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You can upgrade a compatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 26H2 with Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or use installation media or an ISO for other needs. First confirm the PC meets Windows 11 requirements, back up your files, and check Microsoft’s current release-health notices. The 26H2 rollout is phased, so the availability of an update through Windows Update is not the same as eligibility for these installation methods.
Before you upgrade: check compatibility and release status
Having Windows 10 does not by itself mean a PC can run Windows 11. Check the device against Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements and installation guidance, and check the PC maker’s compatibility and driver information. The Installation Assistant checks hardware compatibility before it offers installation.
Microsoft identifies Windows 11 26H2 as the current release on its download page, checked October 7, 2026. Its release-health page says 26H2 reached general availability on September 29, 2026, with a phased rollout that expands over the following months. The specific rollout notice covers eligible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices with “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” enabled; it is not a promise of an automatic Windows 10-to-26H2 offer. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 26H2 release-health page for current issues and safeguard holds before proceeding.
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Choose the installation method that fits your PC
| Method | Use it when | Key constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Installation Assistant | You want to install on the compatible PC you are using. | Requires a Windows 10/11 license, Windows 10 version 2004 or later, at least 9 GB free space, administrator access, and an x64 processor. It does not support Arm-based PCs. |
| Media Creation Tool | You need bootable media for a reinstall, clean install, or another PC. | Requires a qualifying device/license and a blank USB flash drive of at least 8 GB or a DVD. Creating media erases the selected USB or DVD. The tool’s media is x64. |
| ISO mounted in Windows | You want to start an operating-system upgrade from the current Windows installation without booting from USB or DVD. | Mount the ISO in Windows and run setup.exe. Check device eligibility and release information before starting. |
Microsoft describes the Installation Assistant as “the best option for installing Windows 11 on the device you’re currently using.” For an Arm-based PC, Microsoft advises waiting for a Windows Update notification or using the Arm ISO path rather than the x64 assistant or media tool.
Prepare Windows 10 for the upgrade
- Confirm the installed Windows version and PC eligibility. The Installation Assistant requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Check the Windows 11 requirements and the computer maker’s compatibility and driver guidance; do not assume the PC qualifies just because it runs Windows 10.
- Back up your files and save your work. Microsoft recommends backing up the PC before installation.
- Check free space and account access. The Installation Assistant requires at least 9 GB free disk space and administrator access. Make sure you have a valid Windows 10 or Windows 11 license.
- Review release health. Check the current 26H2 known issues and safeguard holds on Microsoft’s release-health page before starting.
Upgrade this PC with the Installation Assistant
- Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Run the assistant as an administrator. Let it check hardware compatibility; if the PC does not pass, do not treat an unsupported installation as a routine workaround.
- Accept the license terms, then select Accept and Install.
- When prompted, select Restart Now. The PC may restart several times. Do not turn it off during installation.
Create installation media or upgrade from an ISO
Create bootable media
Use this route when preparing a reinstall, clean installation, or installation for another PC. You need a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB, or a DVD. Creating the media erases its contents, so copy anything you need from the selected drive first.
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- 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)
- On Microsoft’s download page, choose the option to create Windows 11 installation media and run the Media Creation Tool.
- Follow the prompts to choose the language, edition, and architecture, then create the media. Microsoft’s tool creates x64 media; it is not the appropriate route for an Arm-based PC.
- Use the media for the intended compatible PC. Before a clean installation or reinstall, make sure important files are backed up.
Start an upgrade from an ISO
Microsoft also provides an ISO option. In Windows, mount the ISO and start setup.exe to perform an operating-system upgrade without booting from USB or DVD. Check compatibility and the current release-health information first; an ISO does not make an ineligible PC supported.
After installation
Once Windows 11 is installed, open Windows Update and check for updates. Consult the PC maker for any additional drivers that the device needs. If setup is blocked or the PC fails a compatibility check, use Microsoft’s requirements and the maker’s support information to identify the specific limitation rather than bypassing the check.
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- [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.
What Windows 10 users should know about support
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs continue to work, but Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. See Microsoft’s Windows Update Assistant and Windows 10 support notice.
Why not install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?
Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on a device below the minimum requirements can cause compatibility issues, leave the PC unsupported and ineligible for updates, and may affect warranty coverage. Verify eligibility before installing rather than relying on an unofficial bypass.
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