How-to: Advanced Techniques: Forced Windows-11 Update Methods
Introduction:
Upgrading to Windows-11 can bring several benefits, including improved performance, enhanced security features, and a refreshed user interface. This guide will provide you with advanced techniques to force a Windows-11 update on your compatible device.
Note: Before proceeding with any forced update methods, it is crucial to back up your essential files and create a system restore point to ensure you can revert any changes if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Method 1: Using the Registry Editor
1. Press the "Windows key + R" simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) in the text field and press Enter or click OK.
3. The Registry Editor window will open; navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate
4. Right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name this new value as "AllowOSUpgrade" (without quotes).
6. Double-click on "AllowOSUpgrade," set its value data as "1," and click OK.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor
Note: Group Policy Editor is only available in certain editions of Windows; ensure that you have access before attempting this method.
1a. Press "Windows key + R" simultaneously on your keyboard.
2a. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter or click OK.
OR
1b. Open Start Menu, search for "Edit group policy," then select it from the results.
3a/3b/4a/4b/5a/5b/6a/6b. Depending on your version of Windows, navigate through the following path in the Group Policy Editor:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
7. In the right-hand pane, find and double-click on "Allow updates from an additional update source."
8. Select "Enabled," and then enter "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11" (without quotes) in the Additional updates URLs field.
9. Click Apply, then OK to save changes.
Method 3: Using Media Creation Tool
1. Visit Microsoft's official website and download the Media Creation Tool for Windows-11.
2. Launch the downloaded tool, review and accept any necessary terms or agreements.
3. Choose "Upgrade this PC now" option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
Method 4: Using ISO File
1a/1b/2a/2b/3a/3b/4a/4b/5a/5b/. Follow steps 1-6 from Method 2 above to navigate to Group Policy Editor.
7-10a OR 7-10b depending on your version of Windows:
- In Group Policy Editor, find and double-click on "Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair."
- Select "Enabled," then check both boxes under Options: 'Download repair content' and 'When possible, automatically download updates.'
- Click Apply, then OK.
11. Visit Microsoft's official website to download the ISO file for Windows-11 (compatible with your device).
12. Mount or extract the ISO file contents using built-in tools or third-party software like WinRAR.
13a OR 13B depending on your extracted files:
a) Run setup.exe; follow prompts to install/update manually.
b) Use Rufus (or similar software) to create a bootable USB/DVD, then restart your computer to boot from it and follow the instructions.
Summary:
By following the steps outlined above, you can force a Windows-11 update on your compatible device using advanced techniques. Remember to proceed with caution and ensure that your device meets the system requirements before attempting any forced update methods.