How to Install/Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (Earlier Preview)

On February 8, 2024, Microsoft released a major update to the Canary and Dev Channels with build 26052, which is the first official release of Windows 11 24H2. In its release note, Microsoft said Builds starting with 26-xx are labeled as version 24H2. This means this year’s annual feature update focuses on version 24H2.

Windows 11 24H2 brings a series of new features including Sudo for Windows. If you want to try the early preview, this guide shows you how to install Windows 11 24H2 preview. Let’s get to the point.

How to Get Windows 11 24H2 Preview

Before Proceeding

If you plan to upgrade the current system to an early preview of Windows 11 2024 Update, we strongly recommend you to create a backup before proceeding. This is primarily because installing pre-releases of Windows could lead to issues including data loss. Besides, Windows 11 24H2 ISO early preview download & clean installation can erase your files & folders.

To prevent data loss, run the PC backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker for data backup. This program helps you easily back up files, folders, Windows, partitions, and disks. Get it and run it, go to Backup to choose the backup source & target, and start the backup task.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

To know details on PC backup, refer to this guide – How to Backup PC to External Hard Drive/Cloud in Win11/10.

In addition to backup, make sure your PC meets Windows 11 24H2 system requirements. Then, take measures to install Windows 11 24H2 preview.

Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 Early Preview via Insider Program

If you are a member of Windows Insider Program, you can directly download and install 24H2 in Windows Update. If not, follow these steps to get Win11 24H2 preview:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.

Step 2: Click Get started > Link an account and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 3: Choose Canary Channel or Dev Channel, and then restart the system.

Step 4: In Windows Update, you can see the latest preview of Windows 11 24H2 (like Build 26052) listed. Then, download and install it on your PC.

Windows 11 24H2 ISO Download Early Preview & Install

How can you download the ISO file for the 24H2 preview build? Microsoft offers you the official website to get build 26-xx to install the major update.

Step 1: Visit the Download Windows Insider Preview ISO page and scroll down to the Select edition section.

Step 2: Choose a build and a language, then tap on the 64-bit Download button to get Windows 11 24H2 ISO early preview.

Step 3: Download Rufus, open this tool on your PC, connect a USB flash drive to the device, choose the downloaded ISO file, and create a bootable USB drive.

Step 4: Boot your PC from this USB drive and then enter the Windows 11 Setup interface, choose language settings & keyboard settings, and check Install Windows 11 under Select setup option.

Step 5: Click I don’t have a product key and choose a Windows 11 edition.

Step 6: After accepting the terms, select a location to install Windows 11 24H2 preview. Then, click Install to begin the process.

Verdict

That’s a full guide on how to install Windows 11 24H2 preview. To try this build earlier than others, update it via Insider Program or download Windows 11 24H2 ISO (early preview) and perform a clean install. Hope this post can help you a lot.