Microsoft recently announced that it has begun rolling out Windows 11 24H2 as a mandatory automatic update.
Windows 11 24H2 update has proved to be problematic for many users and, as I’ve pointed out in an earlier article, the update mainly consists of new and/or improved features that are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, with very little for traditional PCs.
Because of those factors, I’ve previously recommended that the update should be put off for as long as possible. However, it seems that Microsoft has now taken that option away, or at least drastically shortened the time frame.
If you don’t have updates paused, Windows 11 24H2 will be automatically installed on your computer and once it starts you’ll have no choice but to let it complete. You’ll still be able to delay the update for a short period of time if you pre-emptively pause updates, but you can only pause updates once and for a maximum of 5 weeks.
- Please read: What’s New In Windows 11 24H2
Windows 11 24H2 Update’s Full Code Swap
Windows 11 24H2 is not your normal everyday update as it involves a complete code swap, somewhat akin to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, and as such it can take quite some time to complete. Depending on the PC’s specs it can take anything up to an hour to one and a half hours.
I’ve previously stated that I won’t be installing the 24H2 update until I absolutely have no choice, and my stance on that has not changed. Windows 11 23H2 does not reach end-of-support until November 11, 2025, and in my opinion, force-feeding the 24H2 update well before that date once again displays Microsoft’s dictatorial approach, taking decisions out of the hands of the end user.
I am running two Windows 11 PCs. On one I am already receiving a notification that the 24H2 update is ready to install but, for the time being at least, I can easily dismiss that notification. On the other, I have yet to see any such notification.
Many users will likely be in the same boat but as the rollout proceeds, the Windows 11 24H2 update is likely to pop up at any time. In the meantime, I have paused updates on both my Windows 11 installations and shall continue to do so until I cannot pause them any longer.
I’ll leave you with a quote from a comment submitted by one of our readers in response to an earlier 24H2 article: “My goodness, with all these changes I feel that I am not in overall control of my computer”
Amen to that!
What about you? Will you accept the automatic update or take steps to delay it?
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Since Windows 10 has not suffered the numerous issues in Win 11 24H2 “upgrade”, consider reverting to the more stable OS. (Of course, after Oct 2025, one should switch to another OS, e.g., Linux.)
Hey Adelaide,
Unfortunately, for a large number of Windows users, particularly those who require a specific software or are heavily into gaming, Linux is not a viable alternative.
Right now Jim , I am dual booting Windows 10 and Zorin OS , just to hone my Linux skills for when Windows 10 is no longer viable.
I am pretty much done with Microsoft and it’s BS. I will pretty much be damned if I am going to let them dictate when I have to purchase new hardware when I know I do not have to just so I can run their OS and I know there are others that feel the same.
Those that are running Windows 11 trying to avoid the 24H2 update are gonna have it crammed down their throat whether they want it or not …. The forced update is on it’s way.
“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time” – Abraham Lincoln
Hey Ed,
Yes, I have no doubt there are many who share your frustration with MS.
Hello Jim. Ever since you informed us of the WAU Manager, I use it and am able to pause the Window up-dates for multiple 5 week times on my Windows 11 laptop. Just checked and maybe Feb 25, 2025 that forced issue might present itself. Thanks for the heads up, Mindblower!
Good point MB. Thanks for mentioning WAU Manager which provides excellent measures to avoid and/or delay unwanted updates.