How to Download Windows 11 24H2 for free

If you have Windows 10 PC or Laptop already and meet the Windows 11 minimum requirements then you can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 for free. The latest release from Microsoft introduces a range of new features and enhancements designed to improve security, connectivity, and user experience. Also, Windows 11 24H2 ISO images are available for download, the OS requires 64-bit processors so the ISO file is not being offered in the 32-bit version. Here this article explores How to download Windows 11 for free or upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10.

Check Windows 11 System Requirements

The latest Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for compatible devices only that meet minimum system requirements, supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and has the Secure Boot option in your BIOS. Here Microsoft officials recommend the minimum requirement for Windows 11 free upgrade.

  • CPU: 1 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
  • RAM: A minimum of 4 GB memory and 64 GB for free storage on the system drive (C drive)
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Support Secure Boot
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
  • GPU: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.

Windows 11 Home requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete the initial installation.

Also, you can run the PChealth check tool to ensure your PC meets minimum system requirements for Windows 11. This tool will check for compatibility issues and provide suggestions if any requirements are not met.

PC health check result

Here is a video explaining how to enable TPM and secure boot on your device for Windows 11 installation.

Here is the workaround if your device doesn’t have TPM 2.0 or does not meet the minimum system requirements. How to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.

How to download Windows 11 for free

There are different ways to download Windows 11 or upgrade for free. You can download Windows 11 version 24H2 from the Windows update or use the official Assistant to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Also, there is a Media creation tool to download the official Windows 11 ISO or Make it bootable to install Windows 11 from Scratch.

Note – If you’re still using an older version of Windows 7 or 8.1, you will first need to upgrade to Windows 10, and then you’ll qualify for the Windows 11 free upgrade.

Using windows update

If you have a Windows 10 PC or laptop that meets the minimum system requirement for Windows 11, you can download Windows 11 for free using the Windows update.

  • Press Windows key + S, search for Windows update and select the relevant result,
  • Ensure the latest Windows updates are installed on your Device,
  • If your PC is fully up to date and meets minimum system requirements, there are good chance it will already pushing the Windows 11 update on you
  • All you have to do is click on Download and Install button to get started.

  • Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection to download Windows 11 files from the Microsoft server.
  • Once done, reboot your PC to apply the changes and upgrade your PC to Windows 11 for free.

Using the Installation Assistant

Well if the Windows 11 free upgrade option is not available for your device, you can use the official  Installation Assistant to force download Windows 11 on your device.

  • First, visit the Windows 11 download page, and look for Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
  • Click the blue download now button, to save it on your local device.

Download windows 11 installation assistant

  • Now locate the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe, right-click on it select run as administrator,
  • Select Accept and Install to accept the terms and conditions, then begin the Windows 11 update process.

Windows 11 installation assistant license terms

  • This will start to download Windows 11 required files from the Microsoft server, it may take some time (depending on your Internet speed)

windows 11 installation assistant downloading

  • When the program is finished installing, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.

windows 11 installation assistant restart now

  • Your PC might restart several times during the process of finishing the installation, so don’t be alarmed. Just keep your PC on until everything’s done.

Using the Media Creation Tool

If you are looking to Download Windows 11 to perform a clean install from scratch or install Windows 11 on a new PC. You can use the Media Creation Tool to download the Windows 11 ISO file or make it bootable to perform a clean installation or use it for a different purpose.

  • First, visit the Microsoft Windows 11 download page, and click download next to the Create Windows 11 Installation Media option.

Windows 11 media creation tool

  • Locate and right-click on mediacreationtool.exe select run as administrator,
  • Accept the Microsoft terms and conditions, and click next.

Windows 11 Media creation tool Terms

  • Next, you need to choose your language and then the Edition of Windows 11 (Or leave it default recommended options)

Media creation tool language screen

  • From Here you can download the Windows 11 ISO or make it bootable media.

Let’s first see how to download Windows 11 ISO image file. 

Media creation tool select ISO file option

  • Select the ISO file option and click next, Now you will be asked where you want Windows 11 ISO to be downloaded, select a location then click on save.

Media creation tool save ISO

  • This will start to Download the Windows 11 ISO image file direct from the Microsoft server.

Media creation tool download windows 11 ISO

To make bootable Windows 11 media

First, connect a USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space. Also, backup data from that USB drive as it will formate and clear data before creating installation media.

  • Select the USB flash drive option and click next.

Media creation tool select USB flash drive

  • Select that USB from the list and if it is not listed make sure to click the refresh option and click next.

Select the USB flash drive

  • This will start downloading Windows 11 installation files, The download time depends on your Internet speed.

Downloading windows 11

  • Next, the setup will create Windows 11 media, Once the USB has been created click the finish button.

USB flash drive ready

Once the installation media is created, you can reboot your PC and boot to the USB drive to begin upgrading to Windows 11.

Direct download Windows 11 ISO files from Microsoft

Also, you can Download ISO file for Windows 11 version 24H2 to update your devices immediately or perform a clean install. It’s simple and easy to download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official
First Open your favorite browser and visit the Windows 11 download page.

  • Locate the section “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”,  Select “Windows 11” from the dropdown menu and Click on “Download“

Select Windows 11 ISO download

  • Next, Select your preferred language and Click on 64-bit download to begin the process.
  • The size of the ISO file is 5.4 GB, but it could be slightly lower or higher depending on the language pack you select.

Windows 11 ISO download 64 bit

If you’re planning to upgrade the existing hardware, make sure that you verify the configuration by visiting Settings > System > About.

Windows 11 24H2 Features

Lastly, what are the new features of Windows 11 version 24H2? The latest release introduces a range of new features and enhancements that enhance productivity, aesthetics, and user experience.

Wi-Fi 7 Support: The update includes compatibility with the next-generation Wi-Fi 7 standard, promising faster and more reliable wireless connections.

Bluetooth LE Audio Support: Windows 11 2H2 now supports Bluetooth LE Audio, which allows for high-quality audio streaming, especially beneficial for hearing aids and assistive devices.

Personal Data Encryption (PDE): You can now protect important folders like Documents, Desktop, and Pictures with user-authenticated encryption, adding an extra layer of security for your personal data.

Local Security Authority (LSA) Protection: This feature helps guard against threats that try to steal login credentials and secrets, further enhancing system security.

Wi-Fi Network Controls: This feature lets users manage which applications can access Wi-Fi networks on their devices, providing better control over network security.

Rust in the Windows Kernel: Microsoft is introducing support for the Rust programming language within the Windows kernel, boosting security and performance through more secure code.

SHA-3 Support: The update adds support for the SHA-3 cryptographic hashing algorithm, enhancing the system’s encryption capabilities.

SMB Protocol Changes: Several adjustments to the SMB networking protocol are included to enhance performance and security, making file-sharing across networks more efficient.

App Control for Business: Formerly known as Windows Defender Application Control, this feature has been rebranded. It continues to safeguard your apps, devices, and data against malicious code, helping businesses manage app security more effectively.

Windows Protected Print Mode: This eliminates the need for third-party software to support printers using the Morpia certification. It’s a streamlined way to securely handle printing without additional installations.

In addition to these, the update brings new management tools, an extended battery life feature, improved adaptive brightness, and enhancements to File Explorer’s context menu actions for a more seamless user experience.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.