How to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2

Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 using Windows Update, ISO, or Installation Assistant.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 22 years of experience.
Windows 10 to 11 25H2 upgrade
Windows 10 to 11 25H2 upgrade / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • You can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 using thre methods: Windows Update, Installation Assistant, or the ISO file.
  • Currently, only the Insider option through the Release Preview Channel is available, while the other methods will be accessible once Microsoft releases the update in October 2025.
  • Before upgrading, your device must already be on Windows 10 22H2 and meet the standard hardware requirements for Windows 11.

UPDATED 10/1/2025: On Windows 10, as support is coming to an end on October 14, 2025, you can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) starting September 30, 2025. You can also use the ISO file, Windows Update, and Installation Assistant tools to perform the in-place upgrade. The only requirement is that the hardware must be compatible to continue with the newer version of the operating system.

However, the process will be slightly different, depending on the method you choose. For example, if you choose the “Windows Update” option, this method requires upgrading to version 24H2 first, and then installing the enablement package to switch to version 25H2.

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How to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2
How to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2

Other options include using the “Installation Assistant” tool to perform an in-place upgrade or downloading the ISO file to upgrade using a USB flash drive. You can also upgrade the system using a clean installation of the operating system.

It’s important to note that this process will perform a complete reinstallation of the operating system, which can cause issues during and after the installation. In my experience, a clean installation is the better approach. It takes more time, but you will likely experience less frustration. 

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to upgrade Windows 10 to the Windows 11 2025 Update in four different ways. 

Warning: If you plan to upgrade an existing system, it is also recommended that you create a backup before proceeding. You have been warned.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 25H2 from Windows Update

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 manually from Windows Update, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Windows Update.

  4. Click the “Check for updates” button.

  5. Click the “Download and install” button.

    Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 11 24H2

  6. Click the Restart now button to complete the upgrade.

  7. Open Settings on Windows 11 24H2.

  8. Click on Windows Update.

  9. Click the “Check for updates” button.

  10. Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.

  11. Click the “Download & install” button to install Windows 11 25H2.

    Windows Update upgrade to version 25H2 option

  12. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will proceed with the upgrade to the Windows 11 2025 Update.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 25H2 from Installation Assistant

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Windows 10 with the Installation Assistant tool, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Support website.

  2. Click the Download Now button under the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section.

  3. Double-click the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file to launch the tool.

    Windows 11 Update Assistant

  4. Click the “Accept and install” button.

After you complete the steps, the system will upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11.

Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 25H2 from ISO file

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 from the ISO file, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Support website.

  2. Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section.

    Windows 11 ISO download

  3. Click the Download button.

  4. Select the installation language.

    Select ISO file language

  5. Click the Confirm button.

  6. Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file on the computer.

    Windows 11 x64 ISO download

  7. Open File Explorer.

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

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

  10. Double-click the Setup file to begin the upgrade process.

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

    Windows 11 setup update options

  12. Select the “Not right now” option.

    Disable updates during installation

  13. Click the Next button.

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

    Media Creation Tool settings

  15. Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will be upgraded to the new version of the operating system. Since this is an in-place upgrade, you won’t need to complete the initial setup because your previous settings, apps, and files will migrate automatically to version 25H2.

Update October 1, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

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].