How to Install Windows 11 24H2 with Low Storage - 3 Methods

Updated by

Oliver 

Written by

Sherly 

Updated on Oct 31, 2024

Ever since its release in 2021, Microsoft has continued to update Windows 11 with new builds at regular intervals. The latest is the 24H2 update, which has introduced many new features and overhauled many old ones. Installing this upgrade can be exciting and keep your system up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. However, users have reported various issues that have become hindrances to the updating procedure.

One common challenge many users face is the issue of low storage space, as this update requires quite a bit of it. This article will explore three effective for how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage. Each method is carefully explained, making it easy to follow along and ensure your Windows 11 installation goes smoothly.

Overview of Windows 11 24H2 Installation

Installing this latest update comes with several considerations, especially regarding system requirements and available storage. As the latest version of Windows, 24H2 brings exciting new features to significantly enhance your computer experience. However, understanding the installation process is crucial for a smooth upgrade. Many users have questions about storage needs, compatibility with unsupported PCs, and whether it's possible to install the update with insufficient disk space.

For those looking to dive deeper into how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage, here are some key points you should explore. These will help you dispel unfounded doubts and give you a clearer path toward getting the new update.

1. How many GB do you need to install Windows 11 24H2?

Knowing the exact storage requirements is essential before starting the installation. Major updates such as this one overhaul the OS, so you will need to have at least 64GB of free storage space on your computer.

2. How do you install Windows 11 24H2 on an unsupported PC?

Even if your PC doesn't meet official specifications, there are ways to proceed with the installation. However, ensure you review the Windows 11 24H2 system requirements to get the basic idea. If low disk space is the issue, this article provides solutions. Click the link if your PC can't run Windows 11 24H2.

3. Is it possible to install Windows 11 24H2 when there is insufficient disk space?

That can certainly be done, and we'll guide you through methods to work around the storage limitation in this article. It will introduce you to a powerful to utilize every last bit of your computer's storage.

If the insufficient space issue occurs on the System Reserved Partition, this page can help: 📖Windows 24H2 Update Error 0x800F0922

Be sure to share it with others who might be facing similar challenges if you find this guide helpful. Doing that will ensure that others don't have to go through as much trouble as you did.

How to Install Windows 11 24H2 with Low Storage

There are several effective methods to make room for the new version, even on devices with limited capacity. Running out of space can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to halt your upgrade. Outlined below are the three possible solutions for how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage:

Method 1. Extend the Target Partition - Easiest

As you cannot afford to upgrade your storage drive, the only choice left is to utilize all possible unallocated space. The quickest way to do so will be to employ EaseUS Partition Master, which is known for its robust disk management features. It lets you increase the available storage on the drive where Windows will be installed without having to delete important files.

Its "Extend Partition" feature allows you to add unallocated space to your target partition, making more room for the installation. You can do it two ways, the first one being utilizing the current space in your drive to extend the available space. If you don't have unallocated space available, you can shrink a different partition to free up room.

This method also allows you to take space from other drives and allocate it to the partition where the update will be installed. It is the simplest and fastest way to increase disk space for your installation, ensuring a smooth upgrade. Explained below are the elaborate instructions for how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage via this software:

Option 1. Extend System C drive with unallocated space

1. 1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move".
2. 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space so to add it to the C: drive. And click "OK". 
3. 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to execute the operations and extend the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space

1. 1. Right-click a big partition with enough free space on the system disk, select "Allocate Space".
2. 2. Select the system drive at the Allocate Space From (*) To section, and drag the end of System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm.
3. 3. Click "Execute Task", it will list the pending operations, and click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend System Drive without Unallocated Space.

With EaseUS Partition Master, you can easily extend the destination partition by merging unallocated space or shrinking other partitions. This makes it the perfect tool to ensure you have enough space to install Windows 11 24H2 without hassle.

Method 2. Use Two USB Flash Drives

While it may seem unconventional, this method can offset the lack of storage space for the new update. You have to use two USB flash drives for the installation to offload some of the installation data to external storage.

Before proceeding, it's essential to make all the necessary preparations for installing Windows 11 24H2 with low storage. Ensure your USB flash drives are ready, and double-check that you've backed up important data.

Stage 1. Create Windows 11 24H2 USB Flash Drive

To start, you will need to get two flash drives with at least 16GB in size and two free USB ports on your PC. After connecting one of the drives to the computer, follow these steps to create Windows 11 USB:

Step 1. Commence by accessing the official Windows 11 download page to get the Windows Installation Media using "Download Now." Once it is downloaded, launch it and agree to the terms via "Accept."

Step 2. Next, choose the desired language and Windows edition and tap "Next" to select the "USB flash drive" option. Following that, press "Next" to choose the flash drive you connected to click "Next." Lastly, utilize "Finish" to let the process of creating a bootable drive to install Windows start.

Stage 2. Install Windows 11 24H2

Once the procedure to create the Windows 11 flash drive is complete, the next part is to install it on your system. Given below are the in-depth instructions for how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage:

Step 1. Connect your empty flash drive to the computer along with the Windows 11 flash drive and access the bootable USB in Windows Explorer. From the drive's contents, launch the "Setup.exe" file and click "Next."

Step 2. On the "Setup needs space to update" screen, select your empty USB drive with the help of the "External Storage Device" option. Afterward, click "Next" and clear extra storage space from Recycle Bin, Downloads, and Storage Use if you want.

Step 3. Now, press "Refresh" followed by "Next" to utilize the "Install" option to start the installation process. To ensure that everything is up to par, follow the on-screen prompts with care.

Method 3. Run Compact Commands

If the previous methods are not feasible, there is still a way you can try. You can also install Windows 11 24H2 by running compact commands. This method reduces the size of system files, allowing you to fit the installation onto a drive with limited space. Be mindful that tinkering with system files can have dire consequences if done improperly. Elaborated below is how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage:

Step 1. Begin by ensuring that the Command Prompt is launched with admin privileges through the use of "Run as administrator." Now, run the "compact.exe /compactOS:always" to compress the operating system files and free up disk space.

Step 2. Once you've compressed the files, proceed with the standard installation process using the bootable USB flash drive. You can reverse this procedure after the update or otherwise through the "compact.exe /compactOS: never" command.

Conclusion

In summary, figuring out how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage doesn't have to be a daunting task. This article explored three effective methods to overcome storage challenges, and each method provides a practical solution. They all offer a way for users to deal with space constraints during the upgrade process.

Of these options, using EaseUS Partition Master to extend your target partition is the easiest and most reliable. It streamlines the process of gaining additional storage without the need for external devices or complex commands. These perks make it the recommended choice for a hassle-free installation.

FAQs About Install Windows 11 24H2 When There Is Not Enough Space

When you don't have enough free space and want to get the latest OS update, you might have some queries. Described below are the answers to some FAQs about how to install Windows 11 24H2 with low storage:

1. What is the minimum space required to install Windows 11?

You need at least 64GB of free storage to run this version of OS on your PC. However, having more space available is recommended for the best experience and to avoid issues. This is due to the installation process requiring additional room for temporary files and system updates.

2. Can I Install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware from USB?

Yes, you can do that even if Microsoft doesn't offer support for these devices. You can bypass the hardware check using different methods to modify the installation files to allow the upgrade on unsupported PCs.

3. Should I update from Windows 11 22H2 to 24H2?

Upgrading from an older version to a newer one is highly recommended if your system meets the requirements. The 24H2 update brings essential improvements, enhanced features, and better security. If your storage is limited, following the methods in this article will help you complete the upgrade without any issues.