How to force the Windows 11 2022 Update and get it early on your PC
Four ways to install the Windows 11 2022 Update.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Microsoft has started the gradual rollout of theWindows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2)to devices known to have a good upgrade experience. This is the first feature update since the original release, and it’s a significant update with many design improvements and several new features.
Since this is technically a new version, this release will require complete reinstallation regardless of your current setup. Similar to previous releases, the company will deploy the latest version ofWindows 11slowly and in stages, starting with compatible devices that will have a smooth transition experience. Once the feature update has been tested further, it will be available more broadly.
Usually, if you have a device with no compatibility issues, the option to update will be available within the first weeks of the release date. However, it will take some time until version 22H2 reaches every desktop computer, laptop, and tablet.
If you don’t want to wait until the feature update is offered to you automatically, it’s possible to trigger the upgrade manually in at least four ways, including using Windows Update, Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, and the direct download of the ISO file.
This guide will walk you through the steps to install the Windows 11 2022 Update on your computer.
Important:This is a non-destructive process, but there is always a chance of something going wrong during and after the upgrade. You should consider creating atemporary backup before proceeding. You’ve been warned.
How to install Windows 11 2022 Update via Windows Update
To install the Windows 11 2022 Update through Windows Update, use these steps:
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Once you complete the steps, the installation process will proceed to apply the 2022 Update on your computer. Since this is a new version of Windows 11, the installation may take some time.
In the case that the new version isn’t available, it’s probably because of a compatibility problem that is blocking the installation. If there’s a compatibility problem, using a different method to update is not recommended as you may run into issues.
How to install Windows 11 2022 Update via Installation Assistant
To upgrade the system to the Windows 11 2022 Update with the Installation Assistant tool, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the tool will download the files to install the new version of Windows 11, preserving your files, settings, and apps.
How to install Windows 11 2022 Update via Media Creation Tool
On Windows 11, you can no longer use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, but you can create a USB bootable media that you can then use to upgrade to version 22H2.
To use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB media to upgrade a device to Windows 11 2022 Update, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the setup will proceed with the in-place upgrade to the Windows 11 2022 Update.
How to install Windows 11 2022 Update via ISO file
Instead of using the Media Creation Tool, you can directly download the Windows 11 2022 Update ISO file to upgrade the system to the latest version.
To upgrade to the Windows 11 2022 Update using the official ISO file, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the upgrade to version 22H2 will begin preserving your files, settings, and applications.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
