Windows 11, version 24H2 is the current feature update, and devices can move to it from Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2. For a device still on 21H2, the practical upgrade path is an in-place upgrade to 24H2.
Recommended order:
- Check whether Windows Update offers the upgrade:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If the device is ready, the feature update will be offered there.
- If Windows Update does not offer 24H2, refresh the compatibility assessment first:
- Open Task Scheduler.
- Go to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience.
- Right-click Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser and select Enabled.
- Right-click it again and select Run.
- Wait a few minutes, restart the PC, then check Settings > Windows Update again.
- This helps determine whether a safeguard hold is blocking the upgrade.
- If the upgrade still is not offered, use an in-place upgrade with the Windows 11 ISO:
- Download the Windows 11 multi-edition ISO.
- Right-click the ISO and select Mount.
- Open the mounted drive and run Setup.exe.
- Continue through setup and make sure Keep personal files and apps is selected.
- This upgrades Windows while keeping apps, settings, and data.
Important notes:
- Windows 11, version 24H2 is a full OS swap and is not available as an enablement package.
- Devices must be running Windows 11, version 23H2 or 22H2 with the May 2024 nonsecurity preview update, or a later update, installed in order to update to version 24H2 through that supported path.
- If a compatibility hold exists, Windows Update can show that the upgrade is on its way and that no action is needed yet.
- Do not try to force the update with Installation Assistant or media tools if the device is blocked by a known safeguard hold, because Microsoft specifically advises waiting until the issue is resolved.
If Windows Update says the PC is up to date but it is still on 21H2, the ISO in-place upgrade is the most direct method mentioned for getting to 24H2 while preserving files and apps.
- Windows 11, version 24H2 update history
- Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications
- What's new in Windows 11, version 24H2
- Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 24H2
- How do I get windows up date to start working? Windows 11. - Microsoft Q&A
- update from 21H2 - Microsoft Q&A Windows 11 won't update from 21H2. windows update says you are up to date but also says you are missing important security updates.
- Why hasn't my Surface Laptop 4 ever updated Windows 11 to 22H2 or 23H2 and why do I get an error message when checking for updates? - Microsoft Q&A