Solved: Windows 11 23H2 Not Showing Up in Windows Update

Microsoft recently rolled out Windows 11, version 23H2, to all compatible devices, but it’s not showing up for many. The version was earlier exclusively available to those in the Beta and Dev channels. And ever since the public release, users can’t wait to try the latest OS version.

First things first, Microsoft rolls out updates in a phased manner, where some users receive them before others. This doesn’t at all indicate that your device is not compatible or won’t be receiving the update. But if it’s been a few days, you should check for issues.

Why doesn’t Windows 11 23H2 appear?

It usually happens when the device blocks newer versions of Windows, there are corrupt update components, the PC is not eligible due to missing TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, or Microsoft is yet to release an update for your PC.

What can I do if Windows 11 23H2 is not showing?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:

• Restart the computer and again check for updates.
• Switch to another network, preferably a wired connection. 
• Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. If you previously installed the OS through manipulations, it might not show 23H2.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab.
2. Click on Other troubleshooters.
3. Now, click on the Run button next to Windows Update.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and make the recommended changes, if any.

The built-in troubleshooter helps a great deal when Windows 11 23H2 is not showing up. Besides, it also helps if you can’t find Windows 11 under updates while upgrading to the latest iteration.

2. Enable the Windows Update service

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter. 
2. Scroll down and locate the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and select Properties.
3. Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, click the Start button under Service status, and then OK to save the changes.
4. Finally, restart the computer, again check for updates, and see if Windows 11, version 23H2 feature update, now shows up for download.

3. Reset the Windows Update components

1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Command Prompt, right-click the relevant result, and select Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following commands individually and hit Enter after each to stop the related services: net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc
4. Now, execute this command to delete the qmgr*.dat files created by BITS: Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
5. Type Y and press Enter to confirm.
6. Now, run the following commands to clear the Windows Update cache: rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
7. Next, execute these commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update service: sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU) sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
8. Paste this command and hit Enter: cd /d %windir%\system32
9. Execute the following commands individually to re-register the critical DLL files:
   regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
10. Run the following two commands to reset the network settings: netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy
11. Finally, execute these commands to restart the critical services you disabled earlier: net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc

If it’s not the unsupported hardware to blame, you can get the optional update when Windows 11 23H2 is not available by resetting the update components.

Read more about this topic

• Microsoft’s latest patent describes a technology capable of hiding parts of the Windows desktop
• Windows 11’s Caps Lock notification drives people mad, but there’s a way to turn it off
• Windows 10 updates will be much smaller from now to suit slow Internet speeds
• Windows 11 will display the date of the latest backup, making it easier to keep track of files

4. Update via the installation assistant

1. Go to Microsoft’s official website and click the Download Now button to get the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
2. Run the downloaded setup and click Yes in the prompt that appears.
3. Click on Accept and install.
4. Wait for the download to complete. It may take a 30-45 minutes.
5. Once done, it will automatically install Windows 11 23H2. Follow the instructions and restart the computer when prompted for the changes to come into effect.

When the other options don’t work, you can download the Windows 11 23H2 official ISO file and install the latest version of the OS.

How do I know if my computer is eligible for Windows 11 23H2?

If Windows 11 23H2 appears under Windows Update, it means your PC is eligible. Besides, you could use the PC Health Check app to verify compatibility. The dedicated app also lists why the device is incompatible so you can reconfigure the relevant settings.

In case Windows 11 was not showing up earlier, it should now, and your installation experience should be seamless, given the device doesn’t face compatibility issues with the latest iteration and version.

Besides, while the updates are underway, find out the top features of Windows 11 23H2 and start using them right away!

For any queries or to share your feedback on the latest version of Windows 11, drop a comment below.