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How to Download the Windows 11 Version 26H2 ISO

Microsoft’s official Windows 11 page offers the Version 26H2 ISO and installation-media options. Here’s how to choose a route, prepare bootable media and check compatibility.
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Download the Windows 11 Version 26H2 ISO from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. Choose the ISO option to save an image for manual installation or media creation; use Windows Update or the Installation Assistant if you are updating the PC in front of you. Microsoft’s 26H2 rollout is phased, so an eligible device may not be offered the update immediately.

Choose the right download route

Your goal Route Important limitation
Update the PC you are using Check Windows Update first; Microsoft also offers the Installation Assistant for the current PC. The update offer is phased. The Assistant works only on x64 processors and requires a Windows 10/11 licence, Windows 10 version 2004 or later, and 9 GB of free space. (Microsoft download instructions; release information)
Create installation media for another x64 PC Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or download the ISO and make bootable media. The Media Creation Tool creates x64 media only. A USB drive used by the tool must be blank and at least 8 GB; its contents are erased. (Microsoft download instructions)
Prepare installation media for an Arm PC Use the update route offered for that device, such as Windows Update when eligible. Microsoft’s download page says both the Installation Assistant and Media Creation Tool are x64-only. (Microsoft download instructions)
Save a copy of the installation image Choose the ISO download option on Microsoft’s page. The selection flow and direct download behavior can vary by location and change. Use Microsoft’s page rather than relying on a copied temporary download URL. (Microsoft download instructions)

Download the 26H2 ISO

  1. Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
  2. Find the Windows 11 disk image (ISO) download section. Confirm that the release shown is Version 26H2, then follow the page’s selection flow for the edition and language.
  3. Start the download and save the ISO file somewhere you can find it, such as your Downloads folder or an external drive. The choices and exact flow may differ by region.
  4. Decide whether you will use the ISO directly or create bootable USB or DVD media. For a different PC, confirm its architecture and Windows 11 eligibility before installation.

Microsoft’s release information listed build 26300.9550 for Version 26H2 at the time of its September 2026 release listing. That is a dated build listing, not a permanent property of every ISO: cumulative updates can result in newer builds. Check Microsoft’s release information for current version and build details.

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Create bootable installation media

USB drive

Use a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. The Media Creation Tool deletes the drive’s contents during creation, so copy anything you need from it before starting. Microsoft’s page also offers a way to use an ISO to make installation media.

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Follow the Media Creation Tool’s prompts to select the language and edition, then choose the USB drive. The tool creates x64 media only. Use a suitable drive you already own if you have one; a new purchase is not required if your existing drive meets the requirements.

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DVD

Microsoft says an ISO can be used to create bootable DVD media. You need a blank DVD of at least 8 GB and a DVD burner; if the image is too large for a standard disc, a higher-capacity dual-layer DVD may be needed.

Start the installer from the media

  1. Connect the USB drive or insert the DVD, then restart the PC you want to install Windows on.
  2. If the computer starts Windows normally instead of the installer, open its boot menu or change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI to start from the installation media. The key and menu names vary by manufacturer; consult the PC maker’s instructions.
  3. After setup, restore any boot-order change so the PC starts from its internal drive.

Check eligibility and prepare before installing

  • Back up first. Save important files and make a backup of the PC before upgrading or installing.
  • Check hardware compatibility. Microsoft says Windows 11 needs a 64-bit CPU and specifies supported processor criteria and TPM 2.0. Its hardware requirements document says processors must run at 1 GHz or faster, have at least two cores, use a supported x64 or ARM64 instruction set, and appear on the supported processor list; TPM 2.0 must be enabled. Check the current Windows 11 device specifications and your PC maker’s information, since supported processor lists can change.
  • Use the correct language. When applicable, select the same language as the Windows installation already on the PC, as Microsoft instructs.
  • Check drivers. Look for current drivers and installation guidance on the device maker’s site.
  • Understand the support risk. Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware; it warns that the device could have compatibility problems, lose support, and not be entitled to updates. (Microsoft download instructions; hardware requirements)
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26H2 availability, issues and support dates

Microsoft’s release-health page dates general availability for Windows 11 Version 26H2 to September 29, 2026. Its initial Windows Update offer is phased for eligible Windows 11 Version 25H2 and 24H2 devices whose users have enabled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” The rollout may expand over the following months, so not seeing 26H2 in Windows Update right away does not by itself indicate a download failure or device fault. Check the live release-health page before installing because availability and issue status can change.

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As of September 29, 2026, Microsoft listed three 26H2 issues, all marked mitigated:

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  • Some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices might fail or lose sound in multichannel modes.
  • Some domain-joined devices with Credential Guard-protected machine accounts might have sign-in or trust problems.
  • Some virtual desktop users might encounter black screens or desktop-loading problems.

Microsoft describes 26H2 as an annual feature update built on the same servicing foundation as 25H2 and 24H2. Eligible existing devices can move from 25H2 to 26H2 with a small enablement package; the ISO remains the full operating-system installation route for manual installs and systems outside that eligible in-place path. (Microsoft IT Pro documentation)

Support end dates vary by edition. Microsoft’s release-information table lists these dates for Version 26H2:

Editions End of updates listed by Microsoft
Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations October 10, 2028 (Microsoft release information)
Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session October 9, 2029 (Microsoft release information)

Microsoft’s separate Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle page says Version 26H2 is the last version supporting Snapdragon 850 processors. Confirm that statement applies to your edition and processor before using it to plan a device’s upgrade path.

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