Windows11 Home and Pro 23H2 needs to be Upgraded Now
You heard that right! The Redmond crew have mandated that you upgrade your Windows 11 Home or Pro version to version 24H2 or newer. Your head is probably still spinning from upgrading Windows 10 PC’s last month. We’re right there with you, but it’s already time to upgrade again!
But Why?
You need to be on a supported version of all software because it gets support, bug fixes, and security patches.
Good News: It’s free!
At least give me some good news: it’s free! If you already have Windows 11 you should be able to get the upgrade for free. Start by going to the Settings App, and then select Windows Update on the left side menu towards the bottom. Check for updates and make sure you get at least 24H2 feature update or the latest 25H2 update.
More Great News for Oak City IT clients
Those who have our managed services you already have the needed updates on all your PC’s! Huzzah! We have already directly contacted you if you don’t have managed services to perform the upgrades yourself. Read more about the recommended preparations below if you still need to upgrade. If you need help with anything reach out to us and we’d be happy to help.
Not So Fast My Friend…
While it’s free and a straightforward process we have noticed there can be errors with major updates to Windows OS. As a result, we highly recommended that you take a few steps to prepare before doing the upgrade. As an added bonus these steps are good to do anyways to protect your data and PC’s.
Preparing Your PC
- Have a backup in place. We as well as Microsoft recommend using the “Windows 7 Backup and Restore” Tool. You will need an external Hard Drive with at least the same storage as your system drive (C:\) has.
- To determine how much storage your system has go to the Settings App > System > Storage and Local Disk C: will show it at the top.
- When you are ready to proceed with the backup, open the tool by holding the Windows key and press the R key on your keyboard. In the run dialog window that pops up type out: control /name Microsoft.BackupAndRestore from there you should setup your external Hard Drive to have the backup copied to it. Be sure to copy all files and a system image so that you can fully restore your PC. Once setup allow it to run fully. Make sure your PC stays powered on while it runs. We recommend Installing the free tool Windows Caffeinated and opening it up and activating it to keep your PC on and awake through the entire procedure.
- When you do the upgrades, start with the Windows Update method listed above. Go to Settings > Windows Updates > Check for Updates > Install 24H2, 25H2 or newer feature upgrade.
If that Doesn’t Work
- If things don’t go as planned, open the Backup and Restore tool and restore to that backup you made.
- If necessary, you can install a “fresh” copy of Windows by downloading the latest to a USB drive with at least 8 GB space. We recommend getting the ISO file and using Rufus to make the installer USB due to Microsoft making it nearly impossible to make a local user account in the latest versions. From there you can reboot to the USB drive (often by tapping the F12 key, but double check with your PC manufacturer’s guide or any on screen message for Boot Menus) and then re-install Windows 11 from that disk.
- If the USB thing is too much you can use the Windows Installation Assistant which you just download and run, or the Windows Media Creation Tool both of which are provided for free by Microsoft.
What is a Microsoft Account Anyways?
We highly recommend not to use the personal “Microsoft Account” and instead setup a local system user. This gives you better control, privacy, and security of your PC. It is your PC after all, and we wish Microsoft would better honor your ownership. To do so on Windows 11 24H2 when it prompts you to login with your Microsoft Account hold the shift key and press F10 then in the command window type: start ms-cxh:local only and press enter. This should allow you to create a local-only user account on your system that you fully own and fully control. On 25H2 you will need to use the Rufus tool above and make sure to select the setting that hides the option for a Microsoft online account.
Lastly, despite Microsoft attempting to clarify their accounts they still are confusing. When we or Windows Setup refer to your Microsoft Account we are talking about an online account that is a consumer-level service. If you or your organization purchase Microsoft 365 services (which provide email and Office, Word, Excel, Etc.) this is an entirely different account that you can either have automatically setup or manually connect to later. We are only advising against the use of personal Microsoft accounts for their full control of your Windows 11 PC. If you have a Microsoft 365 Account with your work or school, you should definitely still use that with your local user account. We wish this were clearer and easier to navigate, but Microsoft makes the Operating System Windows, therefore they make the rule. We just attempt to make it as easy as possible to understand and work with them.