How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update final release before anyone else
The Windows 10 November 2021 Update is available ahead of the official release, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to get it.
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Microsoft plans to begin the slow rollout of the Windows 10 November 2021 Update (version 21H1) in the coming days. However, since the update has already been finalized, you can get it early through the Windows Insider Program.
The program provides developers, network administrators, and enthusiasts early access to builds of Windows through the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview Channels to test the new improvements and submit feedback. However, since the final version has to go through all the channels, you can use the Release Preview Channel to install the latest feature update ofWindows 10before it releases to everyone.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through the steps of downloading the final release of the November 2021 Update ahead of its official release.
How to install Windows 10 November 2021 Update through Insider Program
The Release Preview Channel has the build that Microsoft plans to release as the final version of Windows 10 (version 21H2). However, since builds in this readiness level are still pre-releases, this version still includes some unknown issues.
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that modifying an installation of Windows 10 can negatively impact your current setup. We recommend creating a temporary backup before proceeding as a precaution.
To enroll a device in the Windows Insider Program to download the May 2021 Update before anyone else, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the November 2021 Update (build 19044.1288 or higher) will install on the computer. If you already had version 21H1, 20H2, or 2004, the installation process will be as quick as a monthly update. However, if you plan to upgrade from the November 2019 Update or an older release, the process will require complete reinstallation.
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Disable Windows Insider Program
After the November 2021 Update installs, you can unenroll the device to stop getting previews for the next version of Windows.
To gracefully opt-out of the Insider program, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps and the Windows 10 November 2021 Update becomes officially available, the computer will gracefully remove from the program, and it will continue to receive updates for as long as the version is supported.
How to install Windows 10 November 2021 Update through ISO file
Alternatively, Microsoft has already published the Windows 11 November 2021 Update ISO file that intends to ship when the feature update becomes officially available.
You can download and use the ISO file to upgrade any computer that meets the requirements. However, no matter the version installed on the computer, this process will perform a complete reinstallation, which is generally unnecessary on a device running version 2004 or higher release.
To upgrade a computer to the Windows 10 November 2021 Update, use these steps:
If you plan to start with a new setup, you can use the ISO file to create a USB bootable (with Rufus) that you can use to start the device andperform a clean installation.
After you complete the steps, the upgrade process will begin, and after the installation, since this is an upgrade, you won’t need to go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE).
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
