In his coverage, Sergiu Gatlan reported that Microsoft has begun forcibly rolling out Windows 11 version 24H2 to eligible and unmanaged devices, specifically the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.
Based on the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy site, support for Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions ends in October 2024, while version 23H2 will be supported until October 2025.
“We have entered a new phase in the phased rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2.” Eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 will gradually be updated to version 24H2,” said Microsoft in an update on the Windows release health page.
This automatic update only applies to devices not managed by the IT department, and users can choose the time to restart or postpone the update.
Also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, version 24H2 began rolling out in October as a full operating system update for devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.
For users who want to get the update immediately, you can check the availability manually through Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If your device is ready, the “Download and install” option for Windows 11 24H2 will appear.
To get the latest features earlier, users can also enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” option in the Windows Update menu.
If you are not ready to install the Windows 11 version 24H2 update recommended by Microsoft, you can pause the update through the Settings > Windows Update menu, by selecting a specific duration. However, once the pause period ends, you must install the latest update.
Microsoft has also implemented a number of safeguards to ensure that the Windows 11 version 24H2 update is not offered to devices with incompatible configurations or software.
This security includes:
- PC with Auto HDR active.
- Device running Dirac audio software.
- System with games like Asphalt 8 (Airborne) and Assassin’s Creed.
- Some ASUS devices.
- Devices with integrated cameras or those running the Safe Exam Browser and Easy Anti-Cheat applications.
Microsoft also provides step-by-step guides and support documents to help users troubleshoot issues that arise during the upgrade process to Windows 11 version 24H2.