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Technical Level : Basic
Summary
Windows 11 version 22H2 and Windows 10 version 21H1 are current revisions of Microsoft's desktop operating systems. Users running previous versions of Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to the latest revision multiple ways. One of the most reliable and convenient ways is to use the ISO file. The ISO file provides the option of upgrading multiple systems especially for users with limited bandwidth. In this article, we show you how.
If you prefer to upgrade using Windows Update, please review the following article for instructions:
How to Install the Latest Windows 10 Feature Update Using Windows Update
Details
First, start by ensuring you have a current backup of either your Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation.
How to Create a System Image in Windows 11 and Windows 10 - 2021 Edition
For users running previous version of Windows such as Windows 7, Windows 8.0 or Windows 8.1, you will need to purchase a license for the Windows 10 or Windows 11 license, if you did not take advantage of the free upgrade offer (you might still be able to get it for free). For computers already running Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro Workstation, Windows 10 S editions, Enterprise or Education versions 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H1, 20H2, 21H1 and 21H2 you can upgrade to the latest Windows 10 Feature Update for free.
If you are upgrading from older releases of Windows, review following links:
How to Upgrade to Windows Feature Update from Windows 7 New!
How to Upgrade to Windows Feature Update from Windows 8.0 or Windows 8.1 New!
Windows Feature Updates are a part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to deliver Windows as a service.
How to get the latest Windows 11 or Windows 11 ISO?
The Media Creation Tool will be updated so you can download the latest version ISO containing the Windows 10 Feature Update. To learn more about how to download the ISO file, check out the following article:
How to download official Windows 10 ISO files
How to Download Official Windows 11 ISO files and Make a Bootable USB Drive
For troubleshooting instructions, please scroll down further.
Windows 11
Boot to your Windows desktop. If you have the Windows 11 ISO, you can right click the ISO file then click Mount. If you are installing from a DVD or USB thumb drive, insert it or connect it, then click the on screen notification.
If setup does not start automatically, click Start > File Explorer > This PC > open the drive containing the Windows setup files, then double click Setup.exe.
Wait while setup is initialized. Setup will guide you through a series of pages to prepare for installation.
You can select download and install any important updates before upgrading. This is recommended since it can help to ensure a smooth upgrade. If you are not connected to the Internet, select the Not right now radio box instead. Click Next.
Wait while setup checks for updates that might make the installation go smoothly.
Windows 11 Setup will prompt you choose if you want keep personal files, apps and settings.
If you want to perform a new install or just keep your files click Change what to keep. Once you have chosen the desired options, click Install to begin.
To learn more about performing a clean install: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows
This will be your screen for a little while. During the installation, your computer will restart several times.
After the first restart, Windows 11 setup will resume. You will notice the setup experience has once again been refined from the previous animated circle. This will be your screen for a while. When complete, Windows 11 setup will restart automatically.
Sign into your account.
That’s it, the Windows 11 feature update is installed.
Windows 10
Starting the Upgrade
Boot to the Windows 10 desktop. If you have the Windows ISO, you can right click the ISO file then click Mount. If you are installing from a DVD or USB thumb drive, insert or connect it, then click the on screen notification. If setup does not start automatically, click Start > File Explorer > This PC > open the drive containing the Windows 10 setup files, then double click Setup.exe.
After mounting the ISO file, right click the drive containing the installation files then click Open.
Click Run setup.exe
Click Yes to allow the installation to Start.
Wait while setup is initialized.
You can select download and install any important updates before upgrading. This is recommended since it can help to ensure a smooth upgrade. If you are not connected to the Internet, select the Not right now radio box instead. Click Next.
Wait while setup checks for updates that might make the installation go smoothly.
Wait while Windows 10 setup checks your system for compatibility issues.
Accept the End User License Agreement.
Wait while Windows 10 setup does one final check to ensure your system is ready.
Windows 10 setup will check if you have enough disk space. If you don’t, review the following article for instructions how to upgrade to Windows 10 feature update on a system with limited disk space:
How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Feature Update on a Drive with Limited Space
Please note, you have the option of choosing what you would like to keep, which includes personal files, apps and settings.
If you want to perform a new install or just keep your files click Change what to keep. Once you have chosen the desired options, click Install to begin.
To learn more about performing a clean install: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10
This will be your screen for a little while. During the installation, your computer will restart several times.
After the first restart, Windows 10 setup will resume. You will notice the setup experience has once again been refined from the previous animated circle. This will be your screen for a while. When complete, Windows 10 setup will restart automatically.
Sign into your account.
Wait while Windows 10 completes application updates and post setup tasks.
That’s it, the Windows 10 feature update is installed. You can check Windows Update for latest updates, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for Updates.
How to prepare your computer before upgrading?
Although updating to a new Windows 10 version is a relatively simple process, similar to a repair upgrade; users should perform some basic pre-requisites before initiating the upgrade.
If you are finding it difficult to carry out some of the steps described below, please review detailed instructions how to perform them:
12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10
When making significant changes to your computer such as updating the operating system, you should always backup.
Disable (preferrably uninstall) your Antivirus utility before attempting the upgrade.
Restart a few times then try again.
Disable General USB Devices (example - Smart Card Reader). You can do this from the Device Manager.
If you have any external devices attached to the machine, disconnect them (example, gaming controllers, USB keys, external hard disk, printers, non-essential devices).
Load your BIOS then reset the BIOS defaults.
Check if there are any available BIOS updates for your system, then apply them.
Perform a clean boot, restart then try again.
If you are upgrading using the .ISO file, disconnect from the Internet during setup, if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi, disable both then attempt setup again.
If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 100% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation.
If that does not work, try using the .ISO file to upgrade if possible.
If you are connected to a domain, switch to a local account or upgrade based on your System Administrators discretion.