How to upgrade Windows 10 to 11 24H2

These are the three ways you can use to upgrade to the Windows 11 2024 Update.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 10 to 11 24H2 upgrade
Windows 10 to 11 24H2 upgrade / Image: Mauro Huculak

If you have a device running Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) for free using the ISO file, Windows Update, and Installation Assistant. The only requirement is that the hardware must meet the minimum requirements, you can continue the installation process.

Microsoft supports multiple upgrade paths. Once Windows 11 24H2 is ready for your laptop or desktop computer, you’ll receive a notification from “Windows Update” to proceed with the upgrade. However, you can also use the “Installation Assistant” tool to perform an in-place upgrade. You can also download the ISO file to upgrade it using a USB flash drive. You can also upgrade the system using a clean installation in six different ways.

It’s important to note that this process will perform a complete reinstallation of the operating system, which can cause issues during and after the installation. In my experience, a clean installation is the better approach. Even though it takes more time, you will likely experience less frustration. 

Also, depending on when you plan to upgrade, consider that Microsoft is gradually rolling out the new version, meaning that the feature update is still not fully compatible with every hardware and software configuration. If you want to make an informed decision, read my guide on whether you upgrade now or wait.

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to upgrade Windows 10 to the Windows 11 2024 Update in four different ways. 

Important: If you plan to upgrade an existing system, it is also recommended that you create a backup before proceeding. You have been warned.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 24H2 from Windows Update

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2 manually from Windows Update, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Windows Update.

  4. Click the “Check for updates” button.

    Windows 11 upgrade

  5. Click the “Download and install” button.

  6. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will proceed with the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 from Windows 10.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 24H2 from Installation Assistant

To upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 from Windows 10 with the Installation Assistant tool, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Support website.

  2. Click the Download Now button under the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section.

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

    Windows 11 Update Assistant

  4. Click the “Accept and install” button.

After you complete the steps, the system will upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 24H2 from ISO file

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2 from the ISO file, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Support website.

  2. Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section.

    Windows 11 ISO download

  3. Click the Download button.

  4. Select the installation language.

    Select ISO file language

  5. Click the Confirm button.

  6. Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file on the computer.

    Windows 11 x64 ISO download

  7. Open File Explorer.

  8. Right-click the ISO file, select the Open with submenu, and choose the Windows Explorer option.

  9. Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane.

  10. Double-click the Setup file to begin the upgrade process.

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

    Windows 11 setup update options

  12. Select the “Not right now” option.

    Disable updates during installation

  13. Click the Next button.

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

    Media Creation Tool settings

  15. Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will be upgraded to the new version of the operating system. Since this is an in-place upgrade, you won’t need to complete the initial setup because your previous settings, apps, and files will migrate automatically to version 24H2.

Update October 12, 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].