To create a Windows 11 24H2 bootable USB, select a trusted 24H2 ISO in Rufus, choose settings that match the target PC’s firmware, and write the image to a blank USB drive. Back up the drive first: Rufus erases its contents. Microsoft’s current download page offers Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2), so don’t assume it or Rufus can still provide a 24H2 ISO.
Before you begin
- A working Windows PC with internet access and administrator access if needed.
- A blank USB flash drive. Microsoft specifies at least 8 GB for its media-creation workflow; a larger drive, such as 16 GB, gives extra headroom.
- A Windows 11 24H2 ISO for the target device’s architecture, obtained from a trusted source.
- A backup of anything on the USB drive. Microsoft warns that its media-creation process deletes all content on the flash drive; Rufus also formats and writes to the selected drive.
Use an x64 ISO for an x64 PC and an Arm64 ISO for a Windows-on-Arm device. Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool creates x64 media only; Microsoft’s Arm guidance points to an Arm64 ISO and a tool such as Rufus. Device-specific drivers or manufacturer recovery media may be needed for some Arm devices.
Get the correct Windows 11 ISO
Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page identifies Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2, as the current release. The research checked for this guide did not verify that a 24H2 retail ISO remains available through Microsoft or Rufus. If you specifically need 24H2, confirm that the ISO is an official image from a trusted source before using it. Rufus can download official Windows retail ISOs through its download control, but availability of a particular older release is not guaranteed.
Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share a servicing branch, according to Microsoft. Version 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026; Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 12, 2027. These dates are edition-specific, so check Microsoft’s release information for your edition.
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Download and open Rufus
Download Rufus from the official Rufus website. Choose a build that matches the computer running Rufus. Rufus lists Windows 8 or later as its host requirement.
Create the Windows 11 24H2 bootable USB
- Back up the USB drive and connect it to the PC running Rufus. Disconnect other removable drives if practical.
- Open Rufus and confirm the intended drive in the Device field. Check its name and capacity carefully.
- Click SELECT and choose the Windows 11 24H2 ISO. Rufus can use the ISO directly; do not extract it first. Alternatively, use Rufus’s DOWNLOAD control if it offers the official image you need.
- Set the target system and partition scheme to match the target PC. Determine whether it boots using BIOS or UEFI; don’t assume one setting works for every computer.
- Review any Windows User Experience customization options Rufus presents. Do not assume these options remove every Windows 11 hardware requirement.
- Click START, verify the selected USB again, and confirm the data-erasure warning.
- Wait for Rufus to report completion, then safely eject the USB drive.
Match Rufus settings to the target PC
Rufus’s guidance is to determine whether the target computer uses BIOS or UEFI and set the target system accordingly. The appropriate partition scheme depends on that firmware choice. If you are unsure, consult the computer manufacturer’s documentation rather than selecting a universal GPT or MBR setting.
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Understand Rufus bypass limits
Rufus may offer Windows Setup customization options, but they do not make unsupported hardware supported. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on a device below minimum requirements can cause compatibility issues and leave it unsupported and without update entitlement.
Windows 11 24H2 requires the processor features PopCnt and SSE4.2. Rufus’s FAQ says these requirements cannot be bypassed because they are needed for critical code. A valid Windows license may also be needed; a digital license does not require manually entering a product key.
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Boot the target PC from the USB
- Back up important files on the target PC before installing or reinstalling Windows.
- Insert the USB into the target computer and restart it.
- Open the one-time boot menu or firmware settings. Common keys include F2, F12, Delete, and Esc, but the correct key varies by manufacturer.
- Select the USB device and follow Windows Setup. For device-specific boot instructions, consult the manufacturer.
If the USB does not appear, check that the media settings match the target firmware and consult the device maker’s instructions. Secure Boot settings may matter on some systems.
Rufus and Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool
| Consideration | Rufus | Microsoft Media Creation Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Versioned ISO | Lets you select an ISO you already have; its download control may offer official retail images, but older-version availability is not guaranteed. | Uses the media Microsoft currently makes available; the current download page presents 26H2. |
| Architecture | Can create media from an appropriate ISO, including Arm64 media when used with an Arm64 ISO. | Creates x64 media only. |
| Firmware settings | Provides controls that should be matched to the target PC’s firmware. | Provides Microsoft’s media-creation workflow rather than Rufus’s settings interface. |
| USB contents | Formats and writes to the selected drive; back it up first. | Microsoft warns that all content on the flash drive will be deleted. |
FAQ
Can I still download a Windows 11 24H2 ISO?
The research checked for this guide did not verify that a 24H2 retail ISO remains available from Microsoft or through Rufus. Microsoft’s current download page presents 26H2. Confirm the source and version of any ISO before writing it.
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Can Rufus create a bootable USB from the ISO directly?
Yes. Select the USB and ISO in Rufus, match the settings to the target PC, then start the write. You do not need to extract the ISO first.
Will Rufus bypass all Windows 11 hardware requirements?
No. Rufus may offer setup customization options, but Windows 11 24H2’s PopCnt and SSE4.2 processor requirements cannot be bypassed. Microsoft also warns that unsupported installations may have compatibility problems and no update entitlement.
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Does creating the USB erase its contents?
Yes. Rufus formats and writes to the selected USB drive. Back up any files and verify the device before confirming.
Can I use an x64 ISO on a Windows-on-Arm PC?
No. Use an Arm64 ISO for an Arm device. Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool creates x64 media only; its Arm guidance points users to Arm64 media and tools such as Rufus.
Which Rufus settings should I choose?
Choose settings that match the target PC’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. Check the computer manufacturer’s documentation if you are unsure.
Quick Recap
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