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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteMicrosoft’s Windows 11 download page lists the 2026 Update, version 26H2, as its current release. That does not mean every PC is receiving it through Windows Update at once: compatibility and rollout status can vary by device. Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page and release information before choosing an installation method.
Choose the right way to install Windows 11 26H2
| Your goal | Use | Key limits |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade the compatible PC you are using | Windows 11 Installation Assistant | Requires a Windows 10/11 license, Windows 10 version 2004 or later, 9 GB free space, administrator access, and compatible hardware. It supports x64 processors, not Arm-based PCs. (Microsoft, Windows 11 download page, accessed 2026.) |
| Create bootable media for a clean install or another PC | Media Creation Tool | Creates x64 media, not Arm media. A USB drive must be blank and at least 8 GB; creating the media erases its contents. (Microsoft, Windows 11 download page, accessed 2026.) |
| Use an ISO for bootable media, a virtual machine, or an in-place upgrade | Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) | The page offers a multi-edition x64 ISO and a separate Arm64 ISO. To upgrade from an ISO, mount it and run setup.exe. (Microsoft, Windows 11 download page, accessed 2026.) |
For a straightforward upgrade on a supported x64 PC, use the Installation Assistant. Choose the Media Creation Tool or an ISO if you need bootable media, a clean install, a virtual machine, or installation on another supported device. Match the download to the PC’s processor architecture.
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Check your PC before downloading
- Check Microsoft’s Windows release information for known issues that could affect your device.
- Confirm that the PC meets Windows 11 requirements, including any feature-specific hardware needs. Check the PC manufacturer’s compatibility and driver information for your model.
- Back up important files before an upgrade or clean installation.
- Do not treat bypassing minimum requirements as a safe shortcut. Microsoft warns that an unsupported PC can have compatibility problems, may be unsupported and ineligible for updates, and may fall outside the manufacturer’s warranty for damage.
- If you plan to create USB media, copy anything you need from the drive first; the process deletes its existing contents.
Upgrade the PC you are using with the Installation Assistant
Microsoft describes the Installation Assistant as “the best option for installing Windows 11 on the device you’re currently using.” That recommendation applies to this upgrade route; the assistant is not for Arm-based PCs.
- Confirm that the PC has a Windows 10/11 license, runs Windows 10 version 2004 or later, has at least 9 GB of free disk space, and meets Windows 11 hardware requirements.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s download page.
- Run the assistant as an administrator. It checks hardware compatibility and then presents the license terms.
- Accept the terms and let the assistant prepare the installation. When prompted, select Restart Now.
- Allow the PC to restart as needed. Microsoft says it will restart several times; do not turn it off during installation.
Create a bootable USB or DVD with the Media Creation Tool
Use this route when you need installation media for a clean install or another PC. The target PC needs a 64-bit CPU and must meet Windows 11 requirements. Microsoft’s tool creates x64 media; for an Arm PC, Microsoft directs users to wait for a Windows Update notification that the upgrade is ready for that PC.
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- Back up any files on the USB drive. Use a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB, or choose the ISO option if you plan to create a DVD. Creating USB media deletes the drive’s contents.
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page and run it as an administrator.
- Accept the license terms and choose Create installation media for another PC.
- Select the language, edition, and 64-bit architecture, then choose USB flash drive or ISO file.
- When the media is ready, connect the USB or insert the DVD in the PC where you will install Windows. Restart the PC. If it does not start from the media, use its boot menu or change the BIOS/UEFI boot order according to the PC maker’s instructions.
- Follow the Windows Setup prompts. Back up the target PC before installing, especially before a clean install.
Download or use a Windows 11 ISO
Microsoft offers a multi-edition ISO for x64 devices and a separate Arm64 ISO. The multi-edition image uses the product key to unlock the correct edition. An ISO can be used to make bootable media or set up a virtual machine. To upgrade the current Windows installation directly, mount the ISO and run setup.exe.
If you want to check that an ISO downloaded correctly, Microsoft provides PowerShell instructions for calculating a SHA-256 hash and language-specific values to compare against. Follow those instructions on the download page. The ISO download links displayed there are time-limited, so use the current Microsoft page rather than relying on an old saved link.
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Is Windows 11 26H2 available for your PC?
Microsoft listing 26H2 on its download page confirms that the release is offered there; it does not establish that the update is being delivered through Windows Update to every compatible PC simultaneously. Your device’s eligibility, known issues, and rollout status can affect when Windows Update offers it. Check the current release information and your PC manufacturer’s support details before installing through another route.
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