How To Force Update Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft released the Windows 24H2 version update on October 1, 2024, and said the rollout would be gradual. However, even after approximately two months, many users across the globe are still waiting for it. If you are among them and wish to force updates to Windows 11 24H2, we have gathered all the possible tips and tricks. So let us update.

Here are a few key features for those wanting to know about Windows 24H2 The new Phone Link box has been added to the Start menu, which now displays your Android phone’s battery level, connectivity status, and recent messages and calls. File Explorer gets new updates, allowing users to open compressed files like 7z and Tar, Edit metadata of PNG images, duplicate their current window, and more. Quick Panel Settings have changed so users can scroll down to access all options and drag and drop setting buttons to rearrange them. Copilot now features a dedicated app icon on the taskbar, which you can position wherever you like. Additionally, you can resize the icon to your preference and even have it overlap other app windows. The Microsoft Paint app now includes AI image generation on all Windows 11 PCs. However, on a Copilot+ PC, you get access to Cocreator. With Cocreator, you can create a basic sketch, instruct the AI to finish the image and receive a complete creation based on your initial drawing.

Prerequisites Before Force Update Windows 24H2

• Create a backup of your current operating system and important files to prevent data loss during the upgrade process.
• Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of storage, so make sure you have enough space to install the new version of the OS.

Expert Tips & Tricks To Force Update To Windows 11 24H2

Method 1 – Use The Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is an important tool in the Windows OS that helps admins set up configurations for individual users and manage the settings for the PC as a whole. This management console enforces system settings and manages user permissions. We can change, Here are the steps –

1. Press the Windows button and type “gpedit.msc”.
2. Click on the “Edit Group Policy” result.

3. In the Group Policy window click on the following entries in the left panel.
4. Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update

5. In the right section, double-click “Manage updates offered from Windows Update.”

6. The right panel now contains a list of policies. Locate and double-click on the “Select the Target feature update version” policy to open the properties box.
7. In this box, you have to click on the radio button before “Enabled,”  and in the “Options” box below, type “Windows 11” in the first text box and “24H2” in the second text box.

8. Click on the Apply button and then hit the OK button.
9. Reboot your PC.
10. Now, press Win + I to open the Settings window.
11. Click on the Windows Update tab in the left panel.
12. Finally, click the “Check for Updates” button and see Windows 24H2 update.

Method 2 – Use The Windows Registry To Force Update To Windows 24H2

If you cannot access the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Windows Registry Editor to force update your Windows OS to 24H2. 

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database used by Microsoft Windows to store configuration settings and options for the operating system, installed applications, hardware 

devices, and user preferences. 

Here are the steps you need to follow –

1. Press Win + R to launch the RUN box.
2. Type “regedit” and click on the OK button.
3. If the UAC prompt appears, click on “Yes”.
4. In the Windows Registry box, remove the address bar’s contents at the top by clicking on it once and then pressing and holding the backspace key until everything is erased.
5. Copy and paste the following path followed by the Enter key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

6. Right-click on the “WindowsUpdate” subkey and choose New -> String Value.
7. Rename the newly created key as “ProductVersion.”
8. Double-click this key, and a small box will open. Under Value data, type “Windows 11.” Click on OK.
9. Follow the above steps to create another key and rename this one as “TargetReleaseVersionInfo.”
10. Double-click this key and change the Value data to “24H2”. Click on OK.

11. The final step is to create the last key and rename it “TargetReleaseVersion.” Also, set the Value data to “1” and click OK.

12. Restart the computer and check for updates using Window Settings.

Method 3 – Use The Update Assistant To Force Update Windows 24H2

If the above methods do not work, we suggest you use the Update Assistant to install Windows 24H2 on your PC. Here is what you need to do –

Download the update from the official Microsoft website.

Launch the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and click Accept and Install to agree to the license terms provided.

Once you accept, the Windows 11 Update Assistant will automatically download the update.

Method 4 – Use The Windows ISO File to Download Force Update Windows 24H2

If you prefer to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 offline, you can download and use the installation media (ISO file). The ISO file for Windows 11 24H2 can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Windows 11 download page”.
2. Scroll down to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image” section, choose Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO), and click on the “Download Now” button.

3. Choose your preferred language and region and click on the Confirm button.

4. Click 64-bit Download to download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file on your PC.

5. Once the download is complete, double-click the ISO file to begin the installation process.
6. Select “Not Right Now” for the “Get updates, drivers, and optional features” option, then click the Next button.
7. After the system checks your PC, you’ll see a message saying, “We are getting a few things ready.”
8. Confirm that your upgrade options are “Keep Files, Apps, and Settings”.
9. Click on the Install button, and the upgrade will begin.
10. Once completed, log in using your PIN, and the setup will finalize the upgrade.

Read Also: Ways to Fix Windows Upgrade Stuck on Checking for Updates Screen

Method 5 – Activate Windows Insider Program To Force Update Windows 24H2

The final method to force update your Windows OS to the 24H2 version is to join the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft offers this program, allowing users to receive early access to new features and updates for Windows 10 and 11 before they are released to the general public. This is done to receive user feedback and test stability and performance. 

Joining the Insider Program may download all the latest Windows updates, including unstable ones. Hence, this method is the last resort to force update Windows 24H2 and should be used if the above-mentioned methods do not work. And yes, you are right if you think the users who joined the Windows Insider Program a long time ago might have received Windows 24H2 long before October 1, 2024. Here is what you need to do.

1. Press Win + X to launch the Power menu and choose Settings.
2. Click on the Windows Updates tab in the left panel.
3. Next, click the “Windows Insider Program” option in the right section.
4. Then, click the “Get Started” button in the top right corner.
5. Now, you must Link an Account to join the Insider program.

6. Choose your Microsoft account and hit the Continue button.
7. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and click on Continue.
8. You will have multiple options. Please choose the “Release Preview” option and hit the Continue button.
9. Follow the steps with positive responses (Continue) to the next options and click the Restart Now button.

10. After your PC restarts, press the Windows key and type “Check for Updates.” Then, click on the relevant result with the same name.
11. Hit the “Check For Updates” button to find multiple updates, including 24H2.
12. Click the Download & Install button to upgrade your PC to the 24H2 version.
13. After downloading and installing Windows 11 version 24H2, return to the Windows Insider Program page in Settings and select Stop getting preview builds.
14. Click on Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows is released.

Bonus Tip – How To Rollback Windows 24H2

If you successfully upgraded to Windows 24H2 but face hardware/software compatibility issues, you can roll back to the Windows 23H2 version. Here are quick steps to do that –

1. Right-click on the Windows start button and choose Settings.
2. Click on the Windows Update tab in the left panel and then click on Advanced options on the right section.
3. Next, click on Recovery.
4. You will see a Go Back option if you recently upgraded your Windows to 24H2. Click on the button and follow the onscreen steps.
5. Wait for some time, and your PC will restart to Windows 23H2.

Have You Updated Your Windows To 24H2

We hope the above methods have been useful in updating your OS to the Windows 24H2 version. In the comments section below, please let us know which method helped you update your PC.

Read Also: What to Do When Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 10