You can upgrade an eligible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 26H2 with Microsoft’s Installation Assistant, or use an ISO or installation media if your needs call for it. First check the PC’s hardware and architecture, back up your files, and review Microsoft’s current release-health notices. As of October 7, 2026, Microsoft lists 26H2 as the current Windows 11 release.
Check that your Windows 10 PC is eligible
Having Windows 10 does not guarantee that a PC can run Windows 11. Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements and download page, then consult the PC maker’s compatibility and driver information. Microsoft’s Installation Assistant checks hardware compatibility before offering installation.
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Also confirm which Windows edition and version is installed and whether the processor is x64 or Arm-based. The Installation Assistant and Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool are for x64 PCs; Microsoft advises Arm users to wait for a Windows Update notification or use the Arm ISO route.
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Choose the right upgrade method
| Method | Best for | Requirements and cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Installation Assistant | Upgrading the compatible PC you are using now | Requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, a valid Windows 10/11 license, administrator access, at least 9 GB of free disk space, and an x64 processor. Hardware compatibility is checked before installation. |
| Create Windows 11 installation media | Preparing a reinstall, clean install, or installation for another PC | Requires a qualifying device and license. Use a blank USB flash drive of at least 8 GB or a DVD. The selected USB or DVD is erased, and the Media Creation Tool creates x64 media. |
| Mount a Windows 11 ISO in Windows | Starting an upgrade from the current operating system without booting from USB or DVD | Mount the ISO in Windows and run setup.exe. Check eligibility and current release information before proceeding. |
For most eligible x64 PCs being upgraded in place, the Installation Assistant is the most direct route. Microsoft describes it as “the best option for installing Windows 11 on the device you’re currently using.” A USB drive is not needed for this method or for an ISO upgrade started from Windows.
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Prepare before installing
- Back up important files and save open work. Microsoft recommends backing up the PC before installation.
- If using the Installation Assistant, confirm Windows 10 is version 2004 or later, that at least 9 GB of disk space is free, and that you can sign in with administrator access.
- If creating installation media, move anything you want to keep off the USB drive or DVD first; the selected media will be erased.
- Check the Windows 11 26H2 release-health page for current known issues and safeguard holds 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 the PC’s hardware compatibility.
- If the PC passes the check, accept the license terms and select Accept and Install.
- When prompted, select Restart Now. The PC may restart several times; do not turn it off during installation.
- After Windows 11 starts, use Windows Update to check for updates. Check the PC maker’s support information for any additional drivers.
Create installation media or upgrade from an ISO
Create bootable USB or DVD media
- On a compatible x64 PC, open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page and choose Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
- Connect a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space, or prepare a DVD. Creating the media erases the selected drive, so protect its contents first.
- Follow the tool’s prompts to choose the language, edition, and architecture, then create the media.
This route is useful when preparing an installation for another PC or when you want bootable media for a reinstall or clean install. Make sure the target device is compatible; having installation media does not bypass Windows 11 requirements.
Start an upgrade from a mounted ISO
Microsoft also documents mounting the Windows 11 ISO in Windows and running setup.exe to upgrade the operating system. This starts setup from the current Windows installation rather than booting from USB or DVD. Confirm the target PC’s eligibility and review current release notices before using the ISO.
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Check 26H2 release status and Windows 10 support
Microsoft announced 26H2 general availability on September 29, 2026, with a phased rollout that expands over the following months. The rollout statement for eligible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 PCs with “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” enabled is not a promise of an automatic Windows 10-to-26H2 offer. Microsoft’s separate download page documents the Installation Assistant for eligible Windows 10 systems.
As of October 2, 2026, Microsoft’s release-health page listed a confirmed issue in which some applications requiring AC-3 audio decoding might close unexpectedly after updates released September 22, 2026, or later. The same page marked earlier reports involving USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, domain-joined devices, and some virtual desktop environments as mitigated. Issue status can change, so check the live page near installation time.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says Windows 10 PCs continue to work, but after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.
If the PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements
Do not treat an unsupported installation as a routine workaround. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on hardware below minimum requirements can cause compatibility problems, leave the PC unsupported and ineligible for updates, and affect warranty coverage. Use Microsoft’s requirements and the PC maker’s compatibility guidance to decide whether the device has a supported upgrade path.
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