How to install Windows 11 22H2 without USB using ISO

If you don't have a USB bootable media, you can mount the ISO file to install Windows 11 22H2, and here's how.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 22H2 ISO install
Windows 11 22H2 ISO install

You can install Windows 11 22H2 without a USB flash drive if the device is already running the original release of Windows 11 or any supported version of Windows 10. You only need to mount the ISO file to File Explorer and launch the upgrade process.

Although you usually need a USB flash drive to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade, you can also use the virtual disc drive support to mount the Windows 11 22H2 ISO file to launch the setup without any physical media.

This guide will teach you the steps to perform a Windows 11 22H2 upgrade or clean installation without a bootable USB or Media Creation Tool.

Important: This process will delete everything on your device. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned. Also, these instructions are meant to help you install Windows 11 when it’s officially available, not before.

Install Windows 11 22H2 from ISO without USB

To install Windows 11 22H2 without a USB flash drive, use these steps:

  1. Download Windows 11 22H2 ISO file.

    Quick note: If you’re reading this guide before the update is available on September 20, you can use these instructions to download the latest preview of version 22H2.

  2. Right-click the ISO file, select the Open with submenu, and choose the Windows Explorer option.

  3. Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane.

  4. Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade process.

  5. (Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

    Windows 11 setup update options

  6. Select the Not right now option.

    Disable updates during installation

  7. Click the Next button.

  8. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

    Media Creation Tool settings

  9. Click the Install button.

If you want to do a clean installation of version 22H2, click the “Change what to keep” option, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 2022 Update will install on your computer. Since this is an in-place upgrade, you won’t need to go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) because all your settings, apps, and files will migrate automatically.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].