How to install Windows 11 version 23H2 manually

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Windows 11 version 23H2 is the latest feature update for Windows 11 (up to version 24H2 later this year). It's also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update and was officially released in November 2023. As always, it's recommended that you get the latest version of Windows, whether for new features or simply to extend your support period. Installing this update should be pretty straightforward, but if you're not sure what to do, we're here to help.



Check if your device meets the Windows 11 system requirements

If you are already using Windows 11, you should not worry about getting the latest update as nothing has changed in terms of system requirements. However, if you are still using Windows 10, you will need to meet the system requirements for Windows 11 as a whole. Here is a quick overview:

  • CPU: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on Chip (SoC)
  • RAM: 4 GB or more
  • Storage: 64 GB or more
  • System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Version 2.0
  • GPU: Compatible with DirectX 12 or higher with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Display: High definition display (720p) with a diagonal of over 9 inches, 8 bits per color channel


Power users can install Windows 11 on almost any unsupported PC, but doing so comes with some risks, as updates may not work as intended and you may not be able to get support from Microsoft when you need it.

Secure your PC

Before updating your operating system, it is essential that you create a full backup of your PC so that you don't lose valuable personal data in case a problem occurs.

The new Windows Backup app lets you back up some of your data and settings, but we recommend using some of the alternative backup solutions available to make sure everything you need is in a safe place. Move your important files to OneDrive or a USB stick in case the upgrade doesn't go as expected.

Surface Pro 8 with SSD for data backup

Related

How to secure your Windows 11 PC

Want to keep a complete copy of your PC in case something goes wrong? Or just back up your files? It's easy with Windows 11 system tools.


How to download and install Windows 11 version 23H2 using Windows Update

The easiest way to get Windows 11 version 23H2 is to use Windows Update on a supported PC. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Click WindowsUpdate in the side menu.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. You will see a message similar (with slightly different text) to the one below, stating that Windows 11 version 23H2 is available. Click Download and install.
  5. Screenshot of the Windows 11 update page

    The update will begin downloading and you will be prompted to restart your computer when the download is complete.

After your PC restarts, you should be up and running with Windows 11 version 23H2. Depending on which version you currently have, this can be a very small and quick update. Windows 11 version 23H2 shares the codebase with version 22H2 and is simply an enablement package. Essentially, it just enables some features that are currently disabled, and even then, on the surface, there isn't much difference in the new update. It's mostly about keeping you up to date and making sure you can continue to receive security updates in the future. As you may know, support for Windows 11 version 22H2 ends in October 2024.


Using the Windows 11 Installation Wizard

If the method above doesn't work for you, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Wizard. Downloading a full Windows 11 image from Microsoft will give you the latest updates immediately, so you won't need to use Windows Update at all. To do this, just follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Windows 11 download page
  2. Under Windows 11 installation wizardon Download now.
    A screenshot of the Windows 11 download website focusing on the installation wizard for the 23H2 update

  3. Run the program and follow the steps to download and install the latest version of Windows 11.


Note that this method requires downloading a complete Windows 11 image. This means the download and installation process will take much longer, so be sure to give yourself time if you want to do it this way. Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to install Windows 11 from scratch using a USB drive, but this will take even longer.

How to download Windows 11 version 23H2 manually

If you don't want to use Windows Update, or it just doesn't work for you, you can download it manually. Microsoft doesn't provide an easy way to download the activation package yourself, as it's not listed in the Microsoft Update catalog. Fortunately, with a little research, you can get the files we've linked below.

The update package will only be installed if you are using Windows 11 Build 22621.2355 or higher, which means you already have version 22H2 on your PC. You can check your current build number in
Settings > System > About
.


In general, the MSU file above is much easier to use, but in some cases the CAB file may be preferable. However, if you are not sure you want the CAB version, stick with MSU.

If you use the MSU file, all you have to do is run it after the download is complete and the update will be installed and you will be prompted to restart your computer.

If you use the CAB file, you will need to install the update via Windows Terminal. Here's how:

  1. Right-click on the downloaded CAB file and select Copy as path.
  2. Right-click the Start menu icon (or press Windows + X on your keyboard) and select Terminal (Administrator).
  3. Enter the following command and replace with the path copied in step 1: 
    dism /online /add-package /packagepath:
  4. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your PC to complete the setup.


Final thoughts

And that's pretty much everything you need to know if you want to manually install Windows 11 version 23H2 on your PC. We generally recommend waiting until the new version is offered normally through Windows Update, but if you're eager to try out the awesome latest features, you can download it right away using the methods above. Since support for Windows 11 version 22H2 is ending soon, this update will likely be automatically installed on your PC in the near future if you're already using Windows 11, but the manual method is a good way to get ahead of things.

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