- To install Windows 11 25H2 from an ISO file without a USB, right-click the ISO file and choose “Mount,” open the virtual drive, and double-click “Setup.exe” to start the upgrade or clean install process.
You can mount the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file in File Explorer and run the setup directly to upgrade without creating a USB bootable drive. This method works for devices already running Windows 11 or any supported version of Windows 10.
While using a USB flash drive is still an option for a clean installation or in-place upgrade, mounting the ISO is a convenient alternative if you don’t have a working USB drive or simply prefer not to use one.
You should only use this option to install version 25H2 if your computer has an older release of the operating system, such as version 23H2, 22H2, or Windows 10. If your device is running Windows 11 24H2, you should upgrade using the “Windows Update” settings since both versions are identical, and you only need to apply an enablement package.
In this guide, I will teach you how to perform a Windows 11 25H2 upgrade or clean installation without using a bootable USB drive or the Media Creation Tool.
Install Windows 11 25H2 mounting ISO on File Explorer
To install Windows 11 25H2 without a USB flash drive, follow these steps:
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Download Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.
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Open File Explorer.
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Open the folder location where the ISO file is stored.
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Right-click the Windows ISO file and select the Mount option.
Quick tip: If the option isn’t available, select “Open With,” and choose the “Windows Explorer” option. -
Select the mount drive from the left navigation pane.
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Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 25H2 upgrade process.
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Click the Accept button (if applicable).
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(Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.
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Select the “Not right now” option.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
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Click the Install button.
Quick tip: Alternatively, you can click the “Change what to keep” option, select the “Nothing” option instead, click the “Next” button, and then click the “Install” button to perform a clean installation.
Once you complete the steps, the new version of the operating system will be installed on your computer. In the case of an in-place upgrade, the wizard will skip the initial setup, as all your settings, apps, and files will be transferred automatically to the new installation.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].