows 10 system is compatible, follow these steps to initiate the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2:

Open Windows Settings: Click on the Start button in Windows 10, then select the Settings icon (gear icon).
Navigate to Update & Security: In the Windows Settings window, click on “Update & Security”.
Select Windows Update: Within the “Update & Security” settings, select “Windows Update” from the left-hand menu.
Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button. Windows 10 will then scan for available updates, including the Windows 11 upgrade if your system is deemed eligible.
Locate and Initiate Windows 11 Upgrade: If your system is compatible and the upgrade is available, you should see an option to upgrade to Windows 11. This might be displayed as “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready” or similar. Similar to feature updates within Windows 11, the Windows 11 upgrade is not automatic. You will need to click “Download and install” to start the upgrade process.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Click “Download and install” to begin downloading the Windows 11 installation files. After downloading, you will be prompted to restart your computer to begin the installation. Ensure you save your work and close all applications before proceeding.
Installation and Completion: The installation process from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will take longer than a feature update within Windows 11. Be patient and do not interrupt the process. Your system will restart multiple times. Once completed, you will arrive at the Windows 11 welcome screen, and after completing any post-setup configurations, you will be running Windows 11 24H2.

Understanding the Size of Windows 11 Feature Upgrades¶

A common question users have when considering a Windows 11 upgrade is about the download and disk space requirements. The size of the Windows 11 feature upgrade can vary depending on whether you are upgrading from Windows 10 or from a previous version of Windows 11, and also on the method used for the upgrade.

Direct Upgrade from Windows 10/Windows 11 via Windows Update: Generally, when upgrading directly through Windows Update, the download size is optimized to be smaller. For a feature update like 24H2, the download size is typically around 3 to 5 GB. This is because the upgrade process is designed to replace only the necessary system files and retain your existing applications and data.
Clean Installation using ISO File: If you choose to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 using an ISO file (for example, booting from a USB drive or DVD), the total disk space occupied after installation can be larger. A fresh installation includes all system files and components and can take up 15 to 20 GB of disk space or more, depending on the edition of Windows 11 and the installed features. The ISO file itself is also a few gigabytes in size for download.

It is important to note that these are approximate figures, and the actual size may vary slightly based on your system configuration and the specific update being installed. Regardless of the method, ensure you have sufficient free disk space to accommodate both the download and the installation process, as recommended earlier.

Rolling Back to Windows 10¶

After upgrading to Windows 11, you might find that it doesn’t meet your expectations, or you encounter compatibility issues with your hardware or software. Windows 11 provides an option to revert back to your previous operating system, typically Windows 10, within a certain timeframe.

Downgrading Within 10 Days¶

Microsoft provides a built-in rollback option that is available for 10 days after you upgrade to Windows 11. This is the easiest and most recommended method to revert to Windows 10 if you decide to do so shortly after upgrading.

To use the rollback feature within 10 days:

Open Windows Settings: Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
Navigate to Recovery: Click on “System,” then select “Recovery.”
Go Back Option: Under “Recovery options,” you should see a “Go back” button. If it is within the 10-day period and the rollback files are still available, this button will be clickable.
Initiate Rollback: Click the “Go back” button. You will be prompted to provide a reason for rolling back and then follow the on-screen instructions to begin the downgrade process.

The system will then automatically uninstall Windows 11 and restore your previous Windows 10 installation, along with your files and settings.

Downgrading After 10 Days¶

If more than 10 days have passed since you upgraded to Windows 11, the built-in rollback option may no longer be available as Windows might have removed the necessary rollback files to free up disk space. In this scenario, reverting to Windows 10 requires a more involved process, typically involving a clean installation of Windows 10.

This process generally entails:

Creating Windows 10 Installation Media: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and use it to create a bootable USB drive or DVD with Windows 10 installation files.
Booting from Installation Media: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive or DVD you created. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the installation media.
Performing Clean Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. This process will erase all data on your system drive, so ensure you have backed up all your important data before proceeding.
Installing Drivers and Applications: After Windows 10 is installed, you will need to reinstall device drivers and all your applications. You will also need to restore your personal files from your backup.

Downgrading after 10 days is significantly more time-consuming and requires more technical knowledge compared to the 10-day rollback. It is crucial to back up all data before attempting this method.

Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 offers access to the latest features and improvements from Microsoft. By following this guide, you can smoothly upgrade your system, whether you are currently using Windows 11 or Windows 10. Remember to prepare your system adequately, back up your data, and ensure compatibility for a successful upgrade experience.

We encourage you to share your experiences and questions about upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 in the comments section below! What new features are you most excited about? Have you encountered any issues during the upgrade process? Your insights can help other users in the community.

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