Microsoft starts force upgrading Windows 11 22H2, 23H3 devices

​Microsoft has started the forced rollout of Windows 11 24H2 to eligible, non-managed systems running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.

According to the company's Lifecycle Policy site, Windows 11 23H2 will reach the end of support in October 2025, while Windows 11 22H2 Home and Pro have already reached it in October 2024.

"We have reached a new stage in the phased rollout of version 24H2. Eligible devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, versions 23H3 and 22H2 will be gradually updated to version 24H2," the company said in a Thursday update to the Windows release health page.r

"This automatic update targets only devices that are not managed by IT departments. Users can choose the time to restart their device or postpone the update."

Also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, Windows 11 24H2 began rolling out in October as a full operating system swap to eligible devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.

If you don't want to wait for the automatic upgrade, you can manually check if the update is available by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking 'Check for updates.' If your device is ready for the update, you'll see the option to "Download and install" Windows 11 24H2.

Those who want to be among the first to get the latest feature updates can also go to Settings > Windows Update and enable the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option.

If you're not ready to install the Microsoft-recommended 24H2 upgrade, you can also pause the update from being downloaded and installed from Settings > Windows Update by selecting the amount of time you'd like to pause the updates. However, you must install the latest updates after reaching that time limit.

Microsoft has also applied some safeguard holds to prevent the Windows 11 24H2 feature update from being offered to systems with incompatible configurations or software.

These include PCs with Auto HDR enabled, running Dirac audio improvement software, Asphalt 8 (Airborne)and Assassin's Creed games, some ASUS devices with an integrated camera, or running the Safe Exam Browser and the Easy Anti-Cheat applications.

Redmond also provides a step-by-step guide and a support document to help users resolve problems encountered during the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade process.