- To prevent problems during Windows 11 24H2, you can do several things, including creating a backup, uninstalling conflicting apps, freeing up space, repairing system components, choosing different upgrade methods, and reverting back to the previous version as necessary.
If you plan to upgrade to any of the supported versions of Windows 11, including version 24H2, 23H2, or 22H2, you can use several recommendations for a successful installation without issues (or at least minimizing more problems).
Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) is the next significant refresh of the platform, rolling out to compatible devices on October 8, 2024. Since this is a new version, the upgrade process will require complete reinstallation, meaning you want to make some preparations to avoid problems and errors during and after the installation.
It’s always recommended to upgrade to a new version of Windows to maintain support, increase security, and access new features, but the installation can also cause problems. Also, unexpected errors and bugs could always happen during the early days of the rollout, as the development process to build an operating system compatible with many different hardware and software configurations is always challenging. (It should not be difficult for a trillion-dollar company, but it seems that is the case.)
In this guide, I will outline the steps I usually follow to prevent problems and errors before and after installing a new version of Windows. These recommendations focus on version 24H2, but they still apply to previous versions, including versions 23H2, 22H2, and even the original release (version 21H2).
Prepare and install Windows 11 24H2 without problems
- 1. Create a full backup of the system and files
- 2. Uninstall conflicting apps to prevent problems
- 3. Install Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update
- 4. Free up space to avoid issues during the upgrade
- 5. Repair Windows Update to download Windows 11 24H2
- 6. Disable metered connection to download Windows 11 24H2
- 7. Disconnect peripherals to avoid upgrade problems
- 8. Resolve Windows 11 24H2 common upgrade errors
- 9. Upgrade from any version to Windows 11 24H2 manually
- 10. Roll back to the previous version of Windows
1. Create a full backup of the system and files
If you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 from version 23H2, 22H2, or 21H2 (original), perform a temporary full backup of the computer to help recover files or the entire system if necessary. You should always create a full backup before making any system changes to have a way to revert to a previous version if something goes wrong.
To create a full backup of Windows 11, open the “System Image Backup” settings in the Control Panel, click on “Create a system image” from the left pane, select the backup external storage destination, and start the backup process. This guide provides complete instructions for backing up your computer.
A separate file backup is also recommended, but at least you should create a backup of your files to protect your pictures, videos, and other content from any problem.
You can use File History, Windows Backup (legacy), or OneDrive to create a file backup. The complete instructions for creating a file backup are available in this guide.
2. Uninstall conflicting apps to prevent problems
Windows is making it tougher to upgrade if it detects apps that can potentially cause security risks, performance issues, or other problems. For example, in the case of version 24H2, the operating system is blocking the upgrade on devices with popular third-party customization apps, such as StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher.
If you have one of these customization apps or a third-party antivirus or other security software, it’s recommended that you disable or temporarily uninstall them before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. Programs designed for older versions of Windows can also cause problems. If you suspect a program may cause compatibility issues, uninstalling it is the best option.
You can always reinstall them after the upgrade, but consider that the operating system may still block some apps from being installed.
You can uninstall programs from Settings > Apps > Apps & features, click the Uninstall button for the app to remove, and follow the on-screen directions (if applicable).
You can use these instructions to remove different types of apps using different methods from your computer.
3. Install Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update
Windows 11 24H2 provides multiple upgrade paths, but the recommended approach is using the Windows Update settings. Typically, you shouldn’t rush the upgrade during the early days because it may not be fully compatible with your hardware and software configuration.
If you want to upgrade with Windows Update as soon as the Windows 11 2024 Update is ready, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch, and click the “Check for updates” and “Download and install” buttons to trigger the manual installation.
If the new version is not downloading, the update may not be ready for your computer configuration. If so, you can use alternative upgrade methods, including the “Installation Assistant,” ISO file, or USB bootable media.
However, you will likely run into issues if the update is unavailable through Windows Update.
The rule of thumb is to wait at least a few months before upgrading to avoid errors and other problems.
4. Free up space to avoid issues during the upgrade
Windows 11 includes the “Reserved Storage” feature, which sets aside part of the available storage in advance to process updates. However, you may still come across storage problems trying to complete the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade, even when the feature is enabled, such as error 0x80070070 – 0x50011, 0x80070070 – 0x50012, or 0x80070070 – 0x60000.
Storage problems are common on computers with limited hard drive capacity. To avoid issues, ensure the computer has at least 64GB of space from Settings > Storage.
If the laptop or desktop lacks storage space, use these recommendations to delete temporary and other unnecessary files. You can also connect an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space (larger is recommended) that the system can use temporarily to perform the upgrade.
5. Repair Windows Update to download Windows 11 24H2
When Microsoft launches a new version of its desktop operating system, it may take some time before it becomes available for your device. However, the problem could sometimes be the “Windows Update” service on your computer.
