Should I download x64 or ARM64 on Windows?

Use x64 when System type says 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor. Use ARM64 for an Arm-based processor, such as a Snapdragon Windows PC. If Windows itself is 32-bit, choose an x86 app installer even when the processor is 64-bit.

Is amd64 only for AMD processors?

No. On Windows download pages, amd64 and x86_64 refer to the same 64-bit processor family as x64 and include both Intel and AMD PCs. They are different from ARM64.

Is there an x86 version of Windows 11 26H2?

No. Windows 11 is 64-bit only. Use Microsoft's x64 media for a compatible Intel or AMD PC, or its separate Arm64 ISO for a compatible Arm PC. An x86 installer label refers to a 32-bit app, not a Windows 11 edition.

Can I use the 26H2 enablement package directly on Windows 11 23H2?

Microsoft documents the 26H2 enablement package for eligible 24H2 and 25H2 devices. That is not a direct activation route from 23H2. Start with the feature upgrade offered in Windows Update, or Microsoft's full setup route if your PC is eligible. Check the target release and what Setup will preserve before continuing.

Do I need an ISO if I already have Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2?

Usually you should start with Windows Update. Eligible 24H2 and 25H2 PCs can receive 26H2 through a small enablement package. An ISO is full installation media and is not required for that update. A phased rollout, compatibility safeguard or organization policy can delay the offer.

Does Windows 11 26H1 mean I should install it instead of 26H2?

No. Microsoft scopes 26H1 to selected new devices launched in 2026. It is not offered as an in-place feature update from 24H2 or 25H2 on existing PCs. Use the update route for your specific device rather than comparing the version numbers alone.

Can a PC with TPM 1.2 become supported by choosing the right ISO?

No. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 along with its other hardware requirements. The correct x64 or Arm64 image does not change eligibility. Microsoft does not support ineligible devices and does not guarantee updates, including security updates.

Can Windows on Arm run x64 apps and drivers?

Windows 11 on Arm can run many x86 and x64 apps through emulation. Prefer a native ARM64 app when available. Drivers and other system components need publisher-confirmed native Arm support; app emulation does not make an x64 driver compatible.

ARM64 vs x64 vs x86: Which Windows Installer?

For apps, choose x64 for 64-bit Intel or AMD Windows, ARM64 for Windows on Arm, and x86 for 32-bit Windows.

What would you like to do?

Choose an app installer

Where’s System type?

Use System type from the PC you’ll install on.

x6464-bit Windowsx64-based processor · Intel or AMDARM6464-bit WindowsARM-based processorx8632-bit WindowsEven with a 64-bit processor

Which line matches your PC?

Select a System type to see the matching installer.

Choose the x64 installer.

For 64-bit Windows on an Intel or AMD PC.

Also labelledamd64x86_64

Choose native ARM64.

When the publisher offers it. App emulation does not make x64 drivers compatible.

Also labelledarm64aarch64

Only an x64 app available?

Choose the x86 installer.

32-bit Windows needs x86 apps, even on a 64-bit processor.

Also labelled32-bit

Find System type in Windows Settings

Open SettingsOn the PC you want to install on.
Go to System → AboutLook for Device specifications.
Read System typeMatch both the operating system and processor.

Open the step-by-step Windows check

System › AboutExample

Device specifications

System type: 64-bit operating systemx64-based processor

Your PC may show a different line.

Only an x64 app is available for your Arm PC?

Apps can use emulation

x86 / x64EmulationWindows on Arm

Windows 11 on Arm can run many x86 and x64 apps. Prefer a native ARM64 build when the publisher offers one.

Drivers need native Arm support

For drivers, VPN clients, security software and system extensions, verify Arm support with the publisher.

App emulation does not make x64 drivers compatible.

Microsoft’s app-emulation guidance

.exe, .msi, .zip or a legacy x86 build?

The file extension describes the package format, not CPU compatibility. Match the architecture label first. Then follow the publisher’s instructions for the installer or archive.

A publisher may require an x86 build for a specific legacy app, even on 64-bit Windows. amd64 includes Intel PCs; it is not an AMD-only download.

