The easiest and safest method to upgrade for free to Windows 11 22H2 from Windows 10 is using the “Windows Update” settings. The reason is that through “Windows Update” settings, you will receive a notification letting you whether or not version 22H2 is compatible with your computer, and you can continue with the installation with a few clicks knowing that all your files, most settings, and applications will migrate automatically to the new version.
The experience is similar to installing a cumulative update, but with the difference that this process will take longer to complete (about an hour) because of the download size (around 4 to 5GB) and because the process will perform a complete installation.
Although upgrading through Windows Update is a non-destructive process, it’s still recommended to create a temporary full backup before proceeding in case something goes wrong and you need to roll back or recover some files.
This guide will teach you the easy steps to upgrade a Windows 10 computer to Windows 11 from the Windows Update settings.
Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows Update
To upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 from 10 via the Windows Update settings, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the Check for updates button.
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Click the “Download and install” button.
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Click the Restart now button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will proceed to install automatically. (See also this video tutorial with the steps to upgrade using Windows Update.)
If you don’t see the notification, it is likely because Windows 11 is not fully compatible with your hardware and software configuration. In this case, it’s not recommended to proceed with the upgrade using other methods, such as the Installation Assistant or ISO file, because you may come across errors and problems.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 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.