If you’ve been trying to somehow avoid the Windows 11 2024 Update, those days are over. Microsoft is now saying that mandatory Windows 11 24H2 updates have begun and the installation is lengthier than prior updates, so plan accordingly.
Microsoft’s status updates were made public on its “Windows 11 known issues and notifications” page, where the company said that it had reached a “new stage” in the roll out of the Windows 11 2024 Update.
“We have reached a new stage in the phased rollout of version 24H2. Eligible devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2 will be gradually updated to version 24H2,” Microsoft says, as noted by Bleeping Computer. “This automatic update targets only devices that are not managed by IT departments.”
Early adopters have had the chance to opt in to receive new updates almost as soon as they’re out, but this new stage has moved on to mainstream users. You still will be able to schedule the updates for outside of your working hours. If you do, simply make sure that your documents are saved and you’re not in the middle of an online process (such as shopping or possibly a license renewal at the DMV) that will be interrupted by the upgrade.
You’ll also have the option to postpone the update altogether, but only for a short time. (On my system, only a one-week delay is available.)
As noted in a link above, there are some fairly fundamental changes coming to Windows as part of Windows 11 24H2, — including support for USB4’s 80Gbps option, Bluetooth LE Audio for hearing aids, Energy Saver controls, and more — with some optional changes dropping this spring.
Those are the benefits, however. Any longtime Windows user will also recall videos taken by users whose Windows updates happened at inopportune times such as in the middle of TV broadcasts. Windows 11 24H2 is what Microsoft describes as a “full code swap.”
When I upgraded four different notebooks to Windows 11’s 2024 Update, each of the updates took over an hour. In other words, if you’ve become used to simply taking care of an update while you bought a cup of coffee, think again. I really haven’t noticed many major changes or bugs inside Windows 11 24H2, but it certainly pays to wait while Microsoft fixes them. That time is over and you should schedule an hour or two for Microsoft’s latest major feature update.
Author: Mark Hachman, Senior Editor, PCWorld
Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology. He has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers' News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room.