Microsoft is now shipping the next version of Windows 11, known as the version 25H2 update or Windows 11 2025 Update. The company generally releases new versions of Windows in the fall, and that's exactly what is happening this year with version 25H2.
Windows 11 version 25H2 was officially announced earlier this summer, and has been in testing in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel for a number of weeks. It's now reached general availability, which means it's rolling out to production PCs via Windows Update.
There are several different methods for acquiring Windows 11 version 25H2. You can download it through Windows Update, though as it's rolling out in waves it may not show up right away. Alternatively, you can download the Windows Media Creation Tool to create ISO media, or download the ISO files manually.
We will continue to update this page with more information about Windows 11 version 25H2 as rollout gets underway. So be sure to bookmark it and check back frequently!
Release date
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 is now generally available as of September 30, 2025. That means the update is rolling out, though Microsoft usually rolls out these updates in waves so you may not see it right away.
The new version of Windows 11 resets the support clock, which means users running version 25H2 once it releases will be supported with security and bug fixes for longer than those who remain on version 24H2 or older.
Consumer and pro editions of Windows 11 will be supported for 24 months, and enterprise editions will be supported for 36 months.
Platform updates
Microsoft has confirmed that version 25H2 ships on top of the same platform release that debuted with version 24H2 last year. That means version 25H2 will be delivered as a smaller enablement package or cumulative style update, and not a full-blown OS upgrade.
The good news is that this style of update for version 25H2 will mean an overall smaller download and install process, which should allow your PC to install the latest release at a much faster pace, almost like a normal monthly security update.
Microsoft has done this before with Windows 11 version 23H2, which was based on the same platform release as version 22H2 before it. So this isn't new, and allows Microsoft to keep the OS stable by maintaining the same platform release for longer. There should be zero compatibility issues or concerns when upgrading from 24H2 to 25H2, so all your apps and games should work just fine.
It also means Microsoft can service both releases at the same time with bug fixes, security updates, and new features, though some features may be reserved exclusively for users to move to version 25H2.
"Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 25H2 share the same source code, with only the additional features turned on. Therefore, there should be no impact on compatibility between the two" says Microsoft. "New features we develop for Windows 11, version 25H2 are part of the version 24H2 branch. When the new code is complete, we include it in the monthly LCUs for Windows 11, version 24H2 in a Disabled state ... the code remains disabled on the device until it receives the eKB. The eKB changes flags in the staged code from Disabled to Enabled. When you restart the device, the new features become enabled, and you're officially on Windows 11, version 25H2!"
The current platform release that 24H2 and 25H2 will be based on is called Germanium. Microsoft has confirmed that it is making improvements to Germanium throughout 2025, which will likely benefit the version 25H2 release this fall.
New features
Microsoft has confirmed that at launch, Windows 11 version 25H2 will not introduce any new features. Features that rollout to version 25H2 will also be made available on 24H2, as they both share the same platform release and servicing stack. That means 25H2 doesn't include any unique features that are exclusive to it.
That doesn't mean there aren't changes. The company has confirmed that version 25H2 includes new Group Policies that allows commercial customers to easily configure which apps get installed on Windows 11 PCs. The version 25H2 update also removes a couple of features, including PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC) are removed from the OS when upgrading to 25H2.
Microsoft is working on a whole load of features as part of its continuous innovation effort, which attempts to deliver new features to Windows 11 users on a monthly cadence. So even though 25H2 itself doesn't have anything new specifically, we are still expecting features like a new Start menu, improved gaming experience, and more to debut over the coming months.
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