The anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update, scheduled for release between September and October 2024, promises a wealth of new features and enhancements. Microsoft is currently providing an early preview of this update, allowing users to test and refine the operating system prior to its official launch. Here’s how you can gain access to this early version.
While opting for a pre-release version may come with certain risks, such as potential bugs and stability concerns, there are a couple of pathways to experience Windows 11 24H2 ahead of its official debut. One option is to enroll in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, enabling you to receive updates before they are made available to the general public. Alternatively, you can download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO for either a clean installation or an in-place upgrade, which also allows installation on PCs that do not meet the standard requirements.
Microsoft began rolling out version 24H2 to Copilot+ PCs featuring ARM-based processors on June 18, 2024. The final version for other devices is expected to be released in October 2024, with a possibility of early installation in September 2024.
Windows 11 2024 Update and All Goodies Included
The Windows 11 2024 Update introduces an array of innovative features, particularly those driven by AI, thanks to the Windows Copilot Runtime. Among these enhancements are:
- Windows Recall (delayed)
- Voice Clarity
- Windows Studio Effects
- Live Captions
- Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR)
In addition to AI advancements, the update includes non-AI enhancements such as:
- A new Energy Saver mode for laptops and desktops
- Windows Protected Print Mode
- Support for the Linux Sudo command
- Updates to Bluetooth and sound settings
- Integration of “Color Management” settings into the Settings app
If your device is already running Windows 11, upgrading to version 24H2 is straightforward, as the system requirements remain unchanged. For those still using Windows 10, an upgrade is also feasible, provided your hardware meets the minimum specifications, including an Intel 8th Gen or newer, AMD Zen 2 or newer, or Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series processor, along with TPM 2.0 and at least 64GB of storage.
How to Install Windows 11 24H2 Update Via Insider Preview Program
- Open Settings on your Windows 11 computer.
- Click on Windows Update in the sidebar.
- Select the Windows Insider Program page.
- Click the Get Started button.
- Click the “Link an account” button.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
- Click the Continue button.
- Under the “Pick your Insider settings” section, select the Release Preview Channel option.
- Click the Continue button.
- Agree to the terms and conditions by clicking Continue.
- Click the Restart button.
- After rebooting, open Settings again.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “Check for updates” button.
- Finally, click the “Download & install” button to initiate the download of the latest preview of Windows 11 24H2.
- Click the Restart button once more.
Upon completing these steps, Windows Update will download and install the 24H2 update on your computer. After the upgrade, you can opt out of the Insider Program by navigating to the Windows Insider Program settings page and toggling the Stop getting Preview Builds switch. This action will conclude your participation in the preview builds, but you will continue to receive updates for version 24H2 until its final release.
How to Install Windows 11 24H2 via ISO File
To download the Windows 11 24H2 update ISO file from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page.
- Quick note: Microsoft will make the final version of the ISO file available on the official download page once it is officially released. As of now, the ISO can be downloaded either from the Insider download page or using the UUP Dump tool.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- In the Select edition setting, choose the option labeled “Windows 11 Insider Preview (Release Preview Channel) – Build 26100.xxxx.
- Click the Confirm button.
- Select the product language.
- Click the Confirm button.
- Click the 64-bit Download button.
Once you have downloaded the ISO file, a third-party software tool will be necessary to flash it via a USB stick. If you are installing it on your current PC, you can mount the ISO and proceed with the installation by clicking on the installer. However, if you wish to try it on another computer that does not meet the Windows 11 requirements, you can utilize Rufus to create a bootable USB stick and bypass the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements.
Download and Launch Rufus
- Visit the Rufus website and scroll down to the Download section.
- Click the link to download the latest version of Rufus suitable for your version of Windows.
- Run the downloaded EXE file to launch Rufus—no installation is required.
- Insert a USB stick into your PC, ensuring any important data is backed up as Rufus will completely reformat the drive.
Creating a USB Stick to Bypass Windows 11 Requirements
- In the Rufus window, click the Select button and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
- Ensure that the Image option reads Standard Windows installation.
- Verify that the Device field is set to the USB drive you intend to use. If not, select the correct drive from the drop-down menu.
- Leave the other settings unchanged.
- When ready, click the Start button at the bottom of the window.
Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Windows 11 installation files to it, creating a bootable drive ready for installation.
Bypassing Hardware Requirements Using Rufus:
- Open Rufus and configure it as previously described to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO.
- When Rufus is ready, a pop-up window will appear.
- Check the box labeled “Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0.” This option will allow you to bypass the standard hardware requirements.
Note: Microsoft advises against running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, as it may lead to stability and security issues. This method is an unofficial workaround and should be used with caution.
- Click OK to confirm the removal of hardware requirements.
- Click OK again to start setting up your USB drive.
- Wait for Rufus to format the drive and copy the Windows 11 installation files to it.
Once the process is complete, connect the USB drive to the computer you wish to upgrade or to the PC where you want to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11. Reboot the computer and select the option to boot from the USB drive to begin the installation process.
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