Windows 11 2024 update begins rolling out today

Here's how to get a new version of Windows the right way:

1- Almost nobody needs to have a new version of Windows as soon as it's released to the public.

The only reason you need to receive the new version ASAP is if it fixes a specific problem your computer is experiencing, and you know that for a fact, because you read the detailed description of the new version on Microsoft's website, and you saw that it specifically addresses a problem your computer is experiencing.

2- Everyone else should delay receiving a new version of Windows.

If you have Windows Professional, and you are able to sign in to the Administrator account on your computer, you should launch the Group Policy Editor and set a policy to delay receiving new versions of Windows. Until Windows 11, I set a delay of 120 days before my computer was eligible to receive major updates. However, Microsoft has made significant progress in their ability to deliver new versions of Windows (and other major updates) so I shortened my delay to 90 days. For the duration of the delay, your computer will not be eligible to receive new versions of Windows.

This is a smart move because it is inevitable that a major update to a huge software project like Windows will have some problems, even with all the extensive testing that Microsoft performs. I'd rather let somebody else's computer stumble over those early problems.

While you're waiting to receive the update, you can read about it on Microsoft's own website and in the professional PC media (not "what's up YouTube?") so you can familiarize yourself with all the new and changed features. That way, when the update comes to you, you'll be ready for it.

3- Let the update come to you.

Microsoft releases new versions of Windows in waves of thousands of computers at a time. After each wave, Microsoft waits for telemetry from the installed computers that tells Microsoft how well the update is working out (or how lousy).

This process allows Microsoft to identify bugs early on, and get to work on fixing them. Microsoft can incorporate fixes in subsequent waves. The same method helps Microsoft identify platforms that are not likely to succeed with the new update, and these computers can receive a modified version of the update. Unfortunately, all this means that it usually takes between 4 and 6 months for all eligible computers to receive a new version of Windows. Nothing wrong with that.

4- Don't force the new version onto your computer.

If, instead of waiting for the update to come to your computer, you go to Microsoft's online catalog and install the update yourself, you are depriving your computer of all the safeguards Microsoft has built in to its distribution process. That simply doesn't make sense.

5- Backup every day.

This is something we all should be doing. Backing up every day is fast and easy (once you've learned how to do it) and it's the #1 best thing you can do for your computer. If a new version of Windows crashes your computer, in spite of all your efforts to prevent that from happening, just restore a backup from the day before and ta da - your computer has travelled back in time to when all was well.

I realize that what I have written above goes against the advice often dispensed here to get that shiny new update onto your computer as quickly as possible, no matter what. Nevertheless, I've never had trouble from an update on any of my computers, and the more I read about the mayhem that posters describe here in Microsoft Community, the more I believe that I just might be on to something. 😉

Although, I take nothing away from what you have written... I have worked as a Registered MS Beta Tester/Windows Insider for many years. And obviously, this prior to annual updates being released. So, it was my choice not to bother waiting for 24H2 to arrive via WU. Instead, using WUA/MCT moved to 24H2 on October 2nd and have had no regrets... have been enjoying it ever since.

Cheers,Drew![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/8667cd94-98c6-4f17-97bd-009080cef764?platform=QnA

Your point is well taken. However, most posters here have not been Registered MS Beta Tester/Windows Insider for many years. Microsoft Community has become a destination for people who have little or no understanding of technology, and little ability to help themselves.

Which is precisely why folks like me are here to help others.

And my only point was that because of being exposed to 24H2 as an Insider made me anxious to have it and that is why I did not care to wait for it via WU.

Cheers,
Drew![Image](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/9575be86-8133-4694-b1ad-147255b5cd06?platform=QnA