WMIC Archives

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 26H1 Focuses on New Silicon Support, Not New Features

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000, focusing on hardware optimization rather than major user interface changes. This build supports advanced silicon from Qualcomm and NVIDIA, specifically targeting Windows-on-Arm platforms featuring Snapdragon X2 Elite processors and NVIDIA's N1 and N1x SoCs. The 26H1 update will not be a feature update for version 25H2 but will include platform modifications for new hardware, with no action required from users. Microsoft plans to use an enablement package (eKB) to unlock functionalities within the 26H1 framework, similar to the 25H2 update, which also introduced few new features and emphasized security improvements while deprecating certain features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications on Enterprise and EDU devices through Group Policy or MDM CSP.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 25H2… With Zero New Features?

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 as a lightweight enablement package (eKB) that activates features already present in version 24H2. The update requires only a single restart and shares a common servicing branch with 24H2, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The Enterprise and Education editions of 25H2 have a 36-month support cycle, while Pro editions have a 24-month cycle. The update focuses on security enhancements, removing vulnerable features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT administrators to remove pre-installed Microsoft applications. Users can expedite access to 25H2 by enabling a specific Windows Update option or by downloading the enablement package from Microsoft's website.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

How to get the Windows 11 2025 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2025 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 25H2, which will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB) that includes features from version 24H2. This update focuses on security enhancements, including improved vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding, while removing legacy features like PowerShell 2.0. The rollout begins for eligible devices running version 24H2, with a gradual expansion over the coming months. For commercial and educational users, version 25H2 is available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center, introducing new functionalities such as Wi-Fi 7. The support timeline is reset to 24 months for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users on version 23H2 and earlier must perform a full OS swap to update to version 25H2. The update will be available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 11 2025 update is available now

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 update version 25H2, which follows a successful testing phase and is now available to all users via Windows Update. The update is a compact "enablement package" that allows for a swift installation process. It includes all recently announced features in Windows 11 version 24H2, utilizing a shared code base and servicing branch for streamlined updates. Version 25H2 introduces significant enhancements in build and runtime vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding as part of a strategy to address security threats. It also removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC to create a leaner operating environment. Users can access the update by activating the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update, but a safeguard hold may delay the update if any issues are detected. The rollout will gradually expand over the coming months, with updates on known issues provided through the Windows release health hub.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Microsoft: WMIC will be removed after Windows 11 25H2 upgrade

Microsoft has announced the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool, effective with the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 and subsequent versions. IT administrators are urged to transition to Windows PowerShell for WMI-related tasks, as WMIC will be phased out. While WMIC is being deprecated, the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) will remain operational. WMIC has been declining since its deprecation in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 10 21H1 and was converted into a Feature on Demand starting with Windows 11 22H2. Microsoft stated that the removal of WMIC is intended to enhance security by mitigating malware and attack strategies that exploit this tool, which has been used by ransomware operators and other malicious actors.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2 is almost here — and it’s so boring it almost becomes interesting

Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to launch in 2025 without any new features, serving as an enablement package that activates existing features rather than introducing new code. It shares the same development branch as version 24H2, meaning future updates will apply to both versions. Key changes include the removal of outdated features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC tools, and commercial users will be able to disable certain built-in Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy. Microsoft is developing new functionalities for both versions, including a revamped Start menu that improves app accessibility, enhancements for handheld gaming devices, and compatibility of Windows Studio Effects with USB webcams. The update cycle for Windows 11 has been less predictable compared to macOS, which is releasing substantial updates.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 ISOs released after delays — upgrade switches on some features, now available for insiders

Microsoft has released the ISO install media for Windows 11 version 25H2, available on the Windows Insider download page as of September 10. The update, Build 26200.5074, was delivered as an "enablement package" on August 29, allowing new features to be added over the existing 24H2 base. Windows 11 version 25H2, approximately 7 GB in size, includes enhancements for Enterprise and Education devices, such as the ability for administrators to uninstall certain Microsoft Store apps and the removal of legacy tools like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC. Support for 25H2 will begin with its general availability, which is anticipated to be in October, while many devices are still transitioning to 24H2, which will receive updates for 24 months (or 36 months for Enterprise/Education).

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Microsoft removes old web components from Windows

Microsoft has deprecated a series of web components in Windows, including Legacy Web View, HTML and JavaScript apps from Windows 8 and 8.1, the first generation of Progressive Web Apps, and developer tools from the original Edge browser. These components are built on EdgeHTML, which powered the classic Edge before its transition to Chromium in 2020. While these features will not be removed immediately and will continue to receive security updates for now, they will eventually cease to receive updates and be phased out in future Windows versions. Microsoft is directing developers towards alternatives like WebView2 and modern Chromium-based Progressive Web Apps. This announcement is part of a broader clean-up initiative that also includes the removal of WordPad, Mixed Reality, NTLMv1 protocols, and tools like WMIC and PowerShell 2.0.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 takes the final step before release to all

The 25H2 update for Windows 11 is set to be released before the end of this calendar year, with a preview version currently available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. The update aims to reset the timeline for security updates, making Windows 11 25H2 eligible for patches over the next two years. Notably, Windows PowerShell 2.0 and the WMIC tool will not be included in this update. New features in the preview include enhancements to the snipping tool, allowing users to record window videos and select content in various ways for AI processing. The broader rollout of the 25H2 update is expected to begin in October for all Windows 11 users, following a phased approach. A complete ISO version of Windows 11 25H2 is anticipated for download later this week.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 25H2

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 11 25H2 update is now in public preview and accessible to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel. The update is described as an "enablement package," meaning it is relatively small in size and many features are already integrated into the operating system. It shares a servicing branch with Windows 11 version 24H2, ensuring compatibility between the two versions. Users can choose to install the update via Windows Update if they meet the hardware requirements, and it is not mandatory. The update includes some feature removals, such as PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT admins to remove certain pre-installed Microsoft Store apps on Enterprise/EDU devices. A dedicated download page for Windows 11 25H2 ISOs is also available.