How do I update my iPad 10 generation from 16 to 17 my model is MQ6J3LL/A ?

Your iPad 10 supports iPadOS 18. You can only update your iPad to the most recent version of iPadOS supported by your iPad.

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

If you are really stuck, you can visit the Genius Bar at a local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider. Here the staff will be delighted to help - and sill update your iPad for you. At a Genius Bar, the update will be performed without charge:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Use a computer or the Software Update function in Settings to install 18. Apple no longer signs 17 for that model.

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Granny-Smith678 wrote:

It is unreasonable to have to buy a new iPad every couple of years because a perfectly good iPad can’t accept updates and therefore has limited use!!!!!!

All computing devices ultimately have a support lifetime. For iPad, Apple typically provides update support for an industry-leading five to seven years from initial release of a device model.

Over time, software inevitably makes more demands upon the available system hardware. Eventually, the installed hardware (CPU/GPU and RAM) will not be able to meet the demands of [then] modern software - at which time the computer may need to be replaced by a more modern device. This is true of all computers, not just Apple.

It is unreasonable to have to buy a new iPad every couple of years because a perfectly good iPad can’t accept updates and therefore has limited use!!!!!!