Microsoft released the 2023 feature update for Windows 11 yesterday to the public. It is already available via Windows Update, but only if the device meets all hardware requirements and has no known issues.
Most Windows 11 devices can be upgraded via Windows Update immediately. The situation is different for devices that don’t meet the minimum system requirements. These devices can’t be upgraded via Windows Update. The feature update is not offered there and won’t be in the future.
This leaves other options to install the update. I published a guide on Ghacks about this, which you may want to check out. There is, however, an even easier and quicker option to upgrade to Windows 11 2023 Update.
This method works for all devices running the latest version of Windows 11, no matter if they are compatible or not.
Preparations
The method does not require a lot of preparations, ISO images or huge update downloads. In fact, there is only one requirement, one that all devices can meet easily.
Requirement: install the October 31 update for Windows 11 on the device that you want to upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2. KB5031455 is offered via Windows Update to all systems.
Just go to Start > Settings > Windows Update, check the “get the latest updates as soon as they are available” option and hit the “check for updates” button.
The preview update should be offered to you now. Note that a newer update may be offered, depending on when you follow the instructions.
You may also download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Make sure to select the right version.
Install the Enablement Package
There is just one additional step to upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2. Download the enablement update KB5027397 using the links below:
Run the downloaded file and wait until the update installation ends. A restart of the system is the last required step.
This process has no system requirements check, which means that it will work on all devices, including unsupported ones.
Select Start, type winver and press the Enter-key to display the new version of Windows in a small popup after the restart.
Thanks Martin! I was expecting a longer update process like similar feature updates in the past, but this one felt like a regular Windows update.