Download Windows 11

Check my processor

Choose the installation image for your processor. Windows 11 is 64-bit only; there is no x86 ISO.

x64Intel or AMDA compatible 64-bit processorARM64Windows on ArmA compatible Arm-based processor

Which PC are you installing on?

Choose a processor family for the official Microsoft download.

Windows 11 · x64 ISO

For a compatible Intel or AMD PC. Microsoft’s Installation Assistant and Media Creation Tool are also for x64 PCs.

Open Microsoft’s x64 page

Windows 11 · Arm64 ISO

Follow your PC manufacturer’s instructions. Booting an Arm64 USB installer may need device-specific drivers.

Open Microsoft’s Arm64 page

Architecture is only one requirement.Check hardware support

Microsoft’s current download: Windows 11 26H2, checked 8 October 2026. Check live release status ↗

Update to Windows 11 26H2

Choose your installed version. Find it in Settings → System → About → Windows specifications.

24H2 / 25H2Eligible update route23H2 or earlierFeature upgrade or setup26H1Device-specific routeNot sureCheck eligibility first

Start with the version you have.

Choose above to see your update route. An ISO is not always needed.

24H2 / 25H2
Windows Update
26H2

Use the enablement-package route.

Eligible 24H2 and 25H2 PCs can receive 26H2 as a small update. Start with Settings → Windows Update and install current monthly updates.

Phased rollout, a compatibility hold or organization policy can delay the offer. Do not use an ISO to bypass a safeguard.

23H2 or earlier
Feature upgrade / full setup
Eligible release

No direct 26H2 enablement package.

Use the feature upgrade offered by Windows Update, or Microsoft’s full setup route when eligible. Confirm the target release and what Setup will keep.

An ISO is full installation media, not the small activation update used by eligible 24H2 or 25H2 PCs.

26H1
Your device
Offered update

Follow your device’s update route.

26H1 is for selected new 2026 PCs. It is not the feature upgrade offered to existing 24H2 or 25H2 PCs.

Use the update offered for your specific PC, not the version number that looks newest.

Check eligibility before choosing an update.

An x64 or ARM64 match does not establish Windows 11 support. Check your installed version and the PC’s hardware requirements first.

Check Windows 11 requirements

Before updating: Microsoft’s eligibility guidance ↗Rollout & known issues ↗

Enablement package or ISO?

An enablement package is a small update for an eligible Windows version. An ISO is full installation media. Start with Windows Update on a supported PC; the route depends on the installed version and update eligibility.

Compare all Windows 11 update routes

Start with the Windows version already installed
Your version	Update route	Before proceeding
24H2 or 25H2	Enablement package Eligible PCs can receive 26H2 through Windows Update.	Install current monthly updates. Phased rollout, a compatibility hold or organization policy can delay the offer.
23H2 or earlier	Feature upgrade or full setup No direct 26H2 enablement package from 23H2.	Use the feature upgrade offered by Windows Update, or Microsoft's full setup route when eligible. Confirm the target release and what Setup will keep.
26H1	Your device's update route Use the update offered for your specific PC.	26H1 is for selected new 2026 PCs. It is not the feature upgrade offered to existing 24H2 or 25H2 PCs.
Unknown or unsupported	Check eligibility first Do not choose an update or ISO from architecture alone.	An x64 or ARM64 match does not establish Windows 11 support. Check the hardware requirements.

Does your PC support Windows 11?

Check support before changing Windows

TPM 1.2 or an unsupported processor?

The right architecture does not make the PC supported. Windows 11 also requires:

TPM 2.0
A supported 64-bit processor
UEFI with Secure Boot capability
4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage at minimum

Check Microsoft's requirements and the PC manufacturer's support page.

Microsoft does not support ineligible devices and does not guarantee updates, including security updates. An earlier successful install does not establish eligibility for 26H2. Read the unsupported-device policy.

Back up your files and check recovery options before an OS upgrade. The backup and accessory checklist covers what an architecture match cannot answer.

ARM64, x64 or x86?