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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDownload the Windows 11 26H2 ISO from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. In the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section, choose an edition, submit the selection, choose a language, then download the generated image. Microsoft currently identifies version 26H2 as the Windows 11 2026 Update; check the page before downloading because its current-release listing and generated links can change.
Choose the right Windows 11 download route
An ISO is useful when you need installation media, a clean installation, a virtual machine, or an image you can mount to start setup. You may not need one just to update a supported PC.
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| What you need | Official route | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Download an installation image | Choose the ISO option on Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page. | The public ISO selection is for x64; Microsoft provides a separate Arm64 ISO option. |
| Create installation media with a USB drive or DVD | Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for x64 media, or use the ISO to prepare media. | The Media Creation Tool does not create Arm installation media. Creating media erases the contents of the selected drive. |
| Upgrade the PC you are using | Microsoft recommends the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for the current device. | It works only on x64 processors and requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, a Windows 10 or 11 license, and 9 GB of free disk space, according to Microsoft’s download page. |
| Move from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 to 26H2 | Check Windows Update and Microsoft’s current upgrade guidance. | Microsoft’s shared-servicing documentation says these versions can use an enablement package; a full ISO is not the only upgrade route. |
For preview builds rather than the public release, Microsoft has a separate Windows Insider ISO process. Do not use it as a substitute for the public release download.
Download the Windows 11 26H2 ISO
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Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page. Confirm it lists version 26H2 and that this is the release you intend to install.
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Find “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.” Select the edition offered and submit your choice.
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Choose a product language. Microsoft advises selecting the language that will be used during installation.
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Start the generated download and save the ISO to a location with enough free storage. The page’s generated links may change or expire, so return to Microsoft’s page if a link no longer works.
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If you need to verify the image, use the verification details Microsoft currently shows for that specific download. Do not rely on an old hash: a stable version-specific SHA-256 value for the selected 26H2 image is not established here.
Microsoft describes the public download as a multi-edition ISO: “This download is a multi-edition ISO which uses your product key to unlock the correct edition.” The product key determines which corresponding edition is available to install.
Select media for the target computer
Check processor architecture
Confirm whether the target PC uses an x64 or Arm64 processor before downloading. Microsoft labels the main public ISO selection for x64 and offers Arm64 separately. The Media Creation Tool is x64-only, so use Microsoft’s Arm64 ISO option when creating installation media for an Arm device.
Prepare a USB drive or DVD
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For a USB installation drive, Microsoft specifies a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Its existing contents will be deleted.
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- [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.
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For DVD media, Microsoft specifies a blank DVD of at least 8 GB and a DVD burner. If the image does not fit, Microsoft suggests a higher-capacity dual-layer DVD.
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A USB drive is not needed simply to download or mount the ISO. It is needed only if you choose to create USB installation media.
Check that the PC meets Windows 11 system requirements and consult its manufacturer for hardware compatibility and drivers. Microsoft warns that installing on a device below minimum requirements may cause compatibility issues and leave it unsupported and not entitled to updates.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use the ISO for an upgrade or clean installation
Start setup from Windows
For an in-place setup path, mount the ISO in File Explorer and run setup.exe. Microsoft’s ISO guidance says users can choose to keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps during an in-place upgrade. Review the choices shown by setup before continuing.
Boot from installation media
To install by starting the PC from USB or DVD, use the device’s boot menu or adjust its BIOS/UEFI boot order. The key or procedure varies by manufacturer; consult the PC maker’s instructions for that model.
Back up before a clean install
A clean installation removes user files, settings, and applications. Microsoft states: “A clean install with a Windows 11 ISO will erase all of your files, settings, and applications.” Back up anything you need before proceeding. Microsoft’s Insider ISO instructions describe selecting “Change what to keep,” then “Nothing” for a clean install; the available setup screens can vary with the installation path.
Sources and changing details
Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page is the source for the public ISO flow, tool options, and media requirements. Microsoft Learn’s Windows Insider ISO guidance explains clean installs and in-place upgrades. Microsoft Tech Community’s shared servicing model document describes the relationship between versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2. Because release labels, download choices, and verification details can change, rely on the current Microsoft pages when you download.
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