The Windows 11 2024 update is here (24H2) and you can download the 24H2 ISO or create a bootable media using the Media Creation Tool. The ISO and bootable media will help you upgrade your machine to the latest version or clean install Windows 11 for a fresh start. Whatever your choice, in this tutorial, I’ll show you the steps to download Windows 11 24H2 ISO and create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool, an official program provided by Microsoft. Let’s get started.
Before You Being
- You need administrator rights to use the Media Creation Tool.
- You cannot choose a specific version while downloading Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool. Instead, the tool will automatically download the latest version.
Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO via Media Creation Tool
- Open the Media Creation Tool download page.
- Click the Download button under the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
- Double-click on the downloaded exe file.
- Click Accept.
- Select Use the recommended options for this PC checkbox and click Next.
- Choose the ISO file option and click Next.
- Select a folder to save the ISO file and type a name in the “File name” field.
- Click Save.
- The tool starts downloading the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
- Once done, click Finish.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, open the Media Creation Tool download page, scroll down to the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section, and click the Download button. This action will download the media creation tool to your downloads folder.
After downloading, open the File Explorer (press Windows key + E), go to the Downloads folder, and find & double-click on the media creation tool’s exe file.
Read the notice and click Accept to continue.
Select the Use the recommended options for this PC and click Next.
Note: If you want to change the Language and Edition on Windows 11 24H2, uncheck the checkbox and select them as needed.
Choose the ISO file option and click the Next button to continue.
Go to a folder where you want to save the downloaded ISO, type a name of your choice in the “File name” field, ensure the “Save as type” is set to ISO File (*.iso), and click the Save button.
That’s it. The Media Creation Tool starts to download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file. The ISO file will be around 5 GB (Gigabytes). So, sit back and wait till the download is complete. If needed, you minimize the application and proceed with your work.
Once the download is complete, the tool shows where the ISO file is saved. Click the Finish button to close the application.
To verify, open File Explorer (press Windows key + E) and go to the folder where the ISO file is saved. You should see the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
Double-clicking on the ISO file will mount it as a DVD drive allowing you to browse the ISO or initiate the upgrade process. Alternatively, you can use Rufus to create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive.
Create Windows 11 24H2 Bootable USB Drive via Media Creation Tool
In addition to downloading the ISO file, you can also create a bootable USB drive directly using the Media Creation Tool. Here’s how.
Important note: The USB drive should be 8 GB or higher and empty. If you have files in the USB drive, back them up. The below process will format the drive.
- Plug the USB drive into your computer.
- Open the Media Creation Tool download page.
- Click the Download button under the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
- Double-click on the downloaded exe file.
- Click Accept.
- Select Use the recommended options for this PC checkbox and click Next.
- Choose the USB Flash Drive option and click Next.
- Select the USB Drive and click Next.
- The tool starts downloading the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file.
- Once done, click Finish.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, plug in the USB Drive into your computer.
Next, go to the Media Creation Tool download page and click the Download button under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section.
After downloading, open the Downloads folder in File Explorer (press Windows key + E) and double-click on the media creation tool’s exe file.
Read the notice and click Accept to continue.
Select the Use the recommended options for this PC and click Next.
Note: If you want to change the Language and Edition on Windows 11 24H2, uncheck the checkbox and select them as needed.
Choose the USB Flash Drive option and click the Next button.
Choose your USB drive from under the “Removable Drives” section and click the Next button.
Important note: This action will format the USB drive.
That’s it. The Media Creation Tool will now download Windows 11 24H2 ISO and automatically create a bootable USB drive.
Once done, click the Finish button.
To verify, open the File Explorer (press Windows key + E) and select This PC on the sidebar to see the new bootable USB drive. To upgrade or clean install, keep the drive plugged in and reboot your computer. It will boot into the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11 24H2.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
