Windows 11 now auto-downloads the 24H2 update, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has now taken the great, big Windows 11 24H2 update into its final rollout phase, many months after it first debuted. According to a May 2nd status update on this support page (spotted by Windows Latest), this major update is automatic for consumers.

More specifically, users on Windows 11 Home or Pro versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 that aren’t managed by an IT department will automatically download the 24H2 update. The only exception is if your particular device has been blocked from receiving 24H2 due to a safeguard hold, which can happen if your PC has a software or hardware element that’s known to cause problems with Windows 11 24H2.

Windows 11 normally only downloads the 24H2 update after you’ve searched for it in Windows Update or if your system is configured to auto-update. Now it’ll be delivered to your system even if you haven’t checked for updates, and even if you explicitly don’t want it. This is in line with Microsoft’s earlier move to make Windows 11 24H2 mandatory.

Microsoft writes the following in the status update:

“Windows 11, version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, is broadly available. We have reached the last phase of the gradual rollout for version 24H2 via Windows Update on Settings.”

And further:

“Devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the update to version 24H2 automatically. You can choose the time to restart your device or postpone the update.”

Affected users will be notified by Windows Update when the 24H2 update is being downloaded and about to be installed. You’ll be allowed to postpone (but not refuse) the upgrade as well as choose when it actually gets applied to your PC. It’s unclear how often and how long you’ll be able to keep postponing the 24H2 update.