Share this article
Improve this guide
Windows 11 Update Not Showing: How to Fix it in 7 Steps
This issue prevents the installation of the new OS
9 min. read
Updated onMarch 22, 2024
updated onMarch 22, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
I’m sure many of us were excited about the release of Windows 11, but like me, you might have noticed that Windows 11 is not showing up in Windows Update. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as compatibility issues and the phased rollout process.
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the Windows 11 update to appear in your Windows Update section without success, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share multiple solutions to help you install Windows 11 on your PC.
Let’s navigate through the reasons behind the absence of the Windows 11 update and explore effective methods to ensure a successful upgrade. Together, we’ll overcome this hurdle and experience all that Windows 11 has to offer!
Why don’t I see the Windows 11 update?
A large number of computers wouldn’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 owing to the strictsystem requirements. And Microsoft has its reasoning for that. Also, if you findWindows 11 23H2 not showing up, it could be a problem with compatibility or an issue at your end to blame.
Can my PC run Windows 11?
To check whether a computer can run Windows 11, Microsoft has released thePC Health Check app. Just download and install the app, run it, and you will find out whether or not your system is compatible.
If you get the messageThis PC meets Windows 11 requirements, your computer is compatible. Head over to the next section to find out ways to make the upgrade even if Windows 11 is not showing up in Windows Update.
For those of you who seeThis PC doesn’t currently meet the Windows 11 system requirements, you wouldn’t be receiving the upgrade via Windows Update. Head over to the end to find out how you can install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
What can I do if the Windows 11 update is not showing up?
1. Resume Windows Update
If you have paused updates, you wouldn’t be receiving any, including the one for Windows 11. Even if you don’t remember doing it, there’s no harm in cross-checking before we proceed further.
After you enable updates, if an upgrade for Windows 11 is available, it would be shown in Windows Update, and subsequently, downloaded and installed on your computer.
2. Reboot the computer
Before restarting, make sure to save any open files to avoid data loss. Rebooting the computer restarts the OS and fixes any trivial bugs that may be interfering with the Windows 11 update.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooters offered by Microsoft are excellent in identifying and fixing small bugs, misconfigured settings, and other issues. After the troubleshooter is done running, check if Windows 11 is now showing up in Windows Update.
4. Repair Windows Update components
Although you are required torepair or reset Windows Update componentswhen encountering an error, it may also help you get the Windows 11 update in this case.
If they have become corrupt or have run into a bug leading to the Windows 11 not showing up in the Windows update issue, repairing or resetting them should come in handy.
5. Restart the Windows 11 update
In some cases, the update for Windows 11 may seem stuck at 100% for hours without any progress. In such cases, following the steps mentioned here will get things up and running and allow you to upgrade.
6. Disable or uninstall conflicting apps
To disable an app, you can go to its built-inSettingsand turn on/off the required toggle or choose the appropriate response.
The method to disable each app is different and there should be an option for it somewhere in the app’s built-inSettings. Search the FAQ section on the official website for the program to find out the exact steps.
If disabling the app didn’t work or you couldn’t find the option for it, follow the steps above to uninstall the app.
Certain programs are known to block the Windows Updates, thus leading to the current issue.
You should look out for third-party firewalls and disable or uninstall them. Also, apps like Pi-hole or other similar ones, have been found to be the culprit, and uninstalling them fixed the problem.
Once you are done disabling or uninstalling the problematic apps, check if you are able to find and install Windows 11 from Windows Update.
7. Use the Installation Media
Once done, you can now easilyinstall the OS from the bootable USB drive. Although the guide is for Windows 10, it would assist you when installing Windows 11 as well since the process remains the same.
After the flash drive is booted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
A major advantage of this method is that you will always have a bootable USB at your disposal, which would make things a lot easier in case you have to reinstall Windows 11.
We’ve written extensively about the issue of people being unable to complete the upgrade process to Windows 11 or not seeing the option at all. Here are some resources we’re suggesting for you to check out:
Can I use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to upgrade?
Yes, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is another tool at your disposal to upgrade to the latest iteration. However, you cannot use it if the PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, since the Installation Assistant wouldn’t run.
You can download anduse the Windows 11 Installation Assistantwith the help of our guide. Simply, go to theHow to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant?heading and follow the steps listed there.
What do I do if my PC doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11?
As promised earlier, we will now list out the ways you can install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC. However, Microsoft has stated that such PCs may have compatibility issues and might not receive updates, including those for security. You will thus be exposing the system to a major risk.
However if you have made up your mind, you caninstall Windows 11 after bypassing SecureBoot and TPM checks. This would require making some minor changes to the Registry.
It’s also possible toinstall Windows 11 without TPM, another workaround users had been looking for due to the TPM 2.0 requirement.
If you are still unsure, learn how toinstall Windows 11 on a Virtual Machine, try it out, and then make the upgrade. Nevertheless, if you have already made the jump, it’s easy toroll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10.
By the time you reach the end of this article, you know many ways to install the latest iteration from Microsoft on both supported and unsupported PCS. Also, the Windows 11 not showing up in the Windows Update issue would be fixed.
Let us know which method worked for you and your experience thus far with Windows 11.
More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Update
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
