Solved Unable to get 23H2

I've already installed Windows 11 Pro 23H2 on a VM on a Linux host. It was from the latest ISO.

Now I have a better machine, an i7 that's Windows 11 compatible. It came with Windows 10 Pro installed. I installed a few programs and after a couple days did an in place update to Windows 11. But it's stuck on 22H2. I've already enabled Get latest updates in settings. Also looked at several posts on this forum and on Google. It seems my option is wait until MS thinks I'm ready. Or I could do a clean install from an ISO.

I've already has my basics setup and would rather not do the clean install. I have a digital license through COA. So that part shouldn't be an issue. I'd prefer to update to 23H2 in place without waiting for MS to get in the mood.

What are my options?

Maybe this:


If that fails, you could download the 22631.3296 ISO from uupdump.net and use it to upgrade. That should preserve your programs, data, and settings, but I recommend imaging your Windows 11 installation first.

Short version: download the ISO. Make sure to get the same version as your current 11. (language, home or Pro.) Double click on it to mount it (as a virtual DVD). Run setup. Choose to keep files and programs.

smalltalk said:

I'd prefer to update to 23H2 in place without waiting for MS to get in the mood.

Click to expand...

Download the ISO and run it from your current install. Download Windows 11

I'd try downloading the latest ISO using the creator tool, mount it and run setup. Choose to keep your files when options come up. If that doesn't work then guess it is a waiting game.

Is "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" On?

Like so:

Get Windows updates as soon as they're available for your device - Microsoft Support

Learn how you can get the latest available features and enhancements if you have Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.

support.microsoft.com

neves said:

Is "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" On?

Like so:

Get Windows updates as soon as they're available for your device - Microsoft Support

Learn how you can get the latest available features and enhancements if you have Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.

support.microsoft.com

Click to expand...

Yes

bobkn said:

Maybe this:

KB5027397 Enablement Package for Windows 11 version 23H2 Feature Update

Microsoft Support: Summary Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 11, version 23H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 11, version 22H2 but are in an inactive...

www.elevenforum.com

If that fails, you could download the 22631.3296 ISO from uupdump.net and use it to upgrade. That should preserve your programs, data, and settings, but I recommend imaging your Windows 11 installation first.

Short version: download the ISO. Make sure to get the same version as your current 11. (language, home or Pro.) Double click on it to mount it (as a virtual DVD). Run setup. Choose to keep files and programs.

Click to expand...

Ignore my gibberish below. I finally saw the download near at bottom of the article.

I've already looked at that link even before posting. It doesn't really tell me what to do.

There's Windows Update and Microsoft Update. In Windows Update I don't see "Feature Update to Windows 11, version 23H2".

Microsoft Update Catalog: doesn't apply.

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): I have not idea what this means.

Prerequisites: October 31, 2023—KB5031455 (OS Builds 22621.2506 and 22631.2506) Preview Doesn't apply because I have a newer build.

Please hold my hand on this one. The above info is unclear to me.

bobkn said:

Maybe this:

KB5027397 Enablement Package for Windows 11 version 23H2 Feature Update

Microsoft Support: Summary Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 11, version 23H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 11, version 22H2 but are in an inactive...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

I wasn't offered it either, even with "Get the latest ... " enabled and enablement package worked for me.

Enablement Packages (when available), are the way to go. ^^


@smalltalk

23H2 is already ON your computer. The Enablement Package just... turns it ON.



@Brink always posts the update/upgrades here, on the day they're released.

I did get 23H2 installed earlier. At first I didn't think the enablement package worked and started running the media creation tool. But before I hit the final install button I noticed winver displayed 23H2. So I aborted before it asked to reboot. Hopefully the files from the aborted ISO install were cleaned up.

In any event the update is complete.

My system is using a local account only. Managed that while in Windows 10. And the upgrade to 11 keep it local. Still working to de-bloat the system.

Best thing you can do for debloating is REVO Uninstaller free. It will uninstall just about anything.
Make sure to run it's "scan for leftovers" after each uninstall, and delete whatever it finds.



For example... this is just the "Windows Apps" section...







Here's some other things that may help...