How to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 with Installation Assistant

The Installation Assistant let's you force version 24H2 on Windows 11 as soon as it's available.

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@Pureinfotech
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Installation Assistant
Installation Assistant / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, download and launch the “Installation Assistant,” click the “Accent and install” button, and click the “Restart” button.
  • The tool is expected to be updated to upgrade devices to version 24H2 in October 2024.
  • The June 18 release is only for Copilot+ PCs, not for existing devices.

Microsoft offers the “Installation Assistant” to upgrade from version 23H2, 22H2, or 21H2 (original) to Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update). In this guide, I will explain how to force the latest version of the operating system using this tool.

Although the company recommends upgrading a device using the “Windows Update” settings, sometimes the feature update may not appear using this method, or the download may get stuck, making it impossible to switch versions.

The Installation Assistant is a tool designed to update computers to the latest version of Windows 11 when problems with the “Windows Update” settings or another unknown reason occur, excluding hardware or software compatibility issues. However, you can also use it to force (in this case) the Windows 11 2024 Update installation. The tool works for existing devices running Windows 11 or any supported version of Windows 10.

Important: Windows 11 24H2 is expected to be released sometime in October for existing devices. These instructions are meant for when the feature update is available, not before. It’s important to note that on June 18, the new version will only be available for the new Copilot+ PC, not existing devices. If you try to use the Installation Assistant before the update is available, it won’t download version 24H2. At the time of this writing, you can download the latest preview with these instructions.

Windows 11 24H2 Installation Assistant tool

To force Windows 11 24H2 on your computer with the Installation Assistant, use these steps:

  1. Click the “Download Now” button from the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section on the Microsoft software support download page.

  2. Double-click the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file to launch the tool.

  3. Click the “Accept and install” button to begin the installation.

    Windows 11 Update Assistant

  4. Once the tool confirms that the hardware and software configuration are compatible, the Windows 11 24H2 files will download to the computer.

  5. Click the Restart button to complete applying the installation.

The Installation Assistant should take less than an hour to complete the process regardless of the device.

It’s never recommended to upgrade a device during the early days of the rollout or when the computer isn’t getting the update automatically through the “Windows Update” settings because it might indicate that the hardware isn’t fully compatible. However, if it’s been some time since the update was available and the device is stuck with an older version, you can use the tool to upgrade manually.

Also, before proceeding, use this guide to avoid problems and errors during the upgrade process. In addition, while the tool offers a non-destructive installation process, creating a full backup before making system changes is recommended.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].