UPDATED 10/31/2023: On computers running the original release of Windows 11 or Windows 10, it’s possible to use the “Installation Assistant” to upgrade to Windows 11 23H2 when the feature update is not downloading from the Windows Update settings.
The Installation Assistant is a tool designed to update computers to the new version of Windows 11 when there are problems with Windows Update or another unknown reason that doesn’t include any hardware or software compatibility issue. However, you can also use it to force (in this case) the Windows 11 2023 Update installation.
Windows 11 23H2 Installation Assistant
Although it’s never recommended to upgrade a device during the early days of the rollout or when the computer isn’t getting the update automatically through Windows Update because it might indicate that the hardware isn’t fully compatible, you can use the steps below to upgrade:
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Download the Installation Assistant from the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section by clicking the “Download Now” button from the Microsoft software support download page.
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Double-click the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file to launch the tool.
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Click the “Accept and install” button to begin the installation.
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Once the tool confirms that the hardware and software configuration are compatible, the Windows 11 23H2 files will download to the computer. Then click the Restart button to complete the installation.
The Installation Assistant should take less than an hour to complete the process on your desktop, laptop, or tablet.
Also, before proceeding, use this guide to avoid problems and errors during the upgrade process. In addition, while the tool offers a non-destructive installation process, creating a full backup before making system changes is recommended.
Update September 25, 2023: The update available on September 26, 2023, only enables some of the features for version 23H2 (including Copilot, Windows Backup, redesigned File Explorer, updated Settings, Dynamic Lighting, and others). However, the system will continue to show version 22H2 on the About settings page. Once Microsoft completes this rollout, at a later time, before the end of 2023, another update will become available to finish deploying the rest of the feature update and switch the system from version 22H2 to 23H2. After this point, the company is expected to update the Media Creation Tool, Installation Assistant, and ISO file. Also, devices with older releases of the operating system may be able to update directly to version 23H2 from Windows Update.
Update October 31, 2023: Microsoft is now rolling out version 23H2, and you can use the Installation Assistant to perform the update.
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].