How to Download Windows 11 26H2 and Install It on Your PC

Windows 11 version 26H2, also called the Windows 11 2026 Update, is now available for eligible PCs. If your Windows 10 PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 for free. For PCs running supported Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, Microsoft delivers 26H2 through an enablement package. It’s small and installs quickly because recent monthly updates already include most features and improvements. However, if you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or another Windows version that cannot receive the enablement package, you’ll need the full Windows 11 installation files. In this guide, we’ll show you how to download and install Windows 11 26H2 using Windows Update, Microsoft’s Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, and ISO.

Windows 11 26H2 System Requirements

Before downloading Windows 11 26H2, make sure your PC meets Microsoft’s minimum Windows 11 hardware requirements.

Requirement	Minimum
Processor	1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, compatible 64-bit processor
RAM	4 GB
Storage	64 GB or larger
System firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM	TPM 2.0
Graphics	DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display	720p display larger than 9 inches

If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, your PC must meet these requirements to move to Windows 11 26H2 through a supported installation method.

Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to check compatibility before starting the upgrade.

Before You Download Windows 11 26H2

The installation method depends on the Windows version currently running on your PC.

• Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2: Check Windows Update first. Eligible PCs receive 26H2 through the enablement package.
• Windows 10: If your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, you can upgrade through Windows Update when it’s offered or use Microsoft’s installation tools.
• Older or unsupported Windows versions: You may need a full Windows 11 installation package.

Tip: If you’re already running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, don’t download a large ISO just to get 26H2 unless you have a specific reason. Windows Update is the simplest method and should be your first choice.

Install Windows 11 26H2 Through Windows Update

For most Windows 11 users, Windows Update is the easiest way to install 26H2.

If you’re running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, Microsoft delivers 26H2 as an enablement package, so the upgrade requires a relatively small download and a restart.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. When Windows 11, version 26H2 appears, select Download & install.
5. Restart your PC when prompted.

If 26H2 isn’t shown yet, don’t force the upgrade immediately. Microsoft is rolling it out gradually, and compatibility safeguards can temporarily prevent an eligible PC from receiving the update.

Tip: Install any pending Windows updates and check again later.

2. Install Windows 11 26H2 Using Installation Assistant

If Windows 11 26H2 isn’t appearing in Windows Update, Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant offers another way to upgrade a compatible PC.

• Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.

• Run the downloaded tool as an administrator, Select Accept and Install to accept the terms and conditions.

• This checks compatibility and starts downloading Windows 11 required files from the Microsoft server, it may take some time (depending on your Internet speed)

• Save your work and let Windows restart when prompted.

The Installation Assistant is mainly useful when you want to start the upgrade manually rather than waiting for Windows Update to offer it.

Important: If Microsoft has placed a compatibility safeguard on your PC, don’t use alternative installation methods to bypass it. Resolve the compatibility issue first, then wait for the upgrade to be offered.

3. Download Windows 11 26H2 ISO

Microsoft also provides the official Windows 11 26H2 ISO for users who want more control over the installation.

• Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
• Find the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.
• Select the available Windows 11 release and language.
• Download the ISO file.

• After downloading, right-click the ISO and select Mount.
• Open the mounted drive and run setup.exe.
• Follow the installation instructions and choose whether to keep your files and apps.

You can also use the ISO to create bootable installation media for a clean installation.

Tip: For a normal upgrade from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, Windows Update is simpler. The ISO is more useful if you need installation media or want to start the setup process manually.

4. Create Windows 11 26H2 Installation Media

The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is useful if you want to create a bootable USB drive to install Windows 11 26H2 on another PC or reinstall Windows.

• Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
• Connect an empty USB flash drive with at least 16 GB of storage.
• Run the tool and accept the license terms.
• Select the language and Windows edition when prompted.

• Choose USB flash drive as the media option.
• Select your USB drive and let Windows create the installation media.

Once finished, you can use the USB drive to start Windows 11 setup on a compatible PC.

Note: Creating installation media can erase existing data on the USB drive, so use an empty drive or back up its contents first.

5. Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 26H2

If you’re still using Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 for free if your PC meets Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware requirements.

The upgrade is different from updating an existing Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 PC. Windows 10 users need the full Windows 11 installation files, not the small 26H2 enablement package.

You can upgrade using:

• Windows Update if Windows 11 26H2 is offered for your PC.
• Installation Assistant to manually start the upgrade.
• Windows 11 ISO for a manual in-place upgrade or installation media.

Before upgrading, back up important files and make sure your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements.

Important: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so moving to a supported version of Windows 11 also lets you keep receiving regular Windows security and feature updates.

What If Windows 11 26H2 Is Not Showing?

If Windows 11 26H2 isn’t available on your PC yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean the update is missing or your PC is unsupported.

Microsoft is rolling out 26H2 gradually, and a compatibility safeguard hold can temporarily prevent a device from receiving the update.

Try these steps:

• Install all pending updates under Settings > Windows Update.
• Restart your PC and check for updates again.
• Make sure your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
• Check whether Microsoft has listed a known compatibility issue affecting your device.
• If you’re using Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, make sure you’re running a recent cumulative update before trying to install 26H2.

If Windows Update still doesn’t offer 26H2, it’s generally better to wait for Microsoft to make it available rather than bypassing a safeguard hold.

Frequently Asked Questions