Microsoft pushed Windows 11 version 24H2 into the Windows Insider Program Release Preview Channel this past week, but it also provided this build in ISO form. And that means that anyone can upgrade to the next Windows 11 immediately. Here’s how.
Navigate to the Windows Insider Preview Downloads website, sign in with your Microsoft account if required, and download “Windows 11 Insider Preview (Release Preview) – Build 26100.560” This ISO file is about 5.1 GB.
When the download is complete, locate it in your Downloads folder (by default), and double-click it to mount the ISO as a virtual disk.
Run setup.exe in the virtual drive to launch Windows Setup.
When prompted, accept the EULA, choose what to keep (a standard upgrade is “Keep personal files and apps”), and then click “Install” to kick off the process.
Windows Setup will eventually change to a full-screen experience titled “Installing Windows.” You can still use the computer, but don’t: Just close any other open apps and windows and let it do its thing. Windows Setup will reboot the PC when it’s done with no prompting.
After the PC reboots, sign in to Windows normally, sit through a final few animated screens while it finishes up and then you’ll land on the Desktop as always.
Update Windows 11 with Windows Setup—you’ll see at least a few updates—and reboot as prompted. Then, update all the apps in the Store. You’re done.
Well, you’re never done. Microsoft will make other changes in the near future, as always. For example, Copilot for Windows 11 will eventually evolve into a standalone app.
I’ve performed this upgrade on several PCs already, and I haven’t experienced any issues. If you babysit the download and installation, the entire process could take as little as 20 or 25 minutes.
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And there’s no need to worry about upgrading now using this ISO, beyond the normal worries you might have with any Feature Update: Doing this doesn’t enroll the PC in the Insider Program. You will automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update via the normal monthly update process, as you’re still in the General Availability channel (stable).