You can install Windows 11 22H2 without a USB flash drive if the device is already running the original release of Windows 11 or any supported version of Windows 10. You only need to mount the ISO file to File Explorer and launch the upgrade process.

Although you usually need a USB flash drive to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade, you can also use the virtual disc drive support to mount the Windows 11 22H2 ISO file to launch the setup without any physical media.

This guide will teach you the steps to perform a Windows 11 22H2 upgrade or clean installation without a bootable USB or Media Creation Tool.

Install Windows 11 22H2 from ISO without USB

To install Windows 11 22H2 without a USB flash drive, use these steps:

  • Download Windows 11 22H2 ISO file.
  • Quick note: If you’re reading this guide before the update is available on September 20, you can use these instructions to download the latest preview of version 22H2.
  • Right-click the ISO file, select the Open with submenu, and choose the Windows Explorer option.
  • Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane.
  • Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade process.
  • (Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.
  • Select the Not right now option.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
  • Click the Install button.

If you want to do a clean installation of version 22H2, click the “Change what to keep” option, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button.

Download Windows 11 22H2 ISO file.

Right-click the ISO file, select the Open with submenu, and choose the Windows Explorer option.

Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane.

Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade process.

(Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

Select the Not right now option.

Click the Next button.

Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

Click the Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 2022 Update will install on your computer. Since this is an in-place upgrade, you won’t need to go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) because all your settings, apps, and files will migrate automatically.