How to install Windows 11 24H2 without USB using ISO

You can always launch the Windows 11 2024 Update install process from the ISO file without using an USB bootable media.

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Windows 11 24H2 ISO install
Windows 11 24H2 ISO install / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To install Windows 11 24H2 from an ISO file without USB, right-click the ISO file and choose “Mount,” open the virtual drive, and double-click “Setup.exe” to start the upgrade or clean install process.

UPDATED 10/2/2024: You can always mount the ISO file to File Explorer and launch the setup process to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without the extra USB bootable media steps. This works for devices already running Windows 11 or any supported version of Windows 10.

Although it’s possible to use a USB flash drive to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade, if you don’t have a USB flash drive (or the one you have isn’t working),  you can also mount the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file to launch the setup without any physical media.

In this guide, I will teach you how to perform a Windows 11 24H2 upgrade or clean installation without a bootable USB or Media Creation Tool.

Important: This process will delete everything on your device. It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned. Windows 11 24H2 is available starting on October 1, 2024.

Install Windows 11 24H2 mounting ISO on File Explorer

To install Windows 11 24H2 without a USB flash drive, use these steps:

  1. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.

  2. Open File Explorer.

  3. Open the folder location for the ISO file.

  4. Right-click the Windows ISO file and select the Mount option.

  5. Select the mount drive from the left navigation pane.

  6. Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade process.

  7. Click the Accept button (if applicable).

  8. (Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

    Windows 11 setup update options

  9. Select the “Not right now” option.

    Disable updates during installation

  10. Click the Next button.

  11. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

    Media Creation Tool settings

  12. Click the Install button.

    Quick tip: Alternatively, you can click the “Change what to keep” option, select the “Nothing” option instead, click the “Next” button, and then click the “Install” button to perform a clean installation.

Once you complete the steps, the new version of the operating system will be installed on your computer. In the case that this is an in-place upgrade, the wizard will skip the initial setup because all your settings, apps, and files will transfer automatically to the new installation.

You can also follow these instructions in my video tutorial on my YouTube channel. (Remember to like and subscribe.)

Update October 2, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.

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 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].