Windows 11 24H2 update now available to all

Final rollout, automatic updates, hidden hurdles: Microsoft now brings Windows 11 24H2 to all justified devices. Owners of older Windows 11 versions get the update automatically – provided your hardware meets the new minimum requirements.

Windows 11 24H2 reaches the final rollout phase

Microsoft has on May 2, 2025 the last phase of distribution of Windows 11 24H2 update. The feature update, which is also known as “Windows 11 2024 Update”, is now available to all legitimate users. If you have a compatible Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can download and install the update via settings> Windows Update> Find updates.

The distribution of the update had already started in October last year, but was carried out in several waves as usual in order to identify and remedy possible problems at an early stage. This staggered delivery has so far not been able to receive the update.

Automatic update for older versions

According to Microsoft, devices with Windows 11 version 22H2 and 23H2 in the home and pro editions, which are not managed by IT departments, are now automatically received to version 24H2. Users can choose the time for the necessary restart themselves or move the update. “We recommend that you switch to version 24h2 to try out the latest Windows innovations,” says Microsoft on his support website. The company has also updated the status for Windows 11 23H2 from “General” to “after about nine months from” General “to Windows 11 version 24H2”.

Hardware requirements and hurdles

But: Furthermore, not all devices can receive the update. With Windows 11 24H2, SSE4.2 is introduced as a compulsory requirement for the CPU. Most processors from around 2009 support this command. In older hardware configurations, well-known tricks no longer help to avoid the hardware requirements.

Existing Safeguard Holds

There are also so-called “Safeguard Holds” compatibility blockades that Microsoft sets up when known problems exist with certain hardware or software configurations. Affected users will only receive the update when they are canceled. Incompatible drivers can also prevent the installation.

Despite its broad availability, the Windows 11 24H2 update is not free from problems. In the past few months, users have reported loss of performance and also occasionally about data losses. However, Microsoft has already addressed many of these problems with subsequent updates.