Microsoft’s cadence for Windows 11 feature updates remains steady: one major update in the second half of each year. In 2025, that update is dubbed Windows 11 version 25H2, also known as the “2025 Update.” It continues a trend started with Windows 11 24H2: rather than being a full-scale rewrite, many of its changes are delivered as enablement of features already staged in earlier updates.
This model helps reduce risk and makes upgrades less disruptive in many cases, the update acts more like turning on dormant features than installing an entirely new OS.
In this blog, I’ll walk through:
- What 25H2 really is (and isn’t)
- How Microsoft is delivering it
- Key new features, changes and removals
- What’s improved under the hood
- Considerations for businesses and users
- Tips for upgrading
- What to watch beyond 25H2
What 25H2 Is (and Isn’t)
Shared Platform / Enablement Package
One of the defining characteristics of 25H2 is that it shares the same core platform (codenamed “Germanium”) as 24H2. In practice, new features for 25H2 have been gradually delivered (in disabled state) to Windows 11 24H2 installations via monthly updates. When the time is right, an enablement package (or “eKB”) flips the switches to make those features active.
In other words, your PC might already have much of the code for 25H2, even though you’re still running 24H2. The “upgrade” is often just enabling it. This approach helps ensure compatibility: since the underlying OS remains the same, there’s less chance of major conflicts when enabling new bits.
Because of that, Microsoft emphasises that there should be no significant compatibility impact for apps or drivers when moving from 24H2 to 25H2. Microsoft calls out explicitly that 24H2 and 25H2 “share the same source code” the difference lies in which features are enabled.
No “Blockbuster” at Launch
Unlike some earlier major updates, 25H2 is not billed as an entirely new feature-rich overhaul on its own. At initial release, many of its flagship features are already shipping (or will ship) under 24H2 via the continuous innovation model. In fact, Microsoft has confirmed that at launch, 25H2 will not introduce new features that aren’t already being rolled out to 24H2.
That isn’t to say 25H2 is empty there are new policies, security improvements, small enhancements, and also a few removals. But the emphasis is on stability, polish, and enabling features in a managed way.
Lifecycle and Support
As with earlier feature updates, 25H2 is accompanied by its own support lifecycle. For Home, Pro, and similar SKUs, support (security updates and fixes) lasts 24 months from release; for Enterprise and Education versions, it’s 36 months.
Also, because Microsoft is gradually rolling out 25H2, devices flagged with compatibility or driver issues may not immediately see the update appear via Windows Update. The company will use “safeguard holds” as needed to prevent problematic installations.
For those who prefer to install via ISO or media, Microsoft has recently released official 25H2 ISOs. The rollout of 25H2 via Windows Update is already underway as of 30 September 2025. Note: WSUS distribution for 25H2 is scheduled for 14 October 2025 with the October security updates.
What’s New, What’s Changed, What’s Removed
Let’s dive into the meat of version 25H2 the features, enhancements, and changes users will see (or should expect to see). Some are visible, some more behind-the-scenes, and some only apply in certain device/region configurations.
New and Upgraded Features
Here are key changes and additions in version 25H2 or enabled by it:
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 in Enterprise Environments 25H2 introduces support for enterprise-grade Wi-Fi 7 access points, allowing modern devices to tap into faster, more efficient, and more reliable wireless networks assuming the hardware (client + driver + AP) is in place.
- “Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages” / Debloating Option A welcome addition especially for IT admins: a new Group Policy Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages gives a way to remove built-in Microsoft apps in bulk, essentially debloating the OS on deployment.
- Settings App Overhaul & New AI Agent The Settings app is getting a serious refresh in 25H2. Among the improvements:
- A new “Advanced” page replaces the old “For Developers” page.
- Some features and pages (e.g. “Search”, “Recall & Snapshots”) have been reorganised or consolidated.
- A built-in AI agent in Settings helps surface configuration settings by natural language (i.e. you describe what you want to do, and the AI routes you or takes you there).
- New options to reposition hardware indicators (such as volume and brightness) on-screen.
- The ability to show the full clock (with seconds) in Notification Center.
- Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) This is a recovery mechanism that triggers when your system fails to boot repeatedly. It automatically enters WinRE, connects to the network, uploads diagnostics, and if a known fix exists, it applies it via Windows Update. In many builds, QMR is enabled by default on Home and Pro.
