“Windows 10 22H2” is expected to launch in October, and you can upgrade to the latest version manually whether you have version 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, or an older release.
Although you shouldn’t install the new feature update quickly to avoid potential bugs and other problems during the early days, you can upgrade manually in at least three ways using Windows Update, Media Creation Tool, and Update Assistant.
If you have a device with versions 21H2, 21H1, or 20H2, the best way to install the version 22H2 release is using Windows Update because the new release of Windows 10 is a minor update, and you only need an enablement package to upgrade. However, Windows Update will take longer if the device has version 1909 or an older release. If you want to force the upgrade, you can use the Media Creation Tool or Update Assitant to perform an in-place upgrade, preserving your files, apps, and settings.
This guide will teach you the steps to upgrade versions 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, or an older version to Windows 10 22H2.
- Update to Windows 10 22H2 from Windows Update
- Update to Windows 10 21H2 from Media Creation Tool
- Update to Windows 10 22H2 from Update Assistant
Update to Windows 10 22H2 from Windows Update
To upgrade to Windows 10 22H2 manually from version 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, or 2004, use these steps:
-
Open Settings on Windows 10.
-
Click on Update & Security.
-
Click on Windows Update.
-
Click the Check for updates button (if applicable).
-
If your device is compatible with Windows 11 and has the upgrade notification, click the “Stay on Windows 10 for now” option to get the version 22H2 upgrade option.
-
Under the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 22H2” section, click the “Download and Install now” button.
Quick tip: If the option is not available, it is likely, that the update is not ready for your computer. -
Click the Restart now button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 22H2 will install as a regular monthly update without complete reinstallation.
Windows 10 22H2 preview install
If you want to try out version 22H2 before it becomes officially available, you will need to enroll the device in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program.
To install the latest preview of Windows 10 22H2, use these steps:
-
Open Settings.
-
Click on Update & Security.
-
Click on Windows Insider Program.
-
Click the Get started button.
-
Click the Link an account button.
-
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
-
Click the Continue button.
-
Under the “Pick your Insider settings” section, select the Release Preview option.
-
Click the Confirm button.
-
Click the Confirm button to agree to the terms and conditions.
-
Click the Restart button.
-
Open Settings after the reboot.
-
Click on Update & Security.
-
Click on Windows Update.
-
Click the Check for updates button.
-
Under the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 22H2” section, click the “Download and Install now” button.
-
Click the Restart button.
After you complete the steps, the computer will install the 2022 Update and will continue to receive updates for the time this release is supported. You can then opt out of the program to stop getting builds from the next feature update by turning on the “Stop getting preview builds” toggle switch in the “Windows Insider Program” settings.
Update to Windows 10 22H2 from Media Creation Tool
Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade to version 22H2. However, this method is not recommended since it will completely reinstall the operating system.
To upgrade to Windows 10 22H2 from an older version, use these steps:
-
Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the Download tool now button.
-
Save the installer to the device.
-
Double-click the MediaCreationTool22H2.exe file to launch the tool.
-
Click the Accept button.
-
Select the Upgrade this PC now option.
-
Click the Accept button again.
-
Select the option to keep your files and apps.
-
Click the Install button.
After you complete the steps, the setup will continue upgrading your device to the new release of the operating system.
Update to Windows 10 22H2 from Update Assistant
To use the Update Assistant to upgrade to Windows 10 22H2, use these steps:
-
Download the Update Assistant for Windows 10 22H2 by clicking the Update Now button from the Microsoft software support download page.
-
Double-click the Windows10Upgrade9252.exe file to launch the tool and click the Update Now button.
-
Once the tool confirms that the hardware and software configuration are compatible, the 2022 Update files will download to the device. Then you will need to click the Restart Now button to complete the installation.
The Update Assistant process should take less than an hour to complete.