After lots of testing and preview builds, finally, Today October 1 2024, Microsoft started roll out Windows 11 2024 update (Version 24H2). This is a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, existing Windows 11 and new PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 worldwide. The latest Windows 11 version 24H2 brings several new features and changes, including Copilot+ PC exclusive features, Wi-Fi 7 support, enhanced accessibility with Bluetooth LE Audio, streamlined File Explorer, and AI-powered features for Copilot+ PCs, along with improvements to the system tray, taskbar, and power management.
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Windows 11 System requirement
The company already revealed the basic requirements for running Windows 11. It requires a processor that has two or more cores and a clock speed of 1GHz or higher, along with 4GB RAM and at least 64GB storage.
- Windows 11 needs a PC that runs Intel’s 8th-generation or newer processor or AMD Zen 2 CPUs or higher.
- Another requirement is that your CPU should have TPM 2.0 enabled.
- You need to ensure your PC has at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (HDD or SSD).
- You also need to have at least a 9-inch display with a 720p resolution.
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics cards with WDDM 2.x is recommended by Microsoft.
- The system firmware should be capable of using UEFI and Secure Boot.
Also, to make it easier, Microsoft has released an official Windows 11 system compatibility check tool called PC Health Check. Download it from its official site here, and run it on Windows 10 to find out if your PC is compatible or not. If the tool gives you the go-ahead, this is how you can get Windows 11.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11?
If you have a device that meets the above system requirements or have recently purchased a Windows 10 machine, chances are that you may have the option to upgrade to Windows 11 right away. Here’s how to do so:
- First, back up your important data on either the cloud or an external drive.
- Now, on your Windows 10 PC, go to Settings, followed by navigation to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update and then Check for Updates.
- The Windows 11 update will be available if it is rolled out to your device. If it is, click Download and install.
- It’s a huge update and you need a good internet connection to download Windows 11 update files from the Microsoft server.
- Restart your PC for the installation process and configure settings as prompted on the screen.
Note: If your device meets the minimum system requirement for Windows 11 but you aren’t seeing the Windows 11 update available, then don’t get disheartened as Microsoft will take some time to roll out Windows 11 to all PCs.
Later today, Microsoft will also make Windows 11 available for download via installation media and tools like the Upgrade Tool.
If you are an existing Windows 11 user, open settings -> Windows update and hit check for updates.
If you see Windows 11 version 24H2 is available, click on downlaod and install. Here is Microsoft’s official video how to Install Windows 11 2024 update version 24H2.
What’s new in Windows 11 24H2?
This update touches nearly every aspect of the user experience, introducing powerful new AI capabilities (especially on dedicated hardware), refining core functionalities like File Explorer and the Taskbar, enhancing performance and security, and more.
Artificial intelligence is a central theme in version 24H2, particularly with the introduction of “Copilot+ PCs.” These new machines, equipped with powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs), unlock exclusive AI-driven features.
Live Captions gets a major AI boost, offering real-time translation for audio and video from over 40 languages directly on the device. Windows Studio Effects, accessible via Quick Settings, provides enhanced camera effects like improved background blur, portrait lighting, eye contact correction, and creative filters.
Apps like Paint gain Cocreator to help turn sketches into generated images, while the Photos app incorporates Image Creator and Restyle Image for AI-powered photo generation and editing. Gaming and applications can also benefit from Auto Super Resolution, an AI upscaling technique to improve frame rates.
File Explorer receives several welcome upgrades in version 24H2. it gains native support for creating and extracting various archive formats, including 7z and TAR, reducing the need for third-party utilities. You can now also drag files between folders using the address bar breadcrumbs, making file navigation more intuitive. The context menu (right-click menu) has been refined with clearer labels and larger buttons for common actions like copy, paste, and rename. Additionally, PNG files now support viewing and editing metadata directly within File Explorer.
Microsoft has worked on making the update process faster, potentially reducing installation times and CPU usage during monthly updates, along with smaller update sizes. Users with devices running ARM processors (like Snapdragon) should experience better performance and potentially improved battery life.
Furthermore, a new Energy Saver mode offers more aggressive power-saving options, including automatically lowering screen brightness, to help extend laptop battery life. The system also provides tailored Energy Recommendations to help users further optimize power consumption.
The latest Windows 11 added support for modern connectivity standards by introducing support for Wi-Fi 7 (requiring compatible hardware) for faster speeds and lower latency. Sharing Wi-Fi networks is also made easier with the ability to generate and scan QR codes for network credentials. Bluetooth LE Audio support is enhanced, improving experiences particularly for users with compatible assistive hearing devices.
How to download Windows 11 ISO
If you are looking to download Windows 11 ISO, you can get it from the Microsoft official site by following the steps below.
- Open your favorite browser and visit the official Windows 11 download page here
- Locate the section, Download Windows 11 disk image (ISO), and select Windows 11 from the dropdown menu.
- Click on download, it will ask for select the preferred language, then click on 64-bit download to being the process.
Note: The size of the Windows 11 ISO 64bit file is 5.4 GB, but it could be slightly lower or higher depending on the language pack you select.
How do I get Windows 11?
The easiest way to get Windows 11 is by checking Windows Update on a supported, fully up-to-date Windows 10 PC
Do I need to pay for it?
Windows 11 is a free upgrade to all eligible Windows 10 devices.
What does my PC need to be eligible or “supported”?
Windows 11 requires a dual-core 64-bit processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB free storage space, UEFI secure boot and a trusted platform module (TPM) enabled.
How to check my PC is eligible for Windows 11?
The easy and simple way to check if your device is compatible with Windows 11 is to download the official Microsoft PC Health Check app.
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