To update to Windows 10 22H2, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then select Download and install under Feature update to Windows 10, version 22H2. From versions 20H2, 21H1 and 21H2 this is a small update that takes one restart. From older versions, use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool and choose Upgrade this PC now.
Applies to: Windows 10 Home and Pro. Last reviewed October 8, 2026. 22H2 is the last version of Windows 10, and Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025. You need 22H2 to get Extended Security Updates (ESU).
Step 1: Check which version you have
- Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter.
- Look at the Version line. If it says 22H2 (OS build 19045.xxxx), you’re already on the latest version.
More ways to check are in how to check your Windows 10 version.
Step 2: Back up and prepare
- Back up important files to OneDrive or an external drive. Feature updates rarely lose data, but it’s cheap insurance.
- Plug in a laptop and make sure you have at least 10 GB of free space on drive C for an older-version upgrade.
- Install any pending updates and restart first.
Method 1: Windows Update (20H2, 21H1 or 21H2)
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Under Feature update to Windows 10, version 22H2, select Download and install.
- Restart when asked.
On these versions, 22H2 is delivered as a small enablement package that switches on features already downloaded, so it usually finishes in a few minutes. If you see an offer to upgrade to Windows 11 instead, look below it for the 22H2 link, or select Stay on Windows 10 for now. For more, see how to update Windows 10 and check for updates.
Method 2: Media Creation Tool (2004 or older, or if Windows Update fails)
- Go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Run it and accept the license terms.
- Choose Upgrade this PC now and select Next.
- When asked what to keep, choose Keep personal files and apps.
- Select Install. The PC restarts several times. Allow an hour or more.
If Microsoft has stopped offering the tool by the time you read this, the same page may offer an ISO download. Open the ISO and run setup.exe, which gives the same upgrade options. See also how to update Windows 10 manually.
After updating
- Run winver again to confirm 22H2.
- Go back to Windows Update and install the latest cumulative updates.
- Decide what’s next: move to Windows 11 if the PC is eligible, or enroll in ESU. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. The consumer ESU program covers updates only until October 12, 2027. After that, further paid ESU years are offered to organizations, not home users, so for most people Windows 11 is the long-term answer.
Can this PC run Windows 11 instead?
Open the PC Health Check app, or look in Windows Update for a Windows 11 upgrade offer. Windows 11 needs a supported processor, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. If the PC qualifies, the upgrade is free and keeps your files and apps, and you won’t need to worry about Windows 10 updates again.
Troubleshooting
The 22H2 update isn’t offered
Your version may be too old for the enablement package, or a policy is blocking feature updates. Use Method 2. On a work PC, ask IT.
The update fails with an error code
Run Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update, restart, and try again. Free up disk space and unplug USB devices you don’t need.
Stuck at a percentage
Leave it for at least an hour, especially at 0% or 99%. If it hasn’t moved after several hours, restart and Windows will usually roll back so you can try again.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 10 22H2 still safe to use?
Only with ESU or another source of security updates. Without them, the PC no longer gets security fixes, so moving to Windows 11 is the safer choice where possible.
Will updating to 22H2 delete my files?
No. Both methods keep your files, apps and settings, provided you choose Keep personal files and apps in Method 2.
Is there a Windows 10 23H2?
No. Microsoft announced that 22H2 is the final version of Windows 10.
Related: roll back a Windows 10 update.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.