Windows 11 25H2: the update is available but does it really bring anything?

Windows 11 25H2 makes its debut with build 26200.5074 in the Release Preview channel. This is the final step before the global rollout for users. Notably, this edition arrives in the form of an activation package (eKB).

In essence, PCs running Windows 11 24H2 receive monthly updates with the code for new features from 25H2 but in an inactive state. Then, the eKB activates them after a restart. Microsoft confirms that Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 share the same base and improvements. Thus, this is a relatively minor update, but it may delay the release of Windows 12.

Should I install Windows 11 25H2 now or wait?

It’s not surprising that Windows 11 25H2 doesn’t bring many substantial updates compared to 24H2 and even removes some features. Additionally, some major tools are no longer included. For instance, PowerShell 2.0 and the WMIC command-line tool are no longer part of an operating system that is now more popular than Windows 10.

In terms of administration, organizations now have the option to remove a selection of preinstalled Microsoft Store apps on the Enterprise and Education editions through group policy or MDM.

To install Windows 11 25H2, which has been accessible since mid-August for Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, users can force the installation via Settings and then Windows Update. However, it is important to note that the PC must meet the hardware requirements, and Microsoft has recently tightened these requirements.

Microsoft states that, as with Windows 10, the ISO files will be made available online next week. The general availability of version 25H2 will occur later this year, just after the Release Preview phase. However, if your PC is running Windows 11 22H2 or an earlier version, the direct upgrade to 25H2 will not benefit from the eKB. You will first need to install 24H2 and then activate 25H2.

For IT administrators, 25H2 resets the support clock. This means 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions starting from the release date of this update. In short, this is good news, especially with a quick installation for PCs already running Windows 11 24H2.