- AI Actions, File Explorer Improvements & Context Menu Updates 25H2 continues enhancements to context menus, adding new “action tags” (e.g. “New and popular”), and further refining File Explorer with AI-driven functions like “Describe image” or enhanced menu previews.
- Emoji 16.0 Support The update brings support for Emoji 16.0, expanding the emoji repertoire available system-wide.
- Security Enhancements & New Policies Behind the scenes, 25H2 includes updates to build and runtime vulnerability detection, tighter secure coding practices, and in some cases new administrative protections like the Administrator Protection platform feature.
- Removals / Deprecations As part of the cleanup, 25H2 removes Windows PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation command-line) from the OS when upgrading. Some older components may also be phased out over time.
- Improved Dark Mode for Certain Dialogs While not exclusive to 25H2, previews suggest that file operation dialogs (copy, move, delete) are receiving a darker UI, integrating better into Windows 11’s dark mode aesthetic.
- Accessibility, Time/Language, and UI Polish A number of formerly Control Panel settings (timezone, number/currency formatting, etc.) are being ported into the modern Settings UI. Also new keyboard shortcuts (e.g. inserting en dash/em dash), updated privacy dialogs, and UI tweaks to align with Win11’s design language are in the mix.
Many of these changes are incremental rather than revolutionary but cumulatively they push Windows 11 toward a more polished, manageable, and modern experience.
Under the Hood: Performance, Stability, Compatibility
Beyond visible changes, 25H2 brings enhancements (or continuations) in areas often less visible to end users, but crucial for reliability, security, and ecosystem health.
- Staged rollout and “safeguard holds” Microsoft will use compatible checks, driver/firmware validations, and rollout holds to ensure devices with known issues don’t receive 25H2 prematurely.
- Shared servicing stack Because 24H2 and 25H2 share the servicing branch, updates and patches delivered monthly will continue in a unified way, reducing fragmentation.
- Vulnerability mitigation & secure coding The update incorporates improvements in build-time and runtime vulnerability detection, and better enforcement of secure coding principles.
- Better boot/fault recovery Quick Machine Recovery is part of the vision to make Windows more resilient and self-healing.
- Compatibility assurances Given that the underlying OS is unchanged, major compatibility issues are expected to be minimal. Microsoft emphasises that existing apps, drivers, and hardware should continue working.
- Performance tweaks Some reports in preview builds suggest improved responsiveness in context menus and faster loading of cloud-backed files.
Overall, 25H2 is less about rewriting performance and more about tightening the screws making the platform more robust, reliable, and secure.
What It Means for Different Users
Home / Familiar Users
If you’re an everyday user, 25H2 delivers a relatively light lift. Key things to expect:
- The update should install quickly (as an enablement package) on devices already running 24H2.
- You’ll gain incremental improvements in Settings, UI polishing, better recovery capabilities, and potential performance/compatibility gains, depending on your device.
- You’re unlikely to encounter major disruptions since your apps and drivers should continue to function as before.
- You may not see all features immediately: Microsoft may roll them out gradually, or restrict some to Copilot+ PCs or newer hardware.
- If your hardware or drivers trigger a safeguard hold, you might have to wait.
Power Users and Enthusiasts
For those who like to tinker, use alternative shells, customise their environment deeply, or push hardware limits:
- Check compatibility of all your tweaks and tweaks (especially low-level drivers, shell replacements, custom tweaks).
- Features like the AI agent in Settings or new File Explorer enhancements will open up opportunities for more efficient workflows.
- You might appreciate the ability to clean up built-in apps using the new debloating policy.
- Keep an eye on changes in PowerShell and WMIC removal; if you rely on backwards scripts or tools, confirm whether equivalents remain.
- The refresh in Settings may require you to relearn where certain items are located.
Business & IT / Enterprise
Enterprises and IT administrators will likely be more cautious but will also appreciate the manageability:
- The enablement model means the risk of disruption is lower, but thorough testing is still essential.
- The new Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages policy is a powerful tool for deploying lean images.
- Support lifecycles and servicing are predictable; 25H2 offers 36 months of support for Enterprise/Education SKUs.
