Windows 11 version 21H2 is the original release of Windows 11. Microsoft began rolling out Windows 11 on October 5, 2021, making 21H2 the first generally available Windows 11 feature version.

This page is maintained as a reference for the original Windows 11 21H2 ISO. It is a historical release rather than a current supported version, so users looking for a supported installation should use the latest Windows 11 version instead.

Windows 11 version 21H2 — original Windows 11 release, 64-bit ISO reference.

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Windows 11 21H2 Release

Windows 11 21H2 introduced the new Windows 11 desktop experience, including a redesigned Start menu and taskbar, updated system visuals, Snap Layouts, Widgets, and a refreshed Microsoft Store. These changes formed the foundation for later Windows 11 feature updates.

Unlike later releases, 21H2 should be viewed mainly as the original Windows 11 baseline. Many features and improvements that users associate with newer Windows 11 versions were added or expanded through subsequent updates.

• Redesigned Start menu and taskbar
• Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for arranging application windows
• Widgets available from the taskbar
• Updated File Explorer and system interface
• New Microsoft Store experience
• Updated Settings application
• Improved support for modern hardware and security requirements

Windows 11 21H2 Support Status

Windows 11 21H2 is no longer supported. Microsoft ended updates for the original Home and Pro release on October 11, 2023. Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions based on 21H2 reached the end of updates on October 8, 2024.

Because 21H2 no longer receives normal security and quality updates, it should not be treated as a current Windows installation target for everyday use. The ISO remains useful primarily for historical testing, compatibility work, virtual machines, or other situations where the original release is specifically required.

For a supported Windows 11 installation, see the current Windows 11 ISO page.

Windows 11 21H2 Editions

The Windows 11 21H2 release was available in several editions for different types of users and organizations. Common desktop editions included:

• Windows 11 Home
• Windows 11 Pro
• Windows 11 Pro Education
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
• Windows 11 Enterprise
• Windows 11 Education

Edition availability and licensing depended on the intended use and Microsoft’s licensing channels. Home and Pro were aimed primarily at consumers and professionals, while Enterprise and Education were designed for organizational and academic environments.

Home and Pro

Windows 11 Home was the standard consumer edition for everyday computing, including web browsing, applications, entertainment, and gaming.

Windows 11 Pro included additional management, security, and business-oriented capabilities. It was intended for users who needed features beyond the standard Home configuration.

Windows 11 21H2 Screenshots

The following screenshots show the original Windows 11 interface and selected system pages from the 21H2-era desktop experience.

Download Windows 11 21H2 ISO

The Windows 11 21H2 ISO is an archived release of the original Windows 11 installation media. The available download is intended for users who specifically need the 21H2 release rather than the current version of Windows 11.

For a normal installation on a modern PC, using the latest Windows 11 ISO is preferable because 21H2 has reached the end of its servicing lifecycle.

Windows 11 21H2 ISO Download

ISO file size: approximately 5.1 GB. The exact size can vary depending on the specific installation image and packaging.

How to Install Windows 11 21H2

You can use the ISO to create bootable installation media or mount it directly from an existing Windows installation. For a clean installation, create a bootable USB drive and start the computer from that USB device.

1. Create a bootable USB drive from the Windows 11 21H2 ISO.
2. Connect the USB drive to the target PC and restart the computer.
3. Open the computer’s boot menu or firmware boot options and select the USB device.
4. Start Windows Setup and select the required language, time, and keyboard options.
5. Choose the installation option and select the target drive when performing a clean installation.
6. Allow Windows Setup to copy the installation files and complete the installation.

Important: A clean installation can remove existing files, applications, and partitions depending on the options selected. Back up important data before changing or formatting the system drive.

Windows 11 21H2 in a Virtual Machine

Because 21H2 is an older Windows 11 release, it can also be useful for testing legacy software or comparing the original Windows 11 environment with later releases. VirtualBox and VMware can be used for this purpose, provided the virtual machine is configured with the hardware and security features required by Windows 11.

• Download the Windows 11 21H2 ISO.
• Create a new Windows 11 virtual machine.
• Attach the 21H2 ISO as the virtual optical disk.
• Configure the virtual machine according to the virtualization software’s Windows 11 requirements.
• Start the VM and complete Windows Setup.

Windows 11 21H2 FAQs

Is Windows 11 21H2 still supported?

No. Windows 11 21H2 has reached the end of its servicing lifecycle. Home and Pro editions ended support in October 2023, while the relevant Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions reached their end of updates in October 2024.

What is Windows 11 21H2?

21H2 is the version number of the original Windows 11 release. It introduced the redesigned Windows 11 interface and the first generation of Windows 11 features before later versions such as 22H2 and 23H2 added further changes.

Can I still download Windows 11 21H2?

An archived 21H2 ISO can still be useful where the original release is specifically required. However, it is an outdated Windows version and should not be confused with a currently supported Windows 11 release.

Is Windows 11 21H2 32-bit available?

No. Windows 11 was released for modern 64-bit hardware. This page therefore refers to the x64 installation media rather than a 32-bit Windows 11 ISO.

How can I check my installed Windows version?

Press Windows + R, enter winver, and press Enter. Windows will display the installed Windows version and OS build information.

Should I install Windows 11 21H2 on a new PC?

21H2 is an end-of-support release, so it is not appropriate as the normal choice for a new Windows installation. If you simply need Windows 11, use the latest supported Windows 11 release instead.

Windows 11 21H2 Download

For the current release and newer Windows 11 ISO files, visit the Windows 11 ISO download page.