Actually, what you did makes sense.

I obviously didn't read each and every article. I read the one that said How to get the Windows 11 2025 Update because that's the info I wanted.😉

@Bookmem, that link is available from the Bleeping Computer article, referenced as the "Installation Assistant".

It doesn't say so in the "How to get" article but it is apparently also available via "Media Creation Tool". I'm dl/ing it now. Will try it with Rufus.   edit: Used it to update my test laptop. Everything appears to be working.