- Integration with Wi-Fi 7 in enterprise scenarios may become relevant but only once hardware and driver support are in place.
- Safeguard holds will help prevent issues, but IT teams should monitor the Windows release health dashboards.
- Testing should focus on new features, driver interactions, and edge cases not the entire breadth of Windows compatibility, since the platform is largely unchanged. Microsoft explicitly suggests focusing testing on what’s new.
Upgrading: Steps & Tips
If you’re considering moving to 25H2, here’s how to approach it.
Before You Upgrade
- Back up important data. Always a safe practice.
- Update drivers and firmware ensure your laptop/PC is running latest BIOS, firmware, and driver versions before applying 25H2.
- Check for compatibility holds. Microsoft may block upgrades on devices with known issues.
- Ensure you’re on a supported version. Only 24H2 or later is permitted in the upgrade path; older Windows 11 versions should be updated first.
- Review scripts, custom tools, administrative tools (especially if you depend on legacy components like WMIC).
How to Get 25H2
- Via Windows Update If Microsoft considers your device compatible, the 25H2 “enablement” update will appear in Windows Update under optional updates (unless your machine is prioritized). Just click “Download and install.”
- Seeker Upgrade / Insider Release Preview If you don’t see it yet, you can toggle “get latest updates as soon as they are available,” or enrol in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel to be offered 25H2 earlier.
- Install via ISO or Media Creation Tool You can download a 25H2 ISO and perform an in-place upgrade (keeping files and apps) or a clean install.
What Happens During Upgrade
Because most new features are pre-installed but dormant, the process often is faster and simpler:
- The enablement package toggles features into active mode.
- One reboot is likely all that’s required (as opposed to a multi-step reinstallation).
- Some registry, policy, or default settings may change as newly enabled features come online.
After the Upgrade
- Check for driver/firmware updates post-upgrade.
- Explore new features: open Settings and explore the revamped layout, experiment with the AI agent, test Quick Machine Recovery behavior.
- If any apps or scripts fail (especially legacy ones), check logs and compatibility modes.
- Monitor system stability, responsiveness, battery behaviour, and user experience over the next few days.
Potential Challenges & Warnings
- Safeguard holds may delay your upgrade if your device is flagged for compatibility issues.
- Legacy scripts relying on WMIC or PowerShell 2.0 may break (or need rewrites).
- Some features or UI elements may roll out gradually or be reserved for newer hardware.
- Users on older or exotic hardware might face driver issues until vendors release compatible versions.
- Some new features (e.g. QMR) may require network access or have privacy implications to consider. Be clear on your organisational policies.
- Even though it’s low risk, testing is always prudent especially in production or business environments.
What to Watch Beyond 25H2
While 25H2 is more of a refinement release, it sets up several trajectories for the future of Windows 11:
- Monthly feature updates will continue, delivering new capabilities to both 24H2 and 25H2 in tandem.
- Microsoft may gradually deprecate more legacy components and simplify the system further.
- The AI integration theme (Settings agent, AI in File Explorer) is likely to grow.
- More elements of the legacy Control Panel may continue to be moved into the modern Settings experience.
- As hardware advances (Wi-Fi 7, new processors, new I/O tech), future Windows releases may lean more heavily on new capabilities.
- A possible next “major” update (i.e. analogous to a Windows 12) is not immediately on the horizon but might emerge in later years; for now, Microsoft’s strategy seems to favour incremental but steady evolution.
Conclusion
Windows 11 version 25H2 (the 2025 Update) isn’t a headline-grabbing overhaul and that’s precisely part of its design. By building on the same platform as 24H2, enabling features gradually, and focusing on stability, polish, recovery, and manageability, Microsoft is emphasising a steadier, more reliable evolution of the OS.
For most users, the upgrade should be smooth and low risk. You’ll benefit from settings refinements, better recovery tools, minor UI polish, and background improvements to reliability and security. Power users and enterprises should pay special attention to removals, legacy compatibility, and testing in advance.
If you’re on Windows 11 24H2 (or later), 25H2 is a natural next step. Give the upgrade a try once it’s ready for your device and explore the new features at your own pace. Over time, the cumulative benefits of this gradual, layered strategy may matter more than any single flashy feature.