If your device isn’t receiving the feature update because of an issue with the Windows Update settings, you can reset the system components to resolve stuck updates trying to download. If you cannot fix the problem, the “Installation Assistant” tool could be an alternative approach to installing version 24H2 after it becomes available.
Alternatively, you can also proceed with a clean installation of the operating system.
6. Disable metered connection to download Windows 11 24H2
A network connection configured as “metered” will prevent the feature update from downloading through Windows Update.
If you have a wired or wireless connection configured as metered, you will need to disable the feature to remove the block from Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), selecting the network and disabling the “Set as metered connection” toggle switch.
7. Disconnect peripherals to avoid upgrade problems
Storage devices (such as USB flash drives and external hard drives), cameras, and printers can cause issues during an installation. It’s best to disconnect any peripherals from the computer to avoid problems upgrading to version 24H2. You only need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internet connection during the installation.
Bluetooth can also cause issues. If you have a device using this wireless technology, disable it before upgrading from Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn off the Bluetooth toggle switch.
8. Resolve Windows 11 24H2 common upgrade errors
If you stumble upon a problem, chances are that someone else already had the same issue. You should note the error and search online to determine if other people have the same problem and what workaround they are using.
Microsoft provides information, status, and possible solutions for problems in the Windows 11 health dashboard. (You must choose “Windows 11” and the version number from the left navigation page.)
In addition to those unexpected errors and bugs in the Windows 11 24H2 development, the system can produce many known problems that are just part of the upgrade process. For example, an error code that begins with 0xC1900101 (for example, 0xC1900101 – 0x20004, 0xC1900101 – 0x2000c, 0xC1900101 – 0x20017, 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, 0xC1900101 – 0x3000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x4000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x40017) is typically a driver error.
The error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C means an app is incompatible with the upgrade. 0x80070070 – 0x50011 (0x50012 or 0x60000) is another common error, and it typically means insufficient space to complete the update.
It could also be the case that there are problems with the current setup that prevent it from proceeding with the upgrade. If this is the case, you have multiple ways to repair the current Windows 11 setup. You can use the DISM and SFC command tools to fix problems with the local image and then use the image to repair system files, or you can use the reinstallation method through Windows Update.
Once the problems are resolved, you can proceed with the upgrade to the new version.
9. Upgrade from any version to Windows 11 24H2 manually
When the problem isn’t the feature update but something with the computer, the best way to proceed is to use a clan installation and reconfigure your settings, reinstall the apps, and restore the files from a previous backup.
To proceed with a clean installation of version 24H2, you have to create a USB bootable media to launch the setup from startup. Then, choose the installation language and format, keyboard and input, choose the “Install Windows 11” option, confirm that the process will delete everything on the computer, click the “I don’t have a product key” option, delete the current setup, click the “Next” and “Install” buttons.
These instructions will guide you on every step to complete the clean install process of version 24H2.
You can also try an in-place upgrade by mounting the official ISO file and running the setup. Using the method will preserve your apps, settings, and files.
If you are not ready for Windows 11 24H2, you don’t have to do anything to block it since it’s only available as an optional update.
10. Roll back to the previous version of Windows
When the new version of the operating system is causing problems that you can’t resolve, and it’s negatively affecting your experience, you should consider rolling back to the previous version until the company releases a fix for the problem.
If you still have access to the desktop, you can try this from the Settings app or revert to version 23H2, 22H2, or an older version from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
To uninstall the Windows 11 2024 Update from your computer, open Settings > System > Recovery, click the “Go back” button, and continue with the wizard to complete the process.
If the computer isn’t booting correctly, start it directly into WinRE by interrupting the startup two times to load the recovery environment. Then, open Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates, click on “Uninstall latest feature update,” sign in with your account, and continue with the on-screen directions. You can use these instructions to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Regardless of your chosen method, this process usually takes only several minutes.
Conclusion
Always remember that upgrading to a new version is never a good idea as soon as it becomes available. It’s best to wait a couple of commutative updates (around two months) to ensure you will install a new version with the fewest issues.
In my years of using the operating system, I’ve seen many issues during and after an upgrade, but these recommendations will help you avoid most problems.
Since I rely on my computer for work, I don’t upgrade immediately after a new version becomes available. Instead, I usually wait for at least three cumulative updates before upgrading. However, since I work with multiple testing devices, it’s easier to determine when a feature update is acceptable to install.
Also, while I prefer a clean installation over an in-place upgrade, depending on how long I had the same setup and the significance of the new version, sometimes I would simply proceed with an upgrade through Windows Update.
Here’s a tip you probably don’t hear often. If you proceed with an in-place upgrade, something happens, and you have to roll back to the previous version. When the time comes to upgrade again, it’s recommended to proceed with a clean installation because you will have issues during and after the upgrade.
Are you having any issues upgrading to the latest version of Windows 11? If so, leave a comment.
Update April 10, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
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 15 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 21 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].