Microsoft lists Windows 11, version 26H2, as the current 2026 release. Download it from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page, choosing Windows Update or Installation Assistant for the PC you use, or installation media/ISO when you need a clean install, another computer, or a bootable USB or DVD.
Version 26H2 became generally available on September 29, 2026, but Microsoft is offering it through Windows Update in phases. Not seeing it yet does not by itself indicate a faulty PC or failed download.
Choose the right Windows 11 26H2 download method
| Situation | Recommended route | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Updating the PC currently in use | Windows Update when offered, or Installation Assistant | The offer is phased. Installation Assistant requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, a Windows 10/11 licence, 9 GB of free space and an x64 processor. |
| Installing on another compatible x64 PC | Media Creation Tool or the official ISO option | A USB drive used by the tool is erased, and the target PC must meet Windows 11 requirements. |
| Preparing media for an Arm PC | Follow Windows Update eligibility and notification guidance | Microsoft’s Installation Assistant and Media Creation Tool are x64-only. |
| Choosing physical media | Blank USB drive of at least 8 GB, or a blank DVD and burner | USB contents are deleted. A dual-layer DVD may be required if the ISO is too large for a standard disc. |
Download the official Windows 11 26H2 ISO
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Open Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. Use Microsoft’s page rather than a third-party ISO mirror; the page’s selection flow and temporary download address can change by location.
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Find the section for creating Windows 11 installation media or downloading an ISO. Select the language and edition requested by the page. When upgrading an existing installation, use the same language as the current Windows installation where Microsoft requires it.
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Choose the ISO download option and save the file to a location with enough free space. The ISO is the complete installation image and can later be written to a USB drive or DVD.
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If you need a bootable USB instead, choose the Media Creation Tool option. Select the language, Windows edition and 64-bit architecture, then select the USB flash drive. The tool creates x64 media only.
Make and use a bootable USB drive
Before creating the drive
- Use a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity.
- Copy anything you need from the drive elsewhere first. Microsoft’s creation process deletes its contents.
- Back up documents and the current PC before installing Windows.
Boot from the USB
- Connect the installation USB to the target computer.
- Restart the computer and open its boot menu, or change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI. The required key varies by manufacturer.
- Select the USB storage device and continue through Windows Setup.
- After installation, restore the normal boot order if you changed it, so the computer starts from its internal drive.
Use an ISO to create DVD media
Microsoft says the ISO can be used to create bootable DVD media. You need a blank DVD of at least 8 GB and a DVD burner; a higher-capacity dual-layer DVD may be necessary when the image does not fit on a standard disc. USB media is usually the more practical choice on modern PCs.
Rank #2
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Check compatibility before installing
Windows 11 requires a supported 64-bit processor. Microsoft’s hardware requirements also include a processor running at least 1 GHz with two or more cores, a supported x64 or ARM64 instruction set, and a TPM 2.0-compliant component enabled by default. Supported processor lists and specifications can change, so check Microsoft’s current Windows 11 device requirements rather than relying only on an older requirements document.
- Confirm that the PC has a qualifying Windows licence or is an eligible Windows 10 device.
- Check the device maker’s current Windows 11 drivers and firmware.
- Back up important files and, for a full installation, make sure you have recovery information for the existing system.
- Verify the installation language and edition before proceeding.
Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Such a device can have compatibility problems, lose manufacturer or Microsoft support, and may not be entitled to updates.
Windows Update versus the 26H2 ISO
Version 26H2 uses the same servicing foundation as versions 25H2 and 24H2. Eligible existing 25H2 systems can move to 26H2 with a small enablement package when Microsoft offers it. The ISO remains the appropriate route for manual installation, bootable media, or systems outside that in-place offer.
Rank #3
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
- [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
Microsoft’s initial Windows Update offer targets eligible Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices whose users enabled Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available. Rollout expansion can take months, so downloading installation media is not required merely because Windows Update has not offered 26H2 yet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Version, build and support dates
Microsoft’s release-information table listed build 26300.9550 for 26H2 at the time of the September 29, 2026 release entry. Cumulative updates can produce a newer build after you download or install the media; the build number is therefore a dated reference, not a permanent property of every ISO.
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|---|---|
| Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations | October 10, 2028 |
| Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise and Enterprise multi-session | October 9, 2029 |
Microsoft’s Home and Pro lifecycle information also identifies 26H2 as the last version supporting Snapdragon 850 processors. Confirm the edition and processor before applying a lifecycle date to a particular device.
Check release-health notices before setup
As of Microsoft’s September 29, 2026 release-health status, three reported issues were marked mitigated: loss of or failure of multichannel sound on some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, sign-in or trust problems on some domain-joined devices using Credential Guard-protected machine accounts, and black screens or desktop-loading problems for some virtual desktop users. These statuses can change, so review the live release-health page immediately before installing.
Quick Recap
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