Windows 11 24H2 Annual Feature Update Available for Testing

Microsoft has released the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 or 2024 Update to Release Preview channel for testing purposes. The same Windows 11 feature update will be released to public later this year.

In this article, we’ll discuss what’s new in this Windows 11 version 24H2 and how to download and install it right now in your computer system.

Please note that it’s a testing build released for interested Windows users who want to early test the new features and changes. The final version of Windows 11 24H2 will be released for public use at the end of this year. We’ll post a new article and update this article when the final Windows 11 24H2 version arrives to public.

Windows 11 24H2 is the Next Annual Feature Update

Microsoft releases one feature update for Windows 11 every year and 24H2 is the name of the upcoming feature update for Windows 11. It’ll be released to public in Q4 of this year, most probably between September-November. The exact release date will be announced by Microsoft in coming months.

Feature updates can be considered as service packs which bring many new features, changes and improvements to Windows 11 operating system. One feature update is released by Microsoft every year for Windows 11.

Microsoft has released 2 feature updates for Windows 11 in past. The first feature update was labelled as 22H2 (2022 Update) and was released in September 2022. The second feature update was labelled as 23H2 (2023 Update) and was released in October 2023.

Now the third annual feature update is going to release later this year and will be known as Windows 11 24H2 or 2024 Update.

Windows 11 24H2 Released to Windows Insiders on Release Preview Channel

Before releasing the next major feature update to public, Microsoft has released it to testers or insiders on Release Preview channel. Windows Insiders are users who register for Windows 11 testing program. They receive early testing builds of Windows 11 before the general availability.

These testing builds might contain bugs and issues. Insiders submit bug reports and feature requests to Microsoft which helps Microsoft in fixing known issues and making Windows 11 feature update ready to release to public.

The build number of Windows 11 24H2 released to Release Preview channel is build 26100.712. If everything goes smooth, the same build will be released to public later this year. If some more bugs or issues are reported during testing phase, Microsoft will fix them and will release the new updated build to public.

Microsoft was testing Windows 11 24H2 build since long time on Dev and Canary channels and many people were using and testing them.

Download Windows 11 Dev Insider Preview Build

Download Windows 11 Canary Insider Preview Build

How to Download and Install Windows 11 24H2 Build on Your Device?

If you want to stay on safe side and want to use Windows 11 24H2 as primary OS, you should wait for a few months until Microsoft releases it to public. But if you want to test drive the 24H2 version right now, you can register or sign into Windows Insiders program and install Windows 11 24H2 right now.

You’ll need to join Microsoft’s Insiders program. Following article will help you in joining the Insider program:

Windows 11 24H2 Insider Preview Build Released to Release Preview Channel

Once you register successfully, you’ll be able to install the testing build by clicking on “Check for Updates” button present on Windows Updates page.

What’s New in Windows 11 24H2 or 2024 Update?

Here are the new features and changes which will be a part of the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 version:

• New windowed mode for Copilot AI: It’ll be pinned as an app to the taskbar so that users will be able to resize, move, and snap the window.
• Ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer (in addition to ZIP)
• Scrollable view of the quick settings flyout from the taskbar
• Support for Wi-Fi 7
• Sudo for Windows
• Energy saver
• HDR background support
• Rust in Windows kernel
• Voice clarity
• Improvements for connecting Bluetooth Low Energy Audio devices
• Bugs fixes and improvements

PS: New AI-powered features such as Recall (or timeline) are not available in this build. These features will be available to Copilot+PCs (also known as AI PCs) at public launch time.

Please note that Cortana, Tips, and WordPad apps are deprecated/removed after upgrading to Windows 11, version 24H2.

If you want to learn about each and every small or big change present in the upcoming 24H2 version, following exclusive changelog articles will help you:

Windows 11 Dev Insider Preview Builds Changelog

Windows 11 Canary Insider Preview Builds Changelog

We regularly update the above mentioned changelog articles to include new features and changes found in newer builds of Windows 11.

Download Windows 11 24H2 Offline ISO Files for Clean Installation

You can also download standalone offline ISO files of Windows 11 24H2 to perform a fresh or clean installation. Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 24H2 offline ISO files which can be downloaded from following article:

Download Windows 11 Insider Preview Build Offline ISO Files

Also Check:

[FAQ] Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware Devices

How to Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive with Hardware Requirements Check Disabled