Microsoft has announced an expansion of the Windows 11 25H2 rollout, making it accessible to all users who actively seek the upgrade. Notably, for those operating on versions of Windows 11 that have either reached or are nearing their end-of-life, such as Windows 11 23H2, the new version will now be auto-installed. This proactive approach ensures that users are transitioned to the latest software, enhancing security and functionality.
For Windows 10 users, however, the situation is different. The upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 is not enforced. Users of Windows 10, regardless of whether they have Extended Security Updates (ESU), will not be compelled to upgrade unless they choose to respond to the upgrade prompts that may appear. This distinction allows Windows 10 users to maintain their current system without the pressure of an automatic upgrade.
Those still utilizing Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, or 21H1 will find themselves upgraded to 25H2 automatically. Microsoft has clarified that devices running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 23H2, which are not managed by IT departments, will receive this update without prior notice. While users can select when to install the upgrade, they can only postpone it for a limited period of a few weeks.
Is Windows 11 25H2’s forced installation justified?
The rationale behind the automatic installation of Windows 11 25H2 is grounded in its status as the latest version of the operating system, particularly as version 23H2 has officially reached its end-of-life. This transition is crucial for maintaining security and access to new features.
Windows 11 23H2 reached end-of-life on November 11
Released on October 31, 2023, Windows 11 version 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, has served users for nearly two years. With its end-of-support date set for November 11, users will no longer receive new features or security updates unless they are on the Windows 11 Enterprise edition. Despite its stability, which may explain some users’ reluctance to upgrade, the shift to 25H2 is necessary as it ensures continued support and security.
Interestingly, while Windows 11 25H2 mirrors version 23H2 as an enablement package without introducing significant new features, it has been noted that cumulative updates can sometimes introduce instability. For instance, recent issues have arisen with Windows Recovery (WinRE) on versions 24H2 and 25H2, while version 23H2 remained unaffected due to its abandonment post end-of-life. This trend suggests that unsupported versions may occasionally exhibit greater stability than their supported counterparts.
Windows 10 is not force upgraded to Windows 11 25H2
In a further clarification, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 25H2 is available as an optional upgrade for Windows 10 users. This marks a shift from previous practices where Windows 10 users could upgrade directly to the latest versions of Windows 11. Now, those on Windows 10 will see the option for version 25H2 presented to them, though it will not be installed automatically.
For users transitioning from older versions, Windows 11 25H2 may feel like a significant upgrade, especially as future builds are expected to include enhancements such as a revamped Start menu right out of the box.
