Guide to Upgrading from Windows 11 23H2 to 24H2 on Unsupported Hardware

The recent launch of the Windows 11 24H2 update brings with it a slew of new features and enhancements, but upgrading from previous versions on unsupported hardware can be challenging. If you’re currently using Windows 22H2 or 23H2 and are looking to transition to this latest version without starting from scratch, our comprehensive guide will walk you through the upgrade process step-by-step. Let’s dive into the methods that enable you to successfully upgrade—without a fresh install.

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO

Start by opening your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page. Look for the section titled ‘Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices’. In the dropdown menu, select ‘Windows 11 (multi-edition) ISO for x64 devices’.

Scroll further down and click the ‘Download Now’ button to proceed.

Select your preferred language from the dropdown list and click the ‘Confirm’ button.

Finally, click on the ’64-bit Download’ button and wait patiently for the ISO file to download.

Step 2: Prepare the ISO for Installation

After the ISO download completes, open a new tab in your web browser and navigate to the designated page to download the required registry file.
Locate the section labeled ‘Option Two’ and click the ‘Download’ button to obtain the ‘Allow_upgrade_to_Windows11_with_unsupported_system_requirements.reg’ file.

Go to the Rufus website, a tool essential for creating your bootable USB drive. After navigating to the site, download the version that is compatible with your system.

Once Rufus has downloaded, open the application by double-clicking it—there’s no installation required!
Attach a USB drive (with a minimum of 16 GB free space) to your computer; it will appear in Rufus’s dropdown menu.

Next, click the ‘Select’ button on the right side and navigate to your downloaded Windows 11 24H2 ISO file to select it.

As you prepare, ensure that the ‘Partition scheme’ and ‘Target system’ settings align with your system specifications. Modify them as necessary using the dropdown options.

When ready, click the ‘Start’ button at the bottom of the window.

A critical pop-up will appear; ensure you check the box for ‘Remove requirement for 4GB + RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0’ before clicking ‘OK’.

Wait for Rufus to finish creating your bootable USB drive—it may take a while based on your hardware specs. Once done, don’t forget to copy the previously downloaded. reg file onto the USB drive.

Step 3: Installing Windows 11 24H2

To initiate the upgrade, right-click on the. reg file and select ‘Merge,’ or simply double-click it and confirm the action in the User Account Control dialog.

Restart your computer and press the designated boot key (typically one of F2, F10, F11, F12, or a combination of these) to access the boot options. Boot from the USB that contains the Windows installation files, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade process to version 24H2.

Alternate Upgrade Method

If the bootable USB route doesn’t work for you, an alternative method exists that skips USB preparation.

Return to the Microsoft Windows 11 download page to download the ISO as described previously.
Follow the steps to obtain the. reg file from the ElevenForum website.
Right-click the ISO file and select ‘Mount’.

After mounting, right-click the. reg file and select ‘Merge’, confirming the action in the User Account Control prompt.

Go to the mounted ISO’s folder, right-click on ‘Setup.exe’, and choose ‘Run as Administrator’.

Continue following the prompts to upgrade to version 24H2 while ensuring you keep all files and settings intact.

Key Considerations

Attempt to use Windows Update first—it’s the simplest way to upgrade if it’s available for your system, but it may not always function effectively for unsupported hardware.
Before proceeding, ensure you have your Windows license key handy; you may need it for reactivation after the upgrade process.
Note that Windows does not automatically erase your previous installation, which could be beneficial if the new version doesn’t perform as expected. If satisfied with the new version, you can remove the old installation and free up space on your storage drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without a clean install?

Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 using the methods outlined in this guide without performing a clean install, allowing you to retain your files and settings during the transition.

2. What if my computer is not compatible with Windows 11 requirements?

You can still upgrade by following the steps to create a bootable USB or using the alternate upgrade method, which allows installation even on unsupported hardware.

3. Will upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 remove my data?

No, the upgrade process is designed to keep your personal files intact. However, it’s always advisable to back up your important data before any major upgrade as a precaution.

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