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Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) - Comprehensive FAQ
Release Information
When will Windows 11 25H2 be released?Windows 11 25H2 is currently available in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. The official public release is expected between September and October 2025, following Microsoft's traditional fall release schedule for Windows annual updates.
What is the current build number?
The Release Preview Channel build is 26200.5074. This is considered the near-final version ahead of general availability.
How can I get it early?
To access Windows 11 25H2 now, you need to:
- Join the Windows Insider Program
- Select the Release Preview Channel
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and enable "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available"
- Check for updates manually
Installation and Compatibility
What is an enablement package?Windows 11 25H2 will be delivered as an enablement package for users already on 24H2. This means:
- Both 24H2 and 25H2 share the same core code base
- Most 25H2 features are already present in 24H2 but disabled
- The update simply "flips the switch" to enable these features
- Installation requires only a single restart
- Much smaller download size compared to full feature updates
No new hardware requirements for Windows 11 25H2. It maintains the same baseline as 24H2:
- TPM 2.0 chip
- Secure Boot capability
- 64-bit processor with 2+ cores
- 4GB RAM minimum
- 64GB storage minimum
- UEFI firmware
Can I upgrade from older Windows 11 versions?
- From 24H2: Seamless enablement package update
- From 23H2 or earlier: Standard feature update process (larger download, may require upgrading to 24H2 first)
- From Windows 10: Full upgrade to 24H2, then enablement package to 25H2
New Features
Start Menu Redesign
Windows 11 25H2 introduces a redesigned Start Menu with:- Wider layout utilizing more screen space
- Category view as the default for "All apps" - automatically groups applications into categories like Games, Productivity, Creativity, Social, etc.
- Grid view option showing apps in horizontal alphabetical layout
- Traditional List view still available
- Single scrollable page combining pinned apps and all apps
- Option to remove the Recommended section entirely
AI Features (Copilot+ PCs Only)
For devices with NPU processors supporting 40+ TOPS:- Copilot Vision: Analyzes everything on your screen and provides contextual assistance
- AI agent in Settings: Natural language settings navigation ("connect Bluetooth device")
- Enhanced Click to Do: Improved AI-powered quick actions
- Paint improvements: AI sticker generator, object selection tool, generative fill
- Photos enhancements: AI lighting effects, restyle image, super resolution
- Snipping Tool: Perfect screenshot feature using AI
System Improvements
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR)New automated troubleshooting system that:
- Automatically detects boot failures
- Connects to Microsoft's cloud diagnostics
- Downloads and applies targeted fixes
- Reduces IT administrator workload during widespread outages
- Enabled by default on Home edition, disabled on Pro
User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management automatically:
- Detects when you're not actively using the PC
- Throttles CPU performance to save battery life
- Instantly restores performance when user input is detected
- Avoids interference during gaming or video playback
- Can significantly extend laptop battery life
Cross-device continuity feature allows you to:
- Continue Android app activities on your PC
- Currently works with Spotify (more apps coming)
- Requires Link to Windows app running in background on phone
- Shows taskbar notifications when resumable activities are available
Interface Improvements
- File Explorer dark mode: More dialogs now respect dark theme
- Notification Center: Shows full clock with seconds on secondary monitors
- Task Manager: Updated CPU calculation consistency across all pages
- Windows Search: Grid view for image search results
- Settings app cards: Highlighted key system information
- Enhanced Windows Share: Pin frequently used apps, find and download missing apps from Microsoft Store
Removed Features
Legacy Component Removal
Windows 11 25H2 permanently removes:- PowerShell 2.0: Deprecated since 2017, finally eliminated for security and maintenance reasons
- WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line): Legacy command-line tool removed
- PowerShell 2.0 removal: Scripts using
powershell -version 2will default to PowerShell 5.1. Most scripts will continue working due to backward compatibility. Legacy automation may require updates. - WMIC removal: Replace with PowerShell CIM cmdlets:
- Old:
wmic logicaldisk get name,size,freespace - New:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_LogicalDisk | Select-Object DeviceID,Size,FreeSpace
- Old:
New Administrative Capabilities
Enhanced app removal policy allows IT administrators to:- Remove more default Microsoft Store apps during new account creation
- Configure via Group Policy or MDM
- Only affects new accounts, not existing ones
Support and Lifecycle
Support Timeline ResetInstalling Windows 11 25H2 resets the support lifecycle:
- Enterprise/Education editions: 36 months from 25H2 release date
- Home/Pro editions: 24 months from 25H2 release date
- Windows 11 22H2 (Enterprise/Education): End of servicing October 14, 2025
- Windows 11 23H2 (Home/Pro): End of servicing November 11, 2025
Preparation and Best Practices
For Individual Users- Update to 24H2 if not already done for optimal 25H2 experience
- Keep monthly updates current to ensure 25H2 components are pre-staged
- Backup important data before major updates
- Check hardware compatibility for AI features if desired
- Test PowerShell scripts for PSv2 dependencies
- Audit WMIC usage in automation and monitoring tools
- Validate application compatibility with new features
- Prepare deployment strategies using Windows Update for Business or WSUS
- Test in Release Preview channel before general availability
Getting Ready
- Azure availability: Windows 11 25H2 is available in Microsoft Azure for enterprise testing
- Windows 365 compatibility: Test deployments in cloud environments
- Hardware refresh: Consider Copilot+ PCs for full AI feature access
Windows 11 25H2 represents a refined, stability-focused update that prioritizes user experience improvements and AI integration while maintaining strong compatibility with existing systems. The enablement package approach ensures a smooth transition for most users already on 24H2.
