Windows 11 23H2: How to Download the Official ISO
KB5030310 update & Windows 11 23H2 are not the same!
Microsoft typically releases a major Windows version update in late September or October each year. This year’s major update, Windows 11 23H2, was all set to be released but was delayed when the tech giant launched the Moment 4 update, KB5030310, for Windows 11 22H2 instead.
However, if you want to download Windows 11 23H2 and enjoy the new features before others, this guide can help!
How big is the Windows 11 23H2 download size?
Usually, the setup file size of a Windows upgrade is about 3-4 GB, but the Windows 11 23H2 ISO file size is around 6.1 GB.
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How do I download Windows 11 23H2?
Before moving to the detailed steps to download the Windows 11 23H2 ISO file, make sure you perform these checks:
- Verify if you have a stable internet connection.
- If upgrading your computer from an older version, ensure your computer has new hardware and matches the system requirements of the OS.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings>Windows Update>Check for Updates to ensure the feature update KB5030310 is installed on your computer.
- If you are unsure about installing the update on the main computer, try using a Windows 11 virtual machine.
1. Join the Windows Insider Program
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to Privacy & security, select Diagnostics & feedback.
- Toggle the switch for Send optional diagnostic data.
- Go to Windows Update, then click Windows Insider Program.
- Locate Join the Windows Insider Program and click Get started.
- On Link an account to join the program window, click the Link an account option.
- Choose an account and click Continue.
- Click Continue on the following page.
- On the Choose your Insider channel window, you will get four options: Canary Channel, Dev Channel, Beta Channel, and Release Preview; select Release Preview and click Continue.
- Click Restart now to complete the process.
Before restarting your PC, ensure you have saved all your work.
2. Download the ISO file
- Go to the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page and click the Sign in icon.
- Enter the credentials to your registered Microsoft account.
- On the Windows Insider Program page, locate Select edition from the drop-down menu and select Windows 11 Insider Preview (Release Preview Channel)- Build 22631.
- Click Confirm.
- For the Select the product language option, choose a language and click Confirm.
- Next, you will get a 64-bit Download button; click it to get the Windows 11 23H2 ISO file on your computer.
- The file is 6 GB in size, so it might take some time as it depends on the internet connection, your computer’s speed to process, and your location in relation to the host server. To learn more about it, read this guide.
Currently, the Release version of Windows 11 23H2 is only available 64-bit version, so if you have x86, please don’t proceed with these steps.
How do I install Windows 11 23H2?
Before proceeding with these steps to clean install the Windows 11 update, save all your work, and close unnecessary apps and windows.
- Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer. Locate and right-click the downloaded ISO image file and select Mount.
- Now, on the following window, double-click setup.exe to launch the setup wizard.
- On the Windows 11 Setup wizard, click Next.
- On the license terms page, click Accept.
- The setup wizard will now get the updates; wait for a few minutes.
- Next, on the Ready to install page, click Install.
Now, your computer will restart a few times to complete the installation. Once done, you will be greeted with the login screen.
During the installation process, if you are prompted to add the product key, and you don’t have the product key handy, you can skip the step.
In case you want to install the update on another computer, you need to create a bootable USB drive.
Features of Windows 11 23H2
- Windows Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that can take a screenshot, make general changes to Windows settings, write content, and answer your queries based on the conversation style you choose.
- File Explorer will have a Details tab on the right and a Gallery tab on the left to help you locate all photos, & screenshots on your PC.
- Windows Backup app allows you to save folders, apps, settings, and even Wi-Fi passwords and other credentials on your computer.
- The Photos app will come with a new feature, Background blur, and the Taskbar will get the Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels option back.
- Microsoft Teams is now added to the Taskbar as Chat, and Windows 11 will have native RAR support.
- The Settings Home page will have the Recommended settings section and most used features.
- The Notepad app will now automatically save whatever you type or paste in it, and similar to Notes on iOS, it will open on the same page where you closed it.
- With the new Phone Link integration with Microsoft Teams (free), you can now link your Android phone to send, receive SMS, and share meeting links via regular phone numbers.
- Paint will now be in Dark mode and will have a Remove background feature.
- You can extract text from an image using the Snipping tool‘s Copy as text feature.
Some of these features are already available in the latest Windows update, KB5030310, while others will roll out later with Windows 11 23H2 update.
If you don’t see these features on your computer yet, wait for a while, as Microsoft is still in the process of releasing the updates.
Which new Windows feature do you